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THE TIMES OF CHARLES THE SECOND.
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much in the right; he is vexed at the Duke's coming, because he shall plainly tell him his mind, which he is sure the Duke will not like; he would have me tell the Parliament his mind, as to the King's agreeing with them. He cannot possibly go over, for the business that is here, besides that which is in England. I heard to-day that the Duke of Monmouth had an ague, but he desired it might not be spoke of. I writ to my Lord Sunderland to give him an account of our ill success,[1] and to the Duke of Monmouth.
4th.I made visits all the morning; was with Monsieur Van Beuninghen. He told me they were all undone if the King did not agree with his Par-
- ↑ The following is an extract from Algernon Sidney's works, quoted by Ralph, arguing upon what the result would have been, had this plan of the Guarantee been accepted by the States.
"It is said in religion, that nothing is more terrible than the return of ill-conceived prayers: so nothing is more to be feared in politics, than the success of unreasonable and ill-grounded Councils. And though the proposition that was made, being rejected, will certainly raise the party in Holland that is least for the Prince of Orange, and cast it into a dependance upon France; that is less mortal than a League that certainly would have produced a rupture of the Peace, renewed the war all over Europe, and exposed Flanders to be lost the first year, which this must have done; it being as certain that the assistances from hence would have failed, as that it hath not in itself that which is necessary for its defence,"—Ralph, i. 488.
