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XVI. To Sir Eubule Theloall Knight, at Grayes-Inne.
SIR,
I Know the eyes of all England are earnestly fixd now upon Spain, her best jewell being here; but his journey was like to be spoild in France, for if he had stayd but a little longer at Bayon the last Town of that Kingdom hitherwards, he had bin discoverd, for Monsieur Gramond the Governor had notice of him not long after he had taken Post. The people here do mightily magnifie the gallantry of the journey, and cry out that he deserv'd to have the Infanta thrown into his arms the first night he came: He hath bin entertaind with all the magnificence that possibly could be devis'd. On Sunday last in the morning betimes he went to Saint Hieroms Monastery, whence the Kings of Spain use to be fetchd the day they are crownd; and thither the King came in person with his two Brothers, his eight Counsells, and the flower of the Nobility: He rid upon the Kings right hand through the heart of the Town under a great Canopy, and was brought so into his lodgings to the Kings Palace, and the King himself accompanied him to his very bedchamber. It was a very glorious sight to behold, for the custom of the Spaniard is, though he go plain in his ordinary ha∣bit, yet upon som Festivall or cause of triumph, ther's none goes beyond him in gaudiness.
We daily hope for the Popes Breve or Dispensation to perfect the busines, though ther be dark whispers abroad that it is com al∣ready, but that upon this inexpected coming of the Prince, it was sent back to Rome, and som new clauses thrust in for their further advantage. Till this dispatch comes, matters are at a kind of stand; yet his Highnes makes account to be back in England about the latter end of May. God Almighty turn all to the best, and to what shall be most conducible to his glory. So with my due respects unto you, I rest
Aprill, 1▪ 1623.
Your much obliged Servitor, J. H.