(LV.) TO THE EVANGELICAL SWISS CANTONS, May 25, 1655[1]:—­His Highness in this letter recapitulates the facts at some length, and expresses his conviction that the Cantons, so much nearer the scene of the horrors, are already duly roused.  He informs them that he has written to the Duke of Savoy and hopes the intercession may have effect; but adds, “If, however, he should determine otherwise, we are prepared to exchange counsels with you on the subject of the means by which we may be able most effectively to relieve, re-establish, and save from certain and undeserved ruin, an innocent people oppressed and tormented by so many injuries, they being also our dearest brothers in Christ."[2]

[Footnote 1:  So dated in the official copy as dispatched, and as printed in Morland’s book, pp. 581-562; but draft dated “Westmonasterio, May 19, 1655” in the Skinner Transcript, the Printed Collection, and Phillips.]

[Footnote 2:  One of the phrases in this letter about the poor Piedmontese Protestants is “nunc sine tare, sine teoto, ... per monies desertos atque nives, cum conjugibus ac liberis, miserrime vagantur.”  The phrase occurs almost verbatim in Morland’s speech to the Duke of Savoy—­“sine lare, sine tecto ... cum suis conjugibus ac liberis vagari.”]

(LVI.) TO CHARLES GUSTAVUS, KING OF SWEDEN, May 25, 1655:—­To the same effect as the last, mutatis mutandis.  What sovereign can be more ready to stir in such a cause than his Swedish majesty, the successor of those who have been champions of the Protestantism of Europe?  Gladly will the Protector form a league with him and with other powers to do whatever may be necessary.

  (LVII.) TO THE KING OF DENMARK, May 25, 1655:[1]—­An appeal in the
  same strain to his Danish Majesty:  phraseology varied a little, But
  matter the same.

[Footnote 1:  This and the last both so dated in official copy as printed in Morland’s book, pp. 554-557; dated only “May 1655” in Skinner Transcript, Printed Collection, and Phillips.]

(LVIII.) TO LOUIS XIV., KING OF FRANCE, May 25, 1655:[1]—­The story recapitulated for the benefit of his French Majesty, with the addition that it is reported that some troops of his Majesty had assisted the Piedmontese soldiery in the attack on the Vaudois.  This the Protector can hardly believe:  it would be so much against that policy of Toleration which the Kings of France have found essential for the peace of their own dominions.  The Protector cannot doubt, at all events, that his Majesty will use his powerful influence with the Duke of Savoy to induce him at once, as far as may be possible, to repair the outrageous wrong already done.

[Footnote 1:  This Letter is omitted in the Printed Collection and in Phillips; but it is given in the Skinner Transcript (No. 38 there), and Mr. Hamilton has printed it in his Milton Papers (p. 2).  It had already been printed in Morland’s book (pp. 564-565).]