Think not the man a fool, though he be old,
Who loves in body fair a fairer mind.
I suppose you will agree with Mr. Hobs in this his last will and testament.
THE EARL OF SUNDERLAND TO MR. SIDNEY.
Sir,
The King having read yours of the 5th instant, S. N., commanded me immediately to despatch this express, as well to renew his orders to yon to use your utmost endeavours to prevent the making the alliance between France and the States, as to direct you to acquaint the Prince and the Pensioner that you have received his Majesty's command to let them know, that what Monsieur Barillon had written to Monsieur D'Avaux, viz. that the King had told him he would oppose the alliance between France and Holland, &c., but that it was only because he would have his master make one with him, is a mere invention of Monsieur Barillon's, to whom his Majesty never said any such thing; but this is no very unusual way of proceeding both with Monsieur Barillon and other French ministers abroad, who care not what they say, so
