marriage." The council, therefore, without a dissenting voice,
advised him to the marriage.

On the 8th of May, 1661, his majesty, being clad in robes of
state, and wearing the crown, rode in great pomp to open
Parliament, which he addressed from the throne. In the course of
his speech, he announced his approaching marriage in a singularly
characteristic address. "I will not conclude without telling you
some news," he said, "news that I think will be very acceptable
to you, and therefore I should think myself unkind, and ill-
natured if I did not impart it to you. I have been put in mind
by my friends that it was now time to marry, and I have thought
so myself ever since I came into England. But there appeared
difficulties enough in the choice, though many overtures have
been made to me; and if I should never marry until I could make
such a choice against which there could be no foresight of any
inconvenience that may ensue, you would live to see me an old
bachelor, which I think you do not desire to do. I can now tell
you, not only that I am resolved to marry, but with whom I am
resolved to marry. If God please, it is with the daughter of
Portugal. And I will make all the haste I can to fetch you a
queen hither, who, I doubt not, will bring great blessings with
her to me and you."

Next day addresses of congratulation were presented to his
majesty by both Houses. This gratifying news was made known to
the Portuguese ambassador, Count da Ponte, by the lord high
chancellor, who visited his excellency for the purpose, attended
by state befitting such a great and joyful occasion; two
gentlemen preceded him, bearing respectively a gilded mace and a