They all sat bare at the table, according to their usage, chiefly (though
no occasion were for it at this time) to avoid the trouble of often
putting off and on their hats and caps in healths. They were full of good
discourse, more cheerful than serious. Most at the table spake or
understood somewhat of English, for which reason they were chosen to
accompany Whitelocke here, as a compliment to his nation; they discoursed
also in several other languages, as Swedish, High Dutch, French, and
Latin.

After dinner, which was very long, they sat yet longer at the table,
Whitelocke expecting when they would rise; till Douglas informed him,
that he being the guest, and an ambassador, they used it as a respect to
him, that none of the company would offer to rise till he first arose
from the table. As soon as this was known to Whitelocke, he presently
rose and the rest with him, and the Chancellor and he retired into the
withdrawing-room; where, after compliments and thanks for his noble
treatment (which it was said the father made, though put out in the son's
name, and was full of respect and magnificence), Whitelocke thought fit
to show to the Chancellor his powers to treat, and they had conference to
this effect.

[SN: Whitelocke exchanges his full powers.]

_Whitelocke._ Father, if you please to peruse this writing, you will be
satisfied that the Protector, since the late change of Government in
England, hath thought me worthy to be trusted and furnished with
sufficient power as to this treaty.

_Chancellor._ My dear son, this is very full, and a large testimony of