But to come homeward, the other Element plaid his part
as unluckily at Dort, where the Magazine of Fire-works and
Engines have been blown up, Master and all. We have fore
Fits also at the Hague, which rage to some purpose in our
Vergadering.
What sense we have of your intention and power, appears
by our building little Forts about Scheveling, upon sandy
foundations, to hinder your landing, in case you beat our
Fleet, and secure the Hague, which is unwalled; although
some fence it hath by a Graft and Draw-bridges, did not we
apprehend you formidable, our Grandees would not thus
take the Alarm. However our Yonckers seem to vapour over
you, that the reason why as yet the Lion hath not put forth
his pawes to wards you, is, because he judgeth you but petty
game; but should, you persist in seasing of him, he would
rise up in his might, and teare you in pieces.
By this time we suppose our Ambassadors are returning
home from you; for, our States to content our importune
and clamorous people, have been fain to print and publish
their Instructions they gave to my Lord Of Hemsted which
among other things tell us, he was to demand of your Parliament
four Conferences, therein to excuse Tromps carriage
at the Downs, to desire a cessation of hostile acts, to restore
our ships taken by yours, to bring your Categorick Answer
and demands, and upon the fourth conference to return, in
case of delay; before which for substance, is that which in
my last I guest to be his Message.
From hence it appears he had no power to conclude the
Treaty with you; neither doth his return with his fellows,
when they came away from you, argue any hope of peace
betwixt you and us, because they have done their errand in
feeling your pulse, sounding your strength, counsels, and resolutions,
and bringing hither your terms, which you insist upon,
that we may a little champ upon them, to try how they
cast, and whether they they may bee swallowed. Therefore
though matters look ill-favouredly both by land and sea, yet
to honest men, and wise men, they are not desperate; And