of the Commonwealth; and it is our
custom not to trust to the success of any treaties, which is uncertain,
but to prepare for all events. If the treaty be agreed, it will be
religiously observed on our part, and the navy will be employed to scour
the seas of pirates and enemies, that trade may be free and safe; and we
always use in time of peace to have a fleet at sea; and if the war
continue, we shall be the more ready, by the blessing of God, to maintain
our right. But what suspicion have you here of our navy?

_Bundt._ We suppose it may be employed to open the passage of the Sound,
and make the trade and navigation there free.

_Wh._ The hindrance of navigation there is more prejudicial{2} to Sweden
than to England. We can have our commodities at Gothenburg and in other
places, without passing the Baltic Sea.

_Bundt._ Many amongst us know not what to think of your fleet, and it
troubles some.

_Wh._ I hope we shall be in nearer amity, and then you will be pleased at
it. Have the Senators consulted about the matters of my treaty, or of
remitting it to the new King?

_Bundt._ We have not advised any such thing, but believe the best way for
effecting your business will be by the Queen herself; and if any tell you
the contrary, they are much mistaken in the affairs of this kingdom, and
do not give you a right understanding of them.

This being wholly contrary to what was informed by Monsieur Bloome, the
Chancellor's creature, caused Whitelocke the more to mind it, and
endeavour to obviate that prejudice of delay to his business; and finding
by this discourse with Bundt how much the Dutch Resident and others here
were amused at the English fleet now at sea, he made use thereof, and
gave advice of it to his superiors in England.

_March 19, 1653._

[SN: Intrigues of the Dutch Resident against Whitelocke.]

Whitelocke sent to inquire of the Queen's health; and it being the Lord's
Day, she was in her chapel. Divers English and Scots of the town came to
Whitelocke's house to hear sermons there; and among them was Monsieur
Ravius, who acquainted Whitelocke that one of the Queen's chaplains asked
Ravius how long Whitelocke intended to stay in Sweden. Ravius said he
would shortly return to his own country. The chaplain replied, he did not
believe that, but he thought Whitelocke would stay here a long time, and
that he durst not return to England because of the displeasure of the
Protector against him. And when he wa