hin my instructions; acknowledging the goodness of God to me in
this business, where I met with so many difficulties, and of so
great weight, that yet in a fortnight's time it should be brought to
a full conclusion, with honour and advantage to the Protector and
present Government, for which I have taken all care.

"The articles are not yet drawn up, but I hope we shall sign them
the next week, and presently after I intend to demand audience to
take my leave and to remove from hence, and, as soon as I can, to
come to Luebeck, and from thence to Hamburg; and I have by this post
humbly desired my Lord Protector to appoint some of his ships to
meet me at Hamburg as soon as they can, for my transportation from
thence to England. And I humbly entreat your favour to put his
Highness in mind of it, and that you will take care that the orders
may be had, and the ships to come as soon as may be to the Elbe, to
Hamburg, where I shall stay for them, or till I receive his
Highness's further commands; and I choose this way as the shortest,
and where I shall meet with any despatches that may come from
England. I presume you will be troubled with an importunate suitor
for hastening my return.

"I received your letters of the 17th March, and the order of the
Council concerning the Swedish ship, for which I return my humble
thanks. The Queen, and the Chancellor and others here, were much
satisfied with it. The Chancellor and his son have been very civil
to me, and lately furthering my despatch. I hope the same goodness
of God which hath hitherto brought me through this great business
will give me a safe return to my dear country and friends, where I
may have opportunity with thankfulness to acknowledge your constant
favour and kindness to

"Your affectionate friend to serve you,
"B. W.
"_Upsal, April 7th, 1654._"

_April 8, 1654._

[SN: A masque at Court.]

The master of the ceremonies came to Whitelocke from the Queen, to desire
his company this evening at a masque; and they had this discourse:--

_Whitelocke._ Present my thanks to her Majesty, and tell her I will wait
upon her.

[SN: Precedence claimed by Denmark.]

_Mast. Cer._ What would your Excellence expect in matter of precedence,
as in case you should meet with any other ambassad