334 TRANSACTIONS OF THE PLYMOUTH INSTITUTION. 
In 1684 he was named a principal Secretary of State, first 
Commissioner of the Treasury, and created Baron Godolphin, of 
Rialton. 
On the accession of James II. he was entrusted with similar 
positions, although he had opposed the succession of James on 
politico-religious grounds. When the king resolved to go in 
person to the West, to meet the Prince of Orange, Lord Godolphin 
was in the number of those to whom he committed the administra- 
tion of affairs in his absence, and he afterwards deputed Godolphin 
to go to the Prince of Orange to arrange terms. On the vacancy 
of the throne Godolphin was in favour of a regency. Neverthe- 
less, when William and Mary were proclaimed king and queen, 
they at once restored him to the Treasury and Privy Council. 
As early as 1668 Mr. Pepys writes that he was informed by 
Lord Sandwich that he considered Godolphin as the worthiest 
man, and one that may be trusted in anything relating to him in 
the world. Again he says, " Made a visit to Mr. Godolphin in his 
chamber, and I do find him a very pretty and able person, a man 
of very fine parts, and of infinite zeal to my Lord Sandwich, and 
one that says he is (he believes) as wise and able a person as any 
prince in the world/' 
It is stated that Lord Godolphin was very solemn, stately, and 
silent in his demeanour. "In his breast were locked the State 
secrets and intricate policies of a succession of English monarchs." 
He is stated to have loved cards because of their preventing the 
necessity of his conversing. Perhaps cards are often used with 
the same object in the present day. 
Before referring to the close of his career it may be best to 
refer to his wife, Margaret Blague, who is described as "having 
been a saint at Court," when acting as maid of honour to the 
Duchess of York. Her life has been written by John Evelyn, 
who was inspired with the most fervent admiration for her high 
mental gifts, and still more for her surpassingly gentle and kindly 
disposition. 
She first joined the Duchess of York as maid of honour when 
only fifteen years of age ; but she had no liking for Court 
frivolities, and very reluctantly acted a part in a Court play. 
Evelyn describes her as being as graceful and charming in person 
as she was admirable in character ; and it is not too much to say 
that she evidently impressed that learned scientist more than any 
