ent. But, Gentlemen, when you shall a little reflect upon
what hath passed some years since, you will then perceive that it is
no new thing, but long since premeditated, and by me wished and
intended.

"It is sufficiently known to you what hath formerly passed as to the
succession of my most dear cousin to this kingdom; and I esteem
myself very happy that all things at present are in such a posture
that thereupon I may bring my purpose to effect, which is, to offer
and to give into the hands of my most dear cousin our most dear
country and the royal seat, with the crown, the sceptre, and the
government. I need not repeat this subject to you; it sufficeth
that all may be done for the good of the country and the prosperity
and security of my most dear cousin, to whom you have formerly given
this right, and have found him capable to govern you and this
kingdom, which he deserves by his great spirits and rare qualities,
joined with his heroic actions, witnessed by divers encounters.

"And since there is nothing wanting but time to put in execution the
succession of my most dear cousin to the government of this kingdom,
which depends only upon myself,--and of my purpose nothing remains
but to make you parties, which is the only occasion of my calling
you together, and which I shall more at large declare unto you by my
proposal,--I doubt not but you will consent thereunto, whereby you
will testify at this time, as you have done at all times before,
your faithfulness and obedience to me.

"Also I give you thanks that, with so much duty, you are come to
this Diet, and that with so much affection and loyalty you have
demeaned yourselves towards me and our most dear country during my
government, so that I have received much content by your deportment;
and if in these ten years of my administration I have merited
anything from you, it shall be this only which I desire of you, that
you will consent to my resolution, since you may assure yourselves
that none can dissuade me from my purpose.

"You may be pleased also to take in good part what hath passed
during the time of my government, and to be assured that herein
also, as well as in all other things, my intention hath been always
to serve our most dear country. There remains nothing but my wishes
that all may work to the glory of God,