Cabala, mysteries of state,: in letters of the great ministers of K. James and K. Charles. Wherein much of the publique manage of affaires is related. / Faithfully collected by a noble hand.

The Lord Herbert to his Majestie.

My most Gracious Soveraign,

NOw, that, I thank God for it, his Highnesse according to my continual prayers, hath made a safe, and happie return, unto your Sacred Majesties presence, I think my self bound by way of Compleat obedience to these Commandements I received from your Majestie, both by Mr. Secretary Calvert, and my Brother Henry, to give your Majestie an account of that sense, which the general sort of people doth entertain here concerning the whole frame and Con∣text of his Highnesse voyage. It is agreed on all parts, that his High∣nesse must have received much contentment, in seeing two great Kingdomes, and consequently in enjoyning that satisfaction, which Princes, but rarely, and not without great peril, obtain. His High∣nesse discretion, diligence, and Princely behaviour every where likewise is much praised. Lastly, since his Highnesse journey hath fallen out so well, that his Highnesse is come back, without any pre∣judice to his person, or dignity, they say the successe hath sufficiently commended the Councel. This is the most common censure (even of the biggest party, as I am informed) which I approve in all, but in the last point, in the delivery whereof I find something to dislike, and therefore tell them, that things are not to be judged alone, by the successe, and that, when they would not look so high as Gods provi∣dence, without which no place is secure, they might find even in rea∣son of State, so much, as might sufficiently warrant his Highnesse per∣son, and liberty to return.

I will come from the ordinary voice to the selecter judgement, of the Ministers of State, and more intelligent people in this Kingdom, who, though they nothing vary from the above recited opinion, yet as more profoundly looking into the state of this long treated of Alliance betwixt your Sacred Majestie, and Spain, in the persons of his Highnesse, and the Infanta, they comprehended their sentence thereof (as I am informed) in three Propositions.

First, that the protestation which the King of Spain made to his Highnesse upon his departure, whereby he promised to chase away,

and disfavour all those, who should oppose this marriage, doth ex∣tend no further, then to the said Kings Servants, or at furthest, not beyond the temporal Princes, his Neighbours, so that the Pope being not included herein, it is, though his consent must be yet obtained, and consequently, that the businesse is in little more forwardnesse then when it first began.

Secondly, that the Pope will never yield his consent, unlesse your Sacred Majestie, grant some notable priviledges and advantage to to the Roman Catholique religion in your Sacred Majesties King∣domes.

Thirdly, that the said King of Spain would never insist, upon obtaining those priviledges, but that he more desires, to form a par∣ty in your Sacred Majesties Kingdomes, which he may keep alwaies obsequious to his will, then to maintain a friendly correspondence between your Sacred Majestie, and himself. I must not in the last place omit to acquaint your Sacred Majestie, very particularly, with the sense which was expressed by the bons Francois, and bodie of those of the Religion, who heartily wish, that the same Greatnesse which the King of Spain doth so affect over all the world, and still maintaines even in this country, which is to be Protector of the Je∣suited, and Bigott partie, your Sacred Majestie would imbrace, in be∣ing defender of our faith. The direct answer to which, though I evade, and therefore reply little more, then that this Counsel was much fitter, when the union in Germany did subsist, then at this time? Yet do I think my self obliged to represent the affection they bear un∣to your Sacred Majestie. This is as much as is come to my notice, concerning that point, your Sacred Majestie gave me in charge, which therefore I have plainely layd open, before your Sacred Maje∣sties eyes, as understanding well, that Princes never receive greater wrong, then when the Ministers, they put in trust, do palliate and dis∣guise those things, which it concerns them to know. For the avoid∣ing whereof let me take the boldnesse to assure your Sacred Majestie, that those of this Kings Councel here, will use all meanes they can, both to the King of Spain, and to the Pope (In whom they pretend to have very particular interest) not only to interupt, but if it be possible to break off you Sacred Majesties Alliance with Spain. For which purpose the Count de Tilliers hath strict command, to give al punctual advice, that accordingly they may proceed. It rests, that I most humbly beseech your Sacred Majestie to take my free relati∣on of these particulars in good part, since I am of no faction, nor have any passion, or interest; but faithfullie to perform that service;

and dutie which I owe to your Sacred Majestie, for whose perfect health, and happinesse, I pray with the devotion, of

From Merton Castle the 31. of October, 1623. Stil No.

Your Sacred Majesties most obedient, most Loyal, and most affectionate Subject and Servant, Herbert.