"Since I began my letter I have been with the Dutch Ambassador, and
every article is agreed word for word, so that nothing now remains
to be done but to write them over and sign, which will be done upon
Monday next. It is not possible for me to send unto your Excellence
a copy of the articles as they are now agreed; I hope to do it by
the next, when you will be satisfied concerning the reports I hear
there are in Sweden, concerning the honourable terms the Dutch have
gotten by this treaty. I know not what men may expect in matters of
honour; I am sure the true interest of the nation, both in point of
trade and otherwise, is provided for more fully than ever hath been
in any treaty made between these States.

"The French Ambassador had a public audience on Monday last. There
is joined with him in commission one Monsieur le Baas, in quality of
a Commissary, who is a great confidant of the Cardinal's, and a very
crafty man. The French doth certainly intend by all means to make a
league with his Highness, and offers very frankly and considerably
as to our present interest. The Spaniard thinks he saith more to
invite the Protector to look that way and embrace an alliance with
him; and sure he is the steadier friend, and hath the better and
more considerable trade.[142]

"The news I have either from France or Holland this week your
Excellence will receive enclosed. The affairs in Scotland do not
much alter: Middleton is very active to get an army, but keeps in
the most northerly parts. We never met with any of their forces but
we beat them--the last letters being that we fell upon a party and
took forty prisoners and sixty horse, which is all we have from
thence.