The Embassy of Everaard van Weede 55 



news of the removal filled the ambassadors of the Empire, of 

 Spain, and of Holland with dismay. We have seen what incon- 

 venience it caused Dykvelt when he arrived in London, for it was 

 to Halifax that the credentials were addressed. Louis, on the 

 other hand, was pleased. It meant another blow against Parlia- 

 ment. 250 



Halifax and Dykvelt met each other frequently. 251 The negotia- 

 tions between the two are not given in the letter of May 31. 

 But as Halifax stated, Dykvelt was thoroughly acquainted with 

 the situation and could disclose to the Prince all that was of 

 importance. His tribute to Dykvelt is interesting, for it confirms 

 Dykvelt's account to Burnet. 252 



Monsieur Dykvelt will entertaine your Highnesse with all his observations, 

 which he hath made with great diligence, having conversed with men of all com- 

 plexions, and by that means he knoweth a great deal of the present state of our 

 affayres. The opportunities hee hath had, will make him the more welcome here 

 againe, whenever there shall be a fayre occasion of bringing him. His free way of 

 conversing, giveth him an easier admittance than hee would have, if he was too 

 reserved; and his being known to be a creature of your Highnesse, encourageth 

 men to talk to him with lease restraint. 



Halifax continued his correspondence with the Prince after 

 Dykvelt returned to Holland, but his letters indicate no radical 

 championship of the cause which Dykvelt had organized in 

 England. On August 25 he writes: 253 



There is so little alteration here since M. Dickvelt left us, that I can hardly 

 acquaint you with anything of moment which would be new to you. I have told 

 Lord Shrewsbury my thoughts, who L very well able to improve and explain them 

 to your Highnesse. It is not to be imagined but that a certain design will still go 

 on; all that is to be hoped is, that it will be so crippled with difficulties it every day 

 meeteth with, that it will be disabled from making so swift a progresse as is neces- 

 sary for the end it aimeth at. 



250 Mackintosh, p. 285. 



251 Dalrymple, Letter of Lord Halifax to the Prince of Orange, May 31, 1687, 

 p. 196 f . 



252 Ibid, idem. 



253 Dalrymple, Letter from Lord Halifax to the Prince of Orange, August 25, 

 1687, p. 207 f. 



139 



