This page has been validated.
THE TIMES OF CHARLES THE SECOND.
49
ible to be done. What Monsieur Van Beuninghen said to me was only by way of discourse and advice, bat he thought the Pensioner had given it to Monsieur Van Lewen in writing; he is not to be altered in his opinion, and I find it does proceed from fear of the French and of our disturbances at home. Monsieur Van Beuninghen told me the Pensioner had writ about it, and I concluded he had done it more fully than I could do it, but it seems he hath neglected it. Mr. Meredith told me of the offers that were made by Monsieur Borel to enter into a league, offensive and defensive, with this State, and they would promise never to trouble them.[1] One effect I find the Duke going over hath had already, that they are here more cautious of what measures
- ↑ Monsieur Borel had been Ambassador from the States at the English Court, and Burnet mentions a very curious conversation that occurred between Charles and this Dutchman. "King Charles, when he was seeking for colours for the war with the Dutch in the year 1672, urged it for one, that they suffered some of his rebels to live in their provinces. Borel, then their Ambassador, answered that it was a maxim of long standing among them, not to inquire upon what account strangers came to live in their country, but to receive them all, unless they had been concerned in conspiracies against the persons of Princes. The King told him upon that, how they had used both himself and his brother. Borel, in great simplicity, answered—'Ha! Sire, c'etoit une autre chose: Cromwell étoit un grand homme, et il se faisoit craindre et
vol. i.
E
