I Am to speake a word unto you, since J have bin so long absent from you; It is no way in answer to the Learned Speech of Mr. Speaker: But yet J shall touch one point of it concerning Ireland; But first I must tell you, though J have been absent longer then indeed J did expect, or could have bin expected by you, yet J stayed no longer in Scotland then the nece­ssity of those affayres would absolutely permit, and indeed I have therein done so much good, that J will boldly affirme vnto you, that J have left the people a most contented and happy Nation; That if J did misreckon a little in time J doe not misreckon in the end.

Now though J have deceived you a little of your expectation in point of time, J confesse you have de­ceived my expectation in finding of businesse here; for J had thought to have found things in quietnesse and settled both for Religion and peace of this King­dome, but I found distractions, such as J could not ex­pect, Jn so much, as the Parliament was thought fit to be guarded, this I speake not any way to seeke out a fault, or to have any distrust of the hearty affecti­ons [Page] of my Subjects, but on the contrary when J came here (as you all see) J found the affection of my peo­ple vnto me, to my great comfort.

Now I assure you, J come with the same affection that you or any good people of the world could wish, for I am so farre from disliking any thing that J have done hitherto, that if it were to doe againe (in the favour and good of my people) that I protest J would doe it againe.

And whatsoever may be justly expected of me for the securing of Religion and Liberty of my people, I shall not faile to doe it, and therefore I shall men­tion no particular at this time, but onely that great particular of Jreland, which Mr. Speaker did men­tion, of which I doe not doubt, but you have had a great care, yet me thinkes, things goe on slowly; and J mention this more reasonably, because a couple of Noble-men are come out of Scotland according to the Petition and Jnstructions, which it pleased both Houses to send vnto me at Barwicke, which I instant­ly dispatched to the Chancelor, who now have the disposing of all things, J spoke to them this morning, and I decreed both Houses to appoynt a select Com­mittee and make an end of that businesse with them.

J have but this word more to say, that I assure you, I have no other end but the happinesse of my People, for their flourishing, is my greatest Glory, and their affection, my greatest strength.