at
ever I saw in my life, and such a one as, by the grace of God, I will
have the next year, if I continue in this condition, whatever it cost
me. I never was so pleased in my life. Thence, it being too soon, I
to Westminster Hall, it being now about 7 at night, and there met Mr.
Gregory, my old acquaintance, an understanding gentleman; and he and I
walked an hour together, talking of the bad prospect of the times; and
the sum of what I learn from him is this: That the King is the most
concerned in the world against the Chancellor, and all people that do
not appear against him, and therefore is angry with the Bishops, having
said that he had one Bishop on his side (Crofts ), and but one: that
Buckingham and Bristoll are now his only Cabinet Council;

[The term Cabinet Council, as stated by Clarendon, originated thus,
in 1640: "The bulk and burden of the state affairs lay principally
upon the shoulders of the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Earl of
Strafford, and the Lord Cottington; some others being joined to
them, as the Earl of Northumberland for ornament, the Bishop of
London for his place, the two Secretaries, Sir H. Vane and Sir
Francis Windebank, for service and communication of intelligence:
only the Marquis of Hamilton, indeed, by his skill and interest,
bore as great a part as he had a mind to do, and had the skill to
meddle no further than he had a mind. These persons made up the
committee of state, which was reproachfully after called the junto,
and enviously then in the Court the Cabinet Council" ("History of
the Rebellion," vol. i., p. 211, edit. 1849).]

and that, before the Duke of York fell sick, Buckingham was admitted to
the King of his Cabinet, and there stayed with him several hours,
and the Duke of York shut out. That it is plain that there is dislike
between the King and Duke of York, and that it is to be feared that the
House will go so far against the Chancellor, that they must do something
to undo the Duke of York, or will not think themselves safe. That this
Lord Vaughan, that is so great against the Chancellor, is one of the
lewdest fellows of the age, worse than Sir Charles Sidly; and that
he was heard to swear, God damn him, he would do my Lord Clarendon's
business. That he do find that my Lord Clarendon hath more friends in
both Houses than he believes he would have, by reason that they do see
what are the hands that pull him