which her kingdom was reduced, that she could pay only half the
stipulated sum at present, but promised the remaining portion
should be made up the following year. Moreover, the part which
she then asked him to accept was made up of jewels, sugars,
spices and other commodities which she promised to have converted
by arrangement into solid gold in London.

The ambassador was therefore sorely perplexed, and knew not
whether he should return to England without the bride, or take
her and the merchandise which represented half her dowry on board
his ship. He decided on the latter course, and the queen, with
her court and retinue, set sail for merry England on the 23rd of
April, 1662.



CHAPTER VI.

The king's intrigue with Barbara Palmer.--The queen arrives at
Portsmouth.--Visited by the Duke of York.--The king leaves town,
--First interview with his bride.--His letter to the lord
chancellor.--Royal marriage and festivities.--Arrival at Hampton
Court Palace.--Prospects of a happy union.--Lady Castlemaine
gives birth to a second child.--The king's infatuation.--Mistress
and wife.--The queen's misery.--The king's cruelty.--Lord
Clarendon's messages.--His majesty resolves to break the queen's
spirit.--End of the domestic quarrel.

Whilst the king conducted the negotiations of his marriage with
Catherine of Braganza, he likewise continued the pursuit of his