m, That in truth he had deferred the
execution of his commands, upon considering how difficult a thing it
would be for him to get access to the duke, having acquaintance with
no person about him; and if he could obtain admission to him, he would
never be able to persuade him that he was sent in such a manner, but
he should at best be thought to be mad, or to be set on and employed
by his own or the malice of other men to abuse the duke, and so he
should be sure to be undone. The person replied, as he had done
before, that he should never find rest, till he should perform what he
required, and therefore he were better to dispatch it; that the access
to his son was known to be very easy; and that few men waited long for
him, and for the gaining him credit, he would tell him two or three
particulars, which he charged him never to mention to any person
living, but to the duke himself; and he should no sooner hear them,
but he would believe all the rest he should say; and so repeating his
threats he left him.

'In the morning the poor man more confirmed by the last appearance,
made his journey to London, where the court then was. He was very well
known to Sir Ralph Freeman, one of the masters of the requests, who
had married a lady that was nearly allied to the duke, and was himself
well received by him. To him this man went; and tho' he did not
acquaint him with all the particulars, he said enough to him to let
him see there was somewhat extraordinary in it, and the knowledge he
had of the sobriety and discretion of the man, made the more
impression on him. He desired that by his means he might be brought to
the duke, to such a place, and in such a manner as should be thought
fit; affirming, that he had much to say to him; and of such a nature
as would require much privacy, and some time and patience in the
hearing. Sir Ralph promised he would speak first to the duke of him,
and then he should understand his pleasure, and accordingly on the
first opportunity he did inform him of the reputation and honesty of
the man, and then what he desired, and all he knew of the matter. The
duke according to his usual openness and condescension told him, that
he was the next day, early, to hunt with the King; that his horses
should attend him to Lambeth Bridge, where he would land by five
o'Clock in the morning, and if the man attended him there at that
hour, he would walk and speak with him as long as should be necessary.
Sir Ralph car