The Diary Of John Evelyn Vol-2

222

DIARY OF LONBON

at the foot of the paper by the jeweler and goldsmith
who set them.

22d May, 1685. In the morning, I went with a French
gentleman, and my Lord Privy Seal to the House of
Lords, where we were placed by his Lordship next the
bar, just below the bishops, very commodiously both for
hearing and seeing. After a short space, came in the
Queen and Princess of Denmark, and stood next above
the archbishops, at the side of the House on the right
hand of the throne. In the interim, divers of the Lords,
who had not finished before, took the test and usual
oaths, so that her Majesty, the Spanish and other Ambas-
sadors, who stood behind the throne, heard the Pope and
the worship of the Virgin Mary, etc., renounced very
decently, as likewise the prayers which followed, stand-
ing all the while. Then came in the King, the crown
on his head, and being seated, the Commons were intro-
duced, and the House being full, he drew forth a paper
containing his speech, which he read distinctly enough,
to this effect: <(That he resolved to call a Parliament
from the moment of his brother's decease, as the best
means to settle all the concerns of the nation, so as to
be most easy and happy to himself and his subjects; that
he would confirm whatever he had said in his declaration
at the first Council concerning his opinion of the prin-
ciples of the Church of England, for their loyalty, and
would defend and support it, and preserve its government
as "by law now established; that, as he would invade no
man's property, so he would never depart from his own
prerogative; and, as he had ventured his life in defense
of the nation, so he would proceed to do still; that, having-
given this assurance of his care of our religion (his word
was YOUR religion) and property (which he had not said
by chance, but solemnly), so he doubted not of suitable
returns of his subjects' duty and kindness, especially as
to settling his revenue for life, for the many weighty
necessities of government, which he would not suffer to
be precarious; that some might possibly suggest that it
were better to feed and supply him from time to time
only, out of their inclination to frequent Parliaments;
but that that would be a very improper method to take
with him, since the best way to engage him to meet
oftener would be always to use him well, and thereforechamber (a mostr childwere sick, so as she was exceedingly beloved ofe of James II.,»