On Friday, an Arrest was verified in Parliament; that
all Strangers shall be obliged to pay two Sols out of every
pound of Merchandise that they import into this kingdome.
The fifteenth instant his Majesty, the Queen, the Duke
d' Aniou and the Cardinal, were at the Fair of St Germans.
This Court is much taken up with Jovialty, Balls, Ballets,
and Masques, and Weddings. Here was married
lately the Marquis of Baden, a German, to Prince Thomas
his daughter, called the Princesse of Carignan.
But the great marriage now to be celebrated is between
the Prince of Conti, brother to the Prince of Conde, and
one of the Cardinals Nieces He arrived here on Munday
in the afternoon, having been met first by the Cardinal at
Fontaine-belleaure, fourteen leagues from this City. They
entred here both in one Coach; the Prince in the hinderpart,
and the Cardinal in the fore-part, a Troop of Horse
of the Cardinal's guard on each side of them, with about
30 Coaches, and 6 Horses in their company. It is said the
marriage will be compleated to morrow.
The Prince sent his brother Conde a Letter touching his
resolution of marriage, which its said he would hot vouchsafe
to read, but threw it in the fire; such is the height of
his Spirit. Nevertheless, such is the Kings indulgence toward
him, that the process of confiscation against his Estate,
is forborne to be put in execution. This marriage
will salve that. Reports are made here by the Messenger
that lately was in Eiiglandy how dobly he had been received
thereby his Highness the Lord Protector, which hath
been so resented here, that its conceived they will suddenly
send away an extraordinary Ambassador for England.
Hereupon it is given out, that Charles Stuart is for a sudden
remove out of this Kingdom, and that he resolves for
Germany This Court will be glad to be rid of him, a special
regard being had of English friendship, upon the Dutch
pacification; and upon condition he depart, they will be
inclinable enough to continue his Pension.