78 LIFE, TIMES, AND SCIENTIFIC LABOURS [1644. 



King was wavering and uncertain, at least in his deci 

 sions, is admitted by all, and it is very evident that 

 expediency was with him a sufficient plea for the most 

 perfidious treachery, without distinction of parties. He 

 first wrote to the Marquis of Ormond that well-known 

 letter, in which he says : 25 



44 OKMOND, 



44 My Lord Herbert having business of his own 

 in Ireland (wherein I desire you to do him all lawful 

 favour and furtherance), I have thought good to use the 

 power I have, both in his affection and duty, to engage 

 him in all possible ways to further the peace there ; 

 which he hath promised to do. Wherefore, as you 

 find occasion, you may confidently use and trust him 

 in this, or any other thing he shall propound to you for 

 my service ; there being none in whose honesty and 

 zeal to my person and crown I have more confidence. 

 So I rest, 



a Your most assured constant friend, 

 &quot; CHARLES E. 



&quot;Oxford, 27 Decemb. 1644. 



* u His honesty or affection to my service will not 

 deceive you ; but I will not answer for his judgment.&quot; 



In this letter we detect the artful arrangement of its 

 matter, making Lord Herbert s real mission secondary 

 to some private business of his own, to the forwarding 

 of which the wily monarch solicits the kind offices of 

 his minister. Yet, secondary as was his mission appa 

 rently, he is much lauded for his 44 honesty and zeal&quot; to 

 the royal person and crown ; while the same hand adds 

 a postscript in cipher, 44 but I will not answer for his 

 judgment&quot; 



25 Carte, Birch and others. 



* Several lines of numerals have been deciphered as here given. 



