Scrinia Ceciliana, mysteries of state & government in letters of the late famous Lord Burghley, and other grand ministers of state, in the reigns of Queen Elizabeth, and King James, being a further additional supplement of the Cabala.

SIR,

YOu have done very well, in this doubtful time, to write so often hither as you have done; for that the Queens Majesty hath been in great expectation, what to judge to be the truth in the middest of so many di∣vers advertisements; for howsoever we be from other places adverti∣sed, we measure the same even by yours.

The last letters which you sent, were dated the 30. of March, which came hither yesterday, being the 7. And considering the last accident hapned the 29. by a treachery to have supplanted the good meaning of the peace, I am in opinion that the Prince and his should have a reason∣able occasion offered unto them to mend their bargain, in certain points tending to their own surety; which surely if they do not better foresee, me thinks, their danger wil not be far off; I pray you to continue your vigi∣lancy in exploring of 〈☐〉〈☐〉. wherein you may do very well to

procure that the R may be induced to withstand that enterprize, as being a matter very prejudicial to the whole 〈☐〉〈☐〉 London 2 〈☐〉〈☐〉 Paris, &c.

Here hath been of good long time, one Emmanuel Tremelius, who heretofore, in King Edwards time, read the Hebrew Lecture in Cam∣bridge; and hath now been sent hither by the Count Palatine the Elector, to inform the Queens Majesty of the proceedings of the said Elector, in sending his son into France, without intention to offend the King and the Realm, or to assist the Prince of Conde in any thing; but onely in the defence of the common cause of Religion, who now upon the ending of these causes in France will depart hence; and truely, in my opinion, the said Elector hath shewed himself to be a Prince of great honor in this Action.

The Prince of Orange, hath also sent hither a special Gentleman, to declare unto her Majesty his innocency in such causes as are objected a∣gainst him, touching any part of his duty towards the King of Spain: And further, also, to shew good cause why he doth not return into the Low Countries, to appear before the Duke of Alva, whom he noteth to be a Judge not competent, because he hath already notorionsly bro∣ken the Laws and ancient priviledges of the same Countries.

Out of Scotland, I hear, that the Hambletons continue in that Faction against the Regent; and I believe they be nourished out of France, by means of the Abbot of Arbroth, who lately came thorough this way.

Of my Lady, your wifes, dangerous sickness (out of the which she was newly escaping, when your Son arrived here) I doubt not but you are well advertised; so as I need not to write any other thing, but onely to rejoyce, with you, that she is so well amended.

You see, by my writing, that this Country, thanked be God, is as bar∣ren of news, as that of France is plenteous.

Sir Ambrose Cave is departed this life, and as yet it is not known who shall succeed him; some name Mr Vice-Chamberlaine, some Sir Henry Sydney, some Sir Ralph Sadler, some Sir Nic. Throckmorton; her Maje∣sty can make no ill choice of any of these: And so trusting ere this letter can come to your hands, I shall receive some of yours, containing the resolution of this long lingring peace.

Yours assuredly, W. Cecil.

April, 8. 1568.