the
ceremonies, by command of the Prince, whispered to Whitelocke to give way
to the pleasure of the Prince, who was resolved to give Whitelocke the
precedence, thereby to testify the great respect and honour which he had
for the Protector, and for Whitelocke his servant. Thereupon Whitelocke
said to the Prince, that since he understood it to be the pleasure of his
Royal Highness, he would obey his commands; and so they went on
together, the Prince giving Whitelocke the right hand; and there was no
occasion (by reason of the largeness of the doors) for one to go before
the other.

In the third room from the place where the Prince met Whitelocke was the
audience chamber; there were set two rich chairs upon foot-carpets one
against the other under a canopy of state; here was also much ceremony
between the Prince and Whitelocke, who should take the right-hand chair;
but the Prince would have Whitelocke to sit there; and the room was full
of senators, officers, noblemen, courtiers, and others of quality.

Whitelocke had advised in what language to speak to the Prince. He held
it not fit to speak in English, because he came not to him as ambassador,
nor in Latin, there being nothing of treaty between them; but being a
matter of ceremony, he was advised and informed that it was the Prince's
desire that Whitelocke should speak to him in French, the which he
understood very well: and accordingly, being both set, and their hats on,
after a little pause Whitelocke put off his hat, and then the Prince did
so likewise; then both putting on their hats again, Whitelocke spake to
the Prince to this effect:--

"Monseigneur,

"Je repute a grand bonheur l'opportunite qui m'est presentee de
baiser les mains de votre Altesse Royale, et la saluer de la part de
Monseigneur le Protecteur de la Republique d'Angleterre, d'Ecosse, et
d'Irelande, avant mon depart de ce royaume; ce que j'eusse fait plus
tot et en autre lieu, sinon que la necessite d'attendre l'issue de ce
qui m'a ete donne en charge m'en avait empeche: mais depuis sa
conclusion, j'ai tarde expres pour ajouter a ma satisfaction celle
d'avoir rendu mes devoirs a votre Altesse Royale, et lui temoigner
l'amitie et les respects de sa Serenissime Altesse mon maitre."

After Whitelocke had done speaking the Prince staid a little time, and
then in French answered him to this purpose:--

"Monseigneur l'Ambassadeur,

"Ce m'aurait ete un grand