wder and a great quantity of oil of
sweet almonds, suspecting, by the manner of his sickness and some of the
symptoms, that he might have had poison given him, which was the jealousy
of most about him; and whether it were so or not the Lord only knows, who
nevertheless in his goodness preserved Whitelocke, and blessed the means
for his recovery. The drink working contrary to what was intended, and
turning to a vomit, the doctor, perceiving the operation of nature to be
that way, followed by giving of vomits, which within two hours gave some
ease and brought him to a little slumber, and in a few hours after to
recovery. Thus it pleased God to exercise him, and to cast him down for a
little time; and when he had no expectation but of present death in a
strange land, God was pleased suddenly, and above imagination, to restore
and recover him; the which, and all other the mercies of God, he prays
may, by him and his, be thankfully remembered.

A doctor of physic, a Jew in this town, hearing of Whitelocke's being
sick, came to his lodging, and meeting with Dr. Whistler, told him in
Latin, that, understanding the English Ambassador to be dangerously sick,
and to have no physician about him but a young inexperienced man,
therefore this Jew came to offer his service. Dr. Whistler, smiling, told
Whitelocke of this rencounter, who presently sent his thanks and
discharge to the Jewish doctor. Several Senators came and sent to inquire
of Whitelocke's health, and to know if he wanted anything in their power
to supply him for his recovery, and offered the physicians of the town to
wait upon him. He returned thanks, but kept himself to the advice and
care of his own doctor, whose endeavours it pleased God to bless, so that
in two days Whitelocke was abroad again.

[SN: Feast given by the English Company.]

The English Company had invited divers to bear Whitelocke company at
dinner this day, where they had a very great feast, and present at it the
four Burgomasters and ten Senators. So many of that number had scarce
been seen at any former entertainment; which though purposely made to do
Whitelocke honour, yet his sickness had brought him to an incapacity of
bearing them company; but whilst they were at the table, Whitelocke sent
his secretary to the Resident, praying him to make his apology to the
Lords, that extremity of sickness the night before had prevented him of
the honour of accompanying them at this meeting; that being now so