would go neer to spoyl these dis-joynted Forces before they be again
re-united; or at least before they may be well cemented, their
hands are full to deal one against another, beside, they are secure enough,
talking as if we feared to come neer them; but I beleeve a
short time will manifest the contrary to their no small griefs and utter
ruine.
Further Instructions passed this day as to the Trustees for the sale
of Deans and Chapters Lands, 15 years purchase reduced to 13, so
that the rate will be very easie, and much more facil then to give 16,
18,20,or 21. years purchase for other Land.
Divers Acts of Parliament passed this week, which I shall always
give you on this day; as first for removing free quarter, and the like;
another read for the propagation of the Gospel in New-England; and
one passed for setling the Exc z. Thus may we see the constant and
earnest labors of the Parliament for redress of all grievances, expecting
the peoples obedience to pay the Excize, it being not only the easiest,
but surest way to case them of all other burdens whatsoever.
Tuesday.
There was, as I am credibly informed, a stratagem upon the Isle
of Scylly, to have taken it for the use of the State, but it was unhappily
prevented; however, though fortune for the present did not
grant us such success as we could with, yet it will not be a R[unr]mora
to our future proceedings in the like manner, for virtus an dolus
quis in hoste requirit? Policy is a mayn poynt of War, and though
strength may doe much, yet Policy does as much, and the conjunction
of both will drive on and perfect highest designes
As I was writing this, I received newes that the Prince is in
France, and chosen as it were an Umpire between the two Kings
of France and Spaine, to make an end of all hostile Actions between
them; wherein without doubt, he will employ his utmost abilities, as
hoping by their reconciliation to gain a Party for himself, to act his
own designes against this Common-Wealth.
There is a report spread abroad, That the Scots are in daily expectation
of Forces landed among them, but are not resolved how to entertain
them, because there is no finall Agreement between the Prince and
themselves; which make some think of another addresse in regard
of a Declaration let out from him, which showes his condiscentions
to them for an Union between them: Thus doe they think and
strive to out-Wit one another, by drawing the vulgar to their factions,
which is the chief ayme on both sides.