WHen I declared in Council My intention of putting off the Parliament to a time so re­mote as November, it was not without having very well weighed and considered the Grounds and Reasons that induced Me to it; Nor can I be prevailed upon by any thing that has hapned since (in reference to Affairs within the Kingdom) to alter or repent of that Resolution, but am rather confirmed and settled in it. When I have said this, I must tell you at the same time, That considering the present danger which threat­ens some of Our Neighbours and Allyes, in whose Interests and Safety We are so nearly con­cerned, it may be of very ill consequence to make a Prorogation for so long a time as should in the least [Page 4] dishearten Our Friends that relie upon Us; for this single Reason therefore, I think fit to appoint a Day for your Meeting again in April; and having thus let you see My care of you, in relation to Af­fairs abroad, I must observe to you, That the Di­stractions and Jealousies at Home are of such a nature, and so heightened and improved by the Malice and Industry of Ill men, that I am unal­terably of Opinion, that a longer interval of Par­liament will be absolutely necessary for compo­sing and quieting of Mens minds; in order to which, I am afraid the most proper Remedies would prove ineffectual, without the assistance of some farther time.

I do therefore Resolve, That from the Day whereon you are to Meet in April, there shall be a farther Prorogation, unless the Condition of Our Allyes abroad do then require Our immediate Assistance.

‘And now, my Lord Chancellor, do as I have directed you.’

Whereupon his Lordship said, ‘My Lords, and you the Knights, Citizens and Burgesses of the House of Commons, His Majesties Royal Will and Pleasure is, That this Parliament be Prorogued to Thursday the 15th day of April next ensuing, and ac­cordingly this Parliament is Prorogued to the 15th day of Aprilnext.’