ETTRE lUCDXXXTIII

Lord Halifax au Prince d Orange. Le Roi tris-bien disposé à résister aux envahissements de la France.

It will not, I présume, bee unwelcome to your High-

[1081. Novembre

nesse, who hath seemed of late to hâve so little hopes

of us , to know that tlie Memoriall given this day to the

[embassadours hath given them so much satisfaction that

|they hâve thought fit to give his Ma. thanks for it, and

ttherefore it cannot bee doubted but your Highnesse will

Igive it your approbation and, if so, I hope the melan-

choly thoughts you hâve of late been possessed with, will

bee dispylled and give way to a cheerefuller and more

incouraging prospect of the condition of the world. I

;was willing to prépare your Highnesse for the worst, in

what I hâve said to you, since monsieur van Beuninghens

coming over, that you might raither ^ bee disappointed on

the better side than raise your expectations, whilst there

was a possibility they might not bee answered. I would

beg of your Highnesse that you would immediately write

to the King to approove what is done, as being one of

the best means to incourage him to continue in the good

dispositions hee hath at présent. What your Highnesse

sayeth concerning S^ Gabriel Sylvius, maketh ail apologies

unnecessary for him to make. I am not a little pleased

with the assurances hee bringeth mee of the continuance

of your faveur, which I will do my utmost endeavour to

deserve, being, as I am, so intirely devoted to you.

London, Nov. 8 1681.