us this testimony, that we
have found much honour and great abilities to be in you; and I
should be very unwilling to part with so good company, were it not
in order to your own satisfaction for your return to England.

"I know no errors committed by you here, but desire your excuse of
the want of those expressions of our respect which this place would
not afford. The thanks are due to you for your patience, and for the
affection which you have testified to me and to this nation, from
whom you may depend upon a firm friendship and amity, with a true
respect to the Protector and Commonwealth of England, and an
honourable esteem of yourself in particular, to whom we wish a safe
and prosperous return to your own country."

After the Queen had done speaking, Whitelocke had some private discourse
of compliment with her in French, to give her Majesty thanks for her
noble treatment of him and many favours to him; then, according to the
usage of this Court, he delivered to Mr. Lagerfeldt, standing by, a copy
of his speech, in English, signed by him with his hand, and another copy
of his speech in Latin, not signed by him, to be presented to the Queen.
Then Whitelocke took his leave, and kissed her Majesty's hand, who gave
him the _adieu_ with great respect and civility. He was conducted back to
his coach with the same ceremony as he was brought to his audience; and
the same two senators, with the master of the ceremonies, returned with
him to his house, and after usual compliments passed between them, they
returned to the Court.

The trouble of the day was not yet ended; but after Whitelocke had come
from the Court, Lagerfeldt brought to him the articles touching Guinea
which were agreed upon and signed and sealed by the Queen's
Commissioners, as the other part of them was by Whitelocke.[240]

After the great toil of this busy day, a yet greater toil must be
undergone by Whitelocke to make his despatches for England. By his
letters to Thurloe he again acquainted the Council with the good
conclusion of his treaty, and with his taking leave of the Queen in his
last audience; and sent him copies of the speeches, and gave an account
of the business of Guinea, with all material passages since his last
letters, and his resolution and way of return home. He also answered the
letters of every one of his friends, which were very many; but that to
his wife, as he was afterwards informed, cau