A Journal of the Swedish Embassy in the Years 1653 and 1654, Vol II. by Bulstrode Whitelocke
page 126 of 494 (25%)
page 126 of 494 (25%)
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_Wh._ That is very requisite; and for money there is good provision already made. _Chan._ He must likewise be watchful of the King's party, who will be busy at work, especially upon the new change. _Wh._ The care thereof is the life of our affairs, and his Highness is most vigilant. _Chan._ It behoves him to be so, for they that could not vanquish him by arms will endeavour to do it by craft and treachery of your own party, which you must look to. _Wh._ He hath good intelligence of their plots. _Chan._ It will also be prudence in him to let the people see that he intends not to rule them with an iron sceptre, nor to govern them by an army, but to give them such a liberty and enjoyment of the benefit of their laws that the continuance of his government may become their interest, and that they may have no cause to desire a change; else, though they must bear the yoke for a time, yet as soon as they meet with an opportunity they will shake it off again. _Wh._ This is counsel proper to come from such a mind and judgement as yours is, and I shall not fail to report it to his Highness; and your Excellence hath rightly stated the disposition of my countrymen, who love peace and liberty, and will hardly brook slavery longer than they are forced to it by necessity; and the best way to govern them is to let them enjoy their laws and rights, which will rule them better than an iron |
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