of an oath I had taken to my king, to endeavour to keep the crown on his
daughter's head, and this assembly was called that she might resign it;
therefore I desired to be excused from making that proposal.

_Wh._ Indeed her Majesty spake herself with an excellent grace and
spirit, which was a wonder to see it done by a young lady to so great and
grave an assembly; and the matter of her speech, as it was interpreted to
me, was pertinent and full of weight.

_Chan._ Indeed she spake very well and materially, and like a prince.

_Wh._ I am sorry my time calls me away from further enjoyment of my
father's excellent conversation.

_Chan._ I shall be glad if my noble son would afford me more of his
company, in which I take so much contentment.

_Wh._ My journey tomorrow hastens me away, and occasions your less
trouble.

_Chan._ I pray assure the Protector of the respect and high value I have
for him, and of my devoted mind to serve him in anything within my power
in this kingdom.

_Wh._ You have been pleased largely to testify this in my transactions,
and your noble favours and respects to your son.

_Chan._ You may be confident of my affection and love to you; and I
desire you to be a friend to my countrymen in England, and to take upon
you their patronage in all just causes.

_Wh._ I shall be ready upon all occasions to perform all good offices to
your Excellence and to your family, and to all of this nation; and shall
satisfy the Protector of your affections for him, and of your kindness to
his servant.

_Chan._ I am now an old man, and whilst I continue alive I shall do all
that lies in my power to serve the Protector and the Commonwealth of
England, and shall embrace your Excellence with a special bond of
friendship, and will leave it in charge to my sons, when I am dead, to do
the same.

_Wh._ I shall also enjoin my children to continue that obligation of
friendship which I have contracted with your Excellence and your family.

_Chan._ I shall but add this further, to pray to God that of His mercy He
would vouchsafe to you a prosperous return to your own country, and that
you may find there all your family and friends in a comfortable and happy
condition.

[SN: Takes leave of Oxenstiern.]

Thus the Chancellor and Whitelocke took leave of one another with as much
kindness and respect as could be expressed.[283]

Whitelocke being returned to his house, Grave John Oxenstiern came to
visit him; and havi