Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/217

Rh Yesterday morning, the Duke of York arrived at Dover, and this morning he came hither, but very slenderly attended, who immediately went to wait upon the King, where he begged his Majesty's pardon for presuming to come over without his leave, and withal said he hoped the King would grant it, since the unhappy news of his sickness did in a manner force him to come; and that he now had seen his Majesty he was ready to return as soon as he should think fit.

Yours sincerely,

Sir,

Since I have finished my letter, my Lord has commanded me to tell you that the unexpected arrival of the Duke here has occasioned a general surprise; that all people are as yet unsettled, and scarce know what to think of it; that the Duke begged the King's pardon for coming, and said withal that he came with the resolution to be gone the next moment after he had seen him, either to Flanders or any other part of the world, where his Majesty should command him.