st by my Lord Protector's desire, he
being then General, and without his earnest request to me I had not
undertaken it; and since his access to the Government I have received new
credentials from him, by virtue whereof only I have negotiated, and am
the first public Minister employed by his Highness.

_Sch._ It is a very great respect which the Protector hath manifested to
you, and by you to our Queen and nation, and that which you say carries
reason with it. I shall do all that possibly may lie in my power to
testify my respects and service to his Highness and Commonwealth of
England, and to your Excellence their honourable Ambassador.

_Wh._ You are pleased to express a great honour and esteem for my Lord
Protector and for his servant, whereof I shall not fail, by any service
in my power, to make acknowledgment to your Excellence.

There were many other compliments and discourses between them; and the
Senator fell into a relation of Russia, where he had been, and of the
Great Duke's bringing at one time into the field an army of 200,000 men,
divided into three parties, whereof one part fell upon Poland, and had
lately taken divers considerable places in that kingdom; and much more he
spake of this exploit, which is omitted.

_March 21, 1653._

[SN: Senator Schuett's duplicity.]

Whitelocke was somewhat surprised by the carriage of Senator Schuett to
him yesterday, and with his freedom of discourse, which showed him either
to be a courtier and versed in the art of simulation, or the reports made
of him to Whitelocke to be untrue. Now he seemed clearly for the league
with England; before, he expressed himself against it; now he showed
civility and respect to Whitelocke and to his superiors; before, he spake
disdainfully of them and their affairs.

But an ambassador must hear and see many things, and yet take no notice
of them; must court an enemy to become a friend, as he believed he had
done to Schuett, who, after acquaintance between him and Whitelocke,
became very friendly. But Whitelocke held it requisite to keep at
somewhat more distance with him than with others, because he had been
informed that there was not much of kindness between the Chancellor and
this gentleman, which was confirmed by discourse this day with
Lagerfeldt.

_Lagerfeldt._ I entreat your Excellence's excuse for my long absence,
which hath been occasioned by an employment lately bestowed on me by her
Majesty, which takes up my time in