Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/303

Rh have an assignment before Christmas, and ready money after. At 12 o'clock I met my Lord Sunderland; he told me that my business was done; that they had resolved I should propose nothing, but only expect what they would say to me; I am to endeavour to hinder any alliance with France; I am to tell the Prince that the King will prorogue the Parliament, that there was no remedy, that they would have his crown; he desired me to tell him how he was his servant, and that it must be he at last that must settle us; he hopes we are not in so ill a condition as people imagine; he thinks the Parliament would have been so violent that nothing would satisfy them but the Duke and the Queen, which would not be well for him; he assures him of his kindness, and that he will never do any thing to his prejudice; he does not say but that we may make some alliance with France at some time or other, but will never do it without consulting with the Prince, but at present he is sure there is nothing of that on foot. At twelve, I was with Halifax; he is strongly discontented; the French Ambassador busy, the Duchess of Portsmouth has more power than ever, and the Duke's party governs.