Briefwisseling. Deel 4: 1644-1649

[p. 275]

4255. St. Goffe¹⁾. (L.B.)

Since I was with you I come to heare that your partie at Amsterdam, being in treaty with your agents for Venice, was asked, why he would prefer that service before the other of the duke of Orleans, in wich he was engaged, and that he returned this answer, that the duke would give but one month pay, and intended they should subsist by robery. If this had not beene related by persons who could not invent it, I should believe the man to be too much a gentleman to be guilty of any such dangerous discours, wich might but indirectly frustrate the smal remainder of hopes wich is now left to support the most distressed and best King alive. Wich conjectures may be drawne from his discourses and comportement in that place, I know not, but am of the opinion, some speedy course ought to be taken to invite or command him hither. I leave this unto your consideration, and beleive the busines itselfe, notwithstanding all this, in a good condition, because you are pleased to give it your protection and to allow the liberty of importuning you about it unto ..... Hage, Jan. 20²⁾.

1) Zie No. 4248.

2) Het jaartal is weggelaten.