The Embassy of Everaard van Weede 29 



the burden of Dykvelt's negotiations with the King during many 

 interviews. According to De Grovestins and Mackintosh, Sunder- 

 land was present at this secret audience. But Dykvelt, in his 

 secret letter of March 4, states expressly that he was alone with 

 the King. 124 Finally, it must be borne in mind that the conference 

 lasted not more than an hour, 125 and it is not likely that the great 

 religious problem was broached in the little time that remained 

 after James's early conversation with the envoy. 



The gracious disposition which James assumed in this early 

 conference was by no means characteristic or sincere. Only 

 shortly before, he was assuring Barillon of his attachment to the 

 French king. 126 Moreover, his political movements were such as 

 to inspire distrust and hate. On the fifth of March a letter from 

 London described the state of affairs: 127 



All goes red-wise; and it is the general opinion that Parliament cannot sit. 

 The work of closeting, however, seems not at an end, but is directed where some 

 place is rather aimed at, than any prospect of the business that is passed. 



John Evelyn, commenting upon the new appointment in Ireland, 

 bursts out as follows: 128 



Lord Tyrconnel gone to succeed the Lord Lieutenant in Ireland to the astonish- 

 ment of all sober men, and to the evident ruin of the Protestants in that Kingdom, 

 as well as of its greate improvement going on. Much discourse that all the White 

 Staff Officers and others should be dismissed for adhering to their religion. Popish 

 Justices of the Peace established in all Counties of the meanest of the people; 

 Judges ignorant of the Law, and perverting it — so furiously do the Jesuits drive, 

 and even compel Princes to violent courses; and destruction of an excellent 

 government both in Church and State. God of His infinite Mercy open our eyes and 

 turn our hearts, and establish his truth with Peace! The Lord Jesus defend His 

 little Flock, and preserve this threaten'd Church and Nation. 



About this time Dykvelt was suffering from the gout, and he 

 was unable to continue his work with customary assiduity. 129 



124 Secret Letter, supra, p. 28. "In het cabinet met Sijn Majesteijt gansch 

 alleen zijnde. ..." 



125 Supra, notes 119 and 120. 



126 Supra, note 17. 



127 Ellis, The Ellis Correspondence, vol. i, p. 256, March 5, 1687, from London. 



128 Evelyn, Diary, vol. i, p. 635. 



129 Ellis, The Ellis Correspondence, vol. i, p. 251, March 9, 1687. 



113 



