they hesitate very much: their Counsels are dubious
and uncertain; and they unvote that one day, which they had
voted the day before.
They are about to excommunicate and confiscate Straughan,
Swynton, and others that have seemed to comply with us.
The last week they had their King to Repentance, as an
introduction to his Crown. They put many things to him,
that he must repent of: but they seemed so many and tedious
to the young man, that he replied, I think (saith he ) I must
repent too that ever I was born.
Edinburgh, Dec. 30. 1650.
From the Hague, the 6 of January, 1651. Stilo novo.
Great preparations are making here in the great Hall, where
all the Shops and Presses are broken down, and Fourms, Tables,
and other preparations are a. setting up, against the next great
meeting of the States. In the mean time the fears grumblings and
jealousies increase in Holland, about the Conspiracie of the
Prince of Orange, which from, time to time is brought more to
light. Some of the chef Commanders, and Governours of
places, begin to absent themselves. The 15 of this month, is
the first day of the meeting of the States general and Provincial.
If they can agree, according to their Motto, Concordia
crescunt, &c. they may take good resolutions, and make such
healing Laws for the good of their Country, as may make them
happie for ever hereafter: and in case they let this fit opportunity
slip, which God hath now put into their hands for the redeeming
of their former Liberties, which the Prince of Orange had so
ingrossed to himself they may thank themselves, and chance to
fall into the same absurdities in time to come. An Union between
this State and England, is much desired by the common
people. What the results of this great Meeting will amount
unto, few weeks more will make known.
Monsieur Mus died here a while ago, richer Estate then
Honour. He is thought to be one of the richest amongst them.
A man fit for any base designe. Since his death, an Epitaph
hath been made on him, which doth partly shew what a precious
Jewel the Prince of Orange had hanging at his ear.