1 20 The Duchess of Newcastle 



become an absolute conqueror, both himself and the 

 rest of the nobility would lose all their rights and 

 priviledges; yet he was so far from consenting to it, 

 that he returned him this answer, namely, that he 

 entered into actions of war, for no other end, but for 

 the service of his king and master, and to keep up 

 His Majesties rights and prerogatives, for which he 

 was resolved to venture both his life, posterity and 

 estate; for certainly, said he, the nobility cannot fall 

 if the King be victorious, nor can they keep up their 

 dignities, if the King be overcome. 



This message was delivered by word of mouth, 

 but none of their names mentioned ; so that it is not 

 certainly known whether it was a real truth or not; 

 more probable it was, that they intended to sound 

 My Lord, or to make, if possible, more division; for 

 certainly not all that pretended to be for the King, 

 were his friends ; and I my self remember very well, 

 when I was with Her Majesty, the now Queen-Mother 

 in Oxford, (although I was too young to perceive their 

 intrigues, yet I was old enough to observe) that there 

 were great factions both amongst the courtiers and 

 soldiers. But My Lord's loyalty was such, that 

 he kept always faithful and true to His Majesty, and 

 could by no means be brought to side with the 

 rebellious party, or to juggle and mind his own 

 interest more then His Majesties service; and this 

 was the cause that he had as great private enemies at 

 Court, as he had publick enemies in the field, who 

 sought as much his mine and destruction privately, 

 and would cast aspersions upon his loyalty and duty 

 as these did publickly oppose him. 



In short, that it may appear the better what loyal 

 and faithful services My Lord has done both for his 

 la.te Majesty King Charles the First, and his now 



