his conviction that the Cantons, so
much nearer the scene of the horrors, are already duly roused. He
informs them that he has written to the Duke of Savoy and hopes the
intercession may have effect; but adds, "If, however, he should
determine otherwise, we are prepared to exchange counsels with you
on the subject of the means by which we may be able most
effectively to relieve, re-establish, and save from certain and
undeserved ruin, an innocent people oppressed and tormented by so
many injuries, they being also our dearest brothers in Christ."[2]

[Footnote 1: So dated in the official copy as dispatched, and as
printed in Morland's book, pp. 581-562; but draft dated
"_Westmonasterio, May 19, 1655_" in the Skinner Transcript, the
Printed Collection, and Phillips.]

[Footnote 2: One of the phrases in this letter about the poor
Piedmontese Protestants is "_nunc sine tare, sine teoto, ... per
monies desertos atque nives, cum conjugibus ac liberis, miserrime
vagantur_." The phrase occurs almost verbatim in Morland's speech
to the Duke of Savoy--"_sine lare, sine tecto ... cum suis
conjugibus ac liberis vagari_."]

(LVI.) TO CHARLES GUSTAVUS, KING OF SWEDEN, _May_ 25,
1655:--To the same effect as the last, _mutatis mutandis_.
What sovereign can be more ready to stir in such a cause than his
Swedish majesty, the successor of those who have been champions of
the Protestantism of Europe? Gladly will the Protector form a
league with him and with other powers to do whatever may be
necessary.

(LVII.) TO THE KING OF DENMARK, May 25, 1655:[1]--An appeal in the
same strain to his Danish Majesty: phraseology varied a little, But
matter the same.

[Footnote 1: This and the last both so dated in official copy as
printed in Morland's book, pp. 554-557; dated only "May 1655" in
Skinner Transcript, Printed Collection, and Phillips.]

(LVIII.) TO LOUIS XIV., KING OF FRANCE, May 25, 1655:[1]--The story
recapitulated for the benefit of his French Majesty, with the
addition that it is reported that some troops of his Majesty had
assisted the Piedmontese soldiery in the attack on the Vaudois.
This the Protector can hardly believe: it would be so much against
that policy of Toleration which the Kings of France have found
essential for the peace of their own dominions. The Protector
cannot doubt, at all events, that his Majesty will use his powerful
influence with the Duke of Savoy