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THE TIMES OF CHARLES THE SECOND.
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the Greffier, Monsieur Fagel,[1] who is the Pensioner's brother, and he advised me to deliver my letters of credence on Monday to the States, and to desire commissioners to tell what I had to say from the King, and to treat of any business. After I came home, the French ambassador made me a visit; and in the evening I went to Zierfleet, Monsieur Benten's[2] house; then to the Prince's house in the wood; at night I received a letter from Mr. Mountstevens, with Wakeman's trial, and one from Sir William Temple.
3rd.I dined with the maids of honour.
4th.I went this morning to the president for
- ↑ "The person that the Prince relied on chiefly in the affairs of Holland was Fagel, a man very learned in the law, who had a quick apprehension and a clear and ready judgment. He had a copious eloquence, more copious than exact, and was fit to carry matters with a torrent in a numerous assembly. De Witt has made great use of him, for he joined him very zealously in the carrying of the perpetual edict which he negociated with the States of Friesland, who opposed it most; and he was made Greffier or Secretary to the States-General, which is the most beneficial place in Holland. He was a pious and virtuous man, only too eager and violent, and out of measure partial to his kindred. He was vain and too apt to flatter himself; he had much heart when matters went well, but had not that courage which became a great minister on uneasy and difficult occasions."—Burnet's History, i., 560.
- ↑ This must be Sidney's mode of spelling Bentinck.
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