The Diary Of John Evelyn Vol-2

I46 DIARY OF LONDON

and fortify what ground they should get in. This touched
my Lord deeply, that he should be so little considered
as to put him on a business in which he should probably
not only lose his reputation, but be charged with all the
miscarriage and ill success; whereas, at first they promised
6,000 foot and 600 horse effective.

My Lord, being an exceedingly brave and valiant person,
and who had so approved himself in divers signal battles,
both at sea and land; so beloved and so esteemed by the
people, as one they depended on, upon all occasions worthy
of such a captain;—he looked on this as too great an
indifference in his Majesty, after all his services, and the
merits of his father, the Duke of Ormond, and a design
of some who envied his virtue. It certainly took so deep
root in his mind, that he who was the most void of fear
in the world (and assured me he would go to Tangier with
ten men if his Majesty cotnmanded him) could not bear
up against this unkindness. Having disburdened himself
of this to me after dinner, he went with his Majesty to
the sheriffs at a great supper in Fishmongers' Hall; but
finding himself ill, took his leave immediately of his
Majesty, and came back to his lodging, Not resting well
this night, he was persuaded to remove to Arlington
House, for better accommodation. His disorder turned
to a malignant fever, which increasing, after all that six
of the most able physicians cottld do, he became delirious,
with intervals of sense, during which Dr. Lloyd (after
Bishop of St. Asaph) administered the Holy Sacrament,
of which I also participated. He died the Friday follow-
ing, the 3oth of July, to the universal grief of all that
knew or heard of his great worth, nor had any a greater
loss than myself. Oft would he say I was the oldest
acquaintance he had in England (when his father was in
Ireland), it being now of about thirty years, contracted
abroad, when he rode in the Academy in Paris, and when
we were seldom asunder.

His Majesty never lost a worthier subject, nor father a
better or more dutiful son; a loving, generous, good-
natured, and perfectly obliging friend; one who had done
innumerable kindnesses to several before they knew it;
nor did he ever advance any that were not worthy; no
one more brave, more modest; none more humble, sober,
and every way virtuous. Unhappy England in this fflus- " thought Gates might know