Commonwealth, at the Treaty of Elbing, largely recompensed; and that they
might not seem to be granted only for a time, to be revoked or infringed as
occasion might serve, therefore he shewed himself not averse to the confirmation
thereof, even after the Peace at Rotskild, although for the space of two years
almost the ratification of this commonwealth ( I know not upon what pretence)
did remain suspended, admitting over and above some necessary Declarations,
which nevertheless, according to the soleman Custome hithetto received amongst
all Nations, are not used, till the Covenants or both sides be first approved and
ratifiec.
Afterwards, when the most ferent King of Denmark, induced by the suggestion
of others did not duly execute the Peace made at Rotskild, and thereby
brought our armes the second time upon himself, His said R, Majesty of Sweden
desired to have all those controversies determined without any damage to your trading,
and this his desire he made known not only by Lettrs, but by a fair evidence
in the fact it self. And although I know not what fatality hath made us to
clash with this Commonwealth, by the occasion of the Danish War, nevertheless
my most serent King, as soon as he found an inclination to compose those Troubles,
resolved to forgetall things past and willingly bearkned to those particulars
which the extraordinary Deputies of this Commonwealth would offer concerning
this matter. But because the intention of his said Royal Majesty hath been most
horribly traduced among you, by the artlfices of our illwillers, and the forestalment
of the minds of many would not suffer them to perceive the equity of our Cause,
therefore my most serene King sent me hither that I should show more fully his
propensity towards Peace, and the increase of Trade, not only to the High and
Mighty Lords the States General, but to the other Members of the body of this
Commonwealth, and before others, to you, the Illustrious and potent States of
Holland and West Fritsland, and how much his S. R. Majesty doth abhor the
crime which his Hnemies lay to his charge; which whiles I am about to do with all
faithfulnes and candor, as is fitting; my most serene King hath consented at
Elsenore to that so long debated Elucidation of the Treaty at Elbing, where also
some other things have been discussed, that what ever scruple may perhaps arise is
the minds of those that are most suspicious through a sinister interpretation of some
may be wholly removed and abolished; so that I may here in your publick
meeting freely prosess, that my most Serene King hath gone beyond, or at least
met half way, all that your commonwealth could handsomly with for.
Now although affairs be in this condition, yet I hear that it is as yet under deliberation
amongst you; whether this Commonwealth should further foment that warr
of the North, or suffer the same to be quenched? Truly it might scaret seem
probable, that Consultations should be had of fomenting a warr against my most
Serone King, by those to whom he not only never offered any injury, but to
whom by this late Treaties he hath remitted all essences and to whose subjects he
hath given notable priviledges and immunltles: And lastly, whose ministers he hath
admitted as Mediators, in procuring the Peace of Denmark; but it seems utterly
incredible to those who by the ingenuity of their owne cosisdences, and propensity
to gratitude, do take a measure of others, that consultations are entertained amongst
the Neatherlander, Whether the war be to he continued against Sweden
for the King of Deumark, yea, or no? And whether your Armes, as hitherto
hath been done, should henceforth be joyned with the Austrians, yes or no? Sitting
the swedish Armes, which were victorious throughout Germany heretofore,
have not been a little Instrumental, to procure that the Austians should yield unto
you this Peace, which you now enjoy, and that they should wholy remitt the Right
which they did pretend over you; And that you have been able to enjoy freely