e; but how could you pass
over their very long winter nights?

_Wh._ I kept my people together and in action and recreation, by having
music in my house, and encouraging that and the exercise of dancing,
which held them by the ears and eyes, and gave them diversion without
any offence. And I caused the gentlemen to have disputations in Latin,
and declamations upon words which I gave them.

_Prot._ Those were very good diversions, and made your house a little
academy.

_Wh._ I thought these recreations better than gaming for money, or going
forth to places of debauchery.

_Prot._ It was much better. And I am glad you had so good an issue of
your treaty.

_Wh._ I bless God for it, and shall be ready to give your Highness a
particular account of it, when you shall appoint a time for it.

_Prot._ I think that Thursday next, in the morning, will be a good time
for you to come to the Council, and to make your report of the
transactions of your negotiation; and you and I must have many discourses
upon these arguments.

_Wh._ I shall attend your Highness and the Council.

_July 4, 1654._

[SN: Whitelocke's friends celebrate his return.]

This day was spent in visits, very much company resorting to Whitelocke's
house to bid him welcome into England, so that, by the multitude of
company, he had not any opportunity of recollecting himself and his
thoughts, touching the matters which he was to communicate to the Council
the next day; but it could not be avoided, and he must take such time as
would be afforded him.

_July 5, 1654._

[SN: A solemn thanksgiving for his safe return.]

By Whitelocke's appointment, all his company who were with him in
Sweden, came this day to his house at Chelsea, where divers others of his
good friends met them, to the intent they might all join together in
returning humble and hearty thanks to God for his great mercy and
goodness to them, in their preservation and wonderful deliverances in
their voyage, in blessing them with health and with success in their
business, and bringing all of them in safety and comfort to their native
country and most dear relations.

Being for this end met together in a large room prepared for them, they
began the duty; and first, Mr. Peters acquainted them with the occasion
of the meeting, recommending all to the direction and assistance of the
Lord. He spoke to them upon the Psalm pertinent to the occasion, and to
the mention of the voyage, hardship