mewhat
recovered, he sent now to present his hearty thanks to their lordships
for this great favour they had done him, wished them all health, and
entreated them to be cheerful. The Lords returned thanks to Whitelocke
for his civility, and about an hour after the Resident came to Whitelocke
from the Lords to see how he did, to thank him for his compliment, and to
know if, without inconvenience, they might be admitted to come to his
chamber to see him. Whitelocke said he should be glad to see them, but
privately told the Resident that he hoped they would not stay long with
him by reason of his indisposition.

The Senators sat at the table from twelve o'clock at noon till six
o'clock in the evening, according to the fashion of Dutchland, and were
very merry, wanting no good meat or wine, nor sparing it. About six
o'clock they rose from dinner, and came to Whitelocke's chamber to visit
him, with many compliments, expressing their sorrow for his sickness,
their wishes for his health, and offers of anything in their power which
might contribute to his recovery. Whitelocke used them with all civility,
and heartily thanked them for this extraordinary honour they had done
him, by so many of their lordships affording him the favour of meeting at
this place, and excused by his violent sickness his not bearing them
company. After many compliments and a short stay they left his chamber,
praying for the recovery of his health again.

Among this company of fourteen senators were no young men, but all grave
and comely persons; and every one of them did particularly speak to
Whitelocke, either in French or Latin, and some in both, which were hard
to be met with in so many aldermen of towns in other countries. Divers of
them staid in the English house till nine o'clock at night, making a very
long repast of nine hours together; but it was to testify the more
particular respect and honour to the English Ambassador, and is according
to the usage of these parts, where, at such public entertainments, they
eat and drink heartily, and seldom part in less than ten or twelve hours,
cheerfully conversing together. Whitelocke took great contentment in the
civility and respects of these and other gentlemen to him in this place,
and in the affection, care, and attendance of his children, friends, and
servants, about him in his sickness.

_June 15, 1654._

[SN: The ecclesiastical state of Hamburg.]

The Lords sent a gentleman to inquire of Wh