THe several Prorogations I have made, have been very advantageous to Our neighbours, and very use­full to Me; for I have employed that time in making and perfecting an Allyance with the Crown of Spain, suitable to that which I had before with the States of the United Pro­vinces, and they also had with Spain, consisting of mutual obligations of succour and defence.

I have all the reason in the world to believe, that what was so much desired by former Parliaments, must needs be very gratefull to you now; For, though some perhaps may wish these measures had been taken sooner, yet no man can with reason think that it is now too late; for they who desire to make these Allyances, and they who desire to break them, shew themselves to be of ano­ther opinion: And as these are the best measures that could be taken for the safety of England, and the repose of Christendom, So they cannot fail to attain their end, and to spread and improve themselves farther, if Our divisions at home do not render Our friendship less considerable abroad.

To prevent these as much as may be, I think fit to renew to you, all the assurances which can be desired, that nothing shall be wanting on My part, to give you the fullest satisfaction your hearts can wish, for the security of the Protestant Religion, which I am fully resolved to maintain against all the Conspiracies of Our Enemies, and to concur with you in any new remedies which shall be proposed, that may consist with the preserving the Succession of the Crown in its due and legal course of descent. And in or­der to this, I do recommend it to you to pursue the further examina­tion of the Plot, with a strict and an impartial inquiry: I do not think my self safe, nor you neither, till that Matter be gone through with; and therefore it will be necessar, that the Lords in [Page 4] the Tower be brought to their speedy Tryal, that Justice may done.

I need not tell you what danger the City of Tangier is in, [...] of what importance it is to Ʋs to preserve it. I have wit [...] mighty Charge and Expence sent a very considerable Relief [...] ­ther: But constantly to maintain so great a Force as that W [...] will require, and to make those new Works and Fortificatio [...] without which the place will not be long tenable, amounts t [...] vast a Sum, that without your support, it will be impossible [...] Me to undergo it. Therefore I lay the matter plainly bef [...] you, and desire your advice and assistance.

But that which I value above all the Treasure in the wor [...] and which I am sure will give Me greater strength and rep­tation both at home and abroad, than any Treasure can do, is perfect union amongst Our selves. Nothing but this can rest [...] the Kingdom to that strength and vigour which it seems to ha [...] lost, and raise Ʋs again to that consideration which Englan [...] hath usually had.

All Europe have their eyes upon this Assembly, and thi [...] their own happiness or misery, as well as Ours, will depend upon.

If We should be so unhappy as to fall into such a misunde [...] standing amongst Our selves, as would render Our Friendsh [...] unsafe to trust to, it will not be to be wondred at, if Our Neig [...] ­bours should begin to take new Resolutions, and perhaps such [...] may be fatal to Ʋs.

Let Ʋs therefore take care that We do not gratifie Our En [...] ­mies, and discourage Our Friends by any unseasonable Dispute [...] If any such do happen, the world will see it was no fault of Min [...] for I have done all that was possible for Me to do, to keep you [...] Peace while I live, and to leave you so when I die.

But from so great Prudence and so good Affections as yours can fear nothing of this kind; but do rely upon you all, that y [...] will use your best endeavours to bring this Parliament to a go [...] and happy Conclusion.