of a regiment, and in the following year he was appointed Envoy to the States of Holland, having previously declined going as Ambassador to Paris.
In this situation, Sidney remained about two years, high in the favour and affection of the Prince of Orange; daring which time he made frequent visits to England, and it is to these periods that the most interesting portions of his journal refer.
Daring his absence at the Hague, he was elected member for Bramber, in the Parliament which met in October, 1680, and though he does not mention it himself, Rapin states that he took an active part in the great question of the exclusion of the Duke of York, both voting and speaking in favour of
bert Spencer, mentions to him the following privilege which he possessed as incident to his office. "As you are master of his Majesty's Robes, I am told you have the power to name two poor men to appear before the King to have their feet washed on Maundy Thursday; if I knew your honour's pleasure in it, I would appoint Noll and one other poor creature like him to be two; it will be about £3 help to each person." The following amongst many other passages proves that his Majesty was a very indifferent paymaster. "Since my last I have spoken with Mr. Godolphin about your entertainment, and also the robes, to which I had this answer, that money was short, but that they would think of money for you, which was all the answer I got. I conceive, under favour, that your best way would be to write very pressingly for it, and the sooner the better."—See Journal.
