Basiliká the works of King Charles the martyr : with a collection of declarations, treaties, and other papers concerning the differences betwixt His said Majesty and his two houses of Parliament : with the history of his life : as also of his tryal and martyrdome.

LIV. To the Committee of both Houses, at the delivery of the Votes for a Personal Treaty, at CARISBROOK Castle, Aug. 7. MDCXLVIII.

ON Monday the seventh of August, the Commissioners being admitted into the King's pre∣sence, the Votes were first read, and then presented to His Majesty by the Earl of Middle∣sex, who desired His Majestie's speedy Answer, for that their return was limited to ten days.

The King then asked, Whether the ten days were not to be counted from that of the delivery of the Message.

The Earl answering, No, Sir; they are to be counted from the day of our setting forth:

The King replied, I have not then five days allowed Me to consider of My Answer, which I presume you expect in writing; and I have none to help Me, no not so much as a Clerk to transcribe. However I will really contribute My best endeavours to an happy Peace.

After a short pause He added, I would have sent to the Parliament: but I desire them to take notice that My long Silence proceeds not from a dull stupid Laziness, or My be∣ing insensible of My Own or the Kingdoms condition; but from the incapacity that lay on Me by reason of former Votes. But now a way is opened to a Treaty, which I ever apprehended as the only means to a durable Peace, I shall chearfully embrace it, and none shall more speedily run to it than My Self. And for My part, as being more con∣cerned than any one in this Kingdom, nay, should I say more than all, I speak it with∣out vanity, I hope it will be thought no Hyperbolical expression, for I am assured, who∣soever gains, I shall be a loser,—

His Majesty then read the Votes to Himself; after which He said, I like them well, My desires being included in these Votes; for what can I desire more than to treat with Honor, Freedom and Safety, upon the Propositions, and such other things as either I or the two Houses shall offer? Then asking Whether the Commissioners to treat were yet nominated:

The Earl of Middlesex answered, No, Sir.

And the King added, In a Treaty two sorts of things are considerable; some Necessa∣ry, others convenient,—Then breaking off He said, I will go and apply my Self to my Answer, that I may not delay a minute to promote so good a Work. And so withdrew, dismissing the Commissioners.

Thursday, Aug. 10.

THe Commissioners coming to receive His Majestie's Answer, upon their entrance he told them, He was sorry He was limited to so short a time, and had so little helps for dispatch, yet notwithstanding He had prepared His Answer.

Before the reading of it, He added, That the last Message He sent to the Houses was delivered to the Commissioners sealed; and had it been so presented, it would have been better for Him: But now he thought it fit to send this open, because He could not be in a worse condition, being under so close a Restraint, none being suffered to speak a word to Him without suspicion.

Then producing His Answer, He read it aloud in the Presence-Chamber, being full of com∣pany: Which done, he said, That He hoped He had therein endeavoured to give satisfaction to His Parliament, there being nothing in it but but what He conceived was implied in their Votes.

And further added, That there might be some that would oppose this Treaty, as be∣ing gainers by these Wars, and therefore desired the continuance of it. Others might think Him revengeful; but He said, He was so far from seeking Revenge, that if a Straw lay in their way to hurt them, He would stoop and take it up to prevent it. God forgive them, for I do.

Then the Commissioners coming to take their leaves, His Majesty asked them, How they liked His Answer.

They answered, They thought and hoped it would produce a sudden and happy well∣grounded Peace.