Diary of the times of Charles II/Volume 1/Mr. Savile to Mr. Sidney, September 8
MR. SAVILE TO MR. SIDNEY.
At my return hither, on Tuesday last, in the train of the Queen of Spain, I found your letter of the 30th of last month, which, bringing much more of kindness than news in it, was much the welcomer, the continuation of your friendship being as pleasant to me as my return of it is certain to you; for as my inclination has never been stronger to any man in my whole life, nor any opinion better of any man, so, now that the reverend addition of many years' acquaintance and intimacy comes to be added to the rest, it sets you in a higher rank in my breast than most men upon earth; but, trêve aux complimens.
I suppose you will expect a long and exact account of all the fine things I have seen at Fontainbleau, which I should not have grudged the pains of describing, were there not now in the press by the King's order so perfect a relation, that I had better refer you to that which will be ready by the next post, than forestall your curiosity by so imperfect a narrative as I should make. However, upon the whole matter, I will tell you that there was nothing more magnificent than the. French, except the English Minister, nor nothing more shameful than the Spaniard, for Balbazos, he has been long given over for a niggard; but Pastrana, who is rich, young, and handsome, we expected some mighty matters from, and I am very confident the one only suit he has worn ever since he came did not cost seven pistoles. We are told he will make amends by a wonderful splendid entry on the 15th, being to go away on the 20th, so that he has not much time to recover his reputation.
Last night, Balbazos gave the comedy, supper, and ball to his new mistress, to Monsieur, Madame, &c. but though to do him right I think he did all he could, his past offences made the French find much sparing in all we saw.
The new Queen, having heard all the harangues of the Parliament, City, Academy, &c. goes to-day to repose two days at St. Cloud; on Tuesday she returns to Fontainbleau, and from thence on the Tuesday after she pursues her journey towards Spain; in all these her motions, I am very assiduous in making my Court to her; having the considerations of an uncle[1] upon me, which to me, who am not naturally a great lover of fine sights and festivals, has given me such a surfeit of it that you need not take it for a great compliment, that for the remaining part of this matter I wish to change places with yon, else I will allow both the air and company and many other circumstances are so far preferable to yours, that I do not wonder you envy me, and that I envy nobody living. This place is so wholly possessed by the same business, that the peace of the northern crown signed last Saturday at Fontainbleau passes for a matter of no moment to Christendom; in your climate I believe you will think it something, and Sir Peter Wych will wonder at a thing done so suddenly here, which his friends in Schonen could not finish, though they gave him occasion to make so many politic reflections upon their meeting, which I doubt not but he has imparted to you as well as me.
We expect James Porter from Brussels this night, and my Lord of Ossory very soon from England, both bound towards Spain with compliments upon the marriage. Sir Henry Gotherick began his journey in a coach last Monday, and will doubtless be at Madrid some time before Christmas. My Lord and Lady Westmoreland are coming over to live here, which will not make my station less envyed by you; my Lord Sturton is come already, and I have frequently the honour of my Lord Cardigan's company; I will not tantalize yon with more of my happiness, but will assure you that I wish you as much as any man breathing.
- ↑ This uncle was Sir W. Coventry, Secretary of State.