after his former application on the subject; but probably, in the multiplicity of business, the matter had been overlooked.  May the Republic of Venice long flourish, and God grant them victories over the Turks to the very end!

(CXIV.) TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY LORDS, THE STATES GENERAL OF THE UNITED PROVINCES, Nov. 1657:—­This is a letter of commendation of the Dutch Ambassador William Nieuport on his temporary return home on private affairs (see ante p. 312).  Through the “several years” of His Highness’s acquaintance with him, he had found him of “such fidelity, vigilance, prudence, and justice, in the discharge of his office” that he could not desire a better Ambassador, or believe their High Mightinesses could find a better one.  He cannot take leave of him, though but for a short time, without saying as much.  Throughout his embassy, his aim had been, “without deceit or dissimulation,” to preserve the peace and friendship that had been established; and, so long as he should be Dutch Ambassador in London, his Highness did not see “what occasion of offence or scruple could rankle or sprout up” between the two States.  At the present juncture he should regret his departure the more if he were not assured that no man would better represent to their High Mightinesses the Protector’s goodwill to them and the condition of things generally.  “May God, for His own glory and the defence of the Orthodox Church, grant prosperity to your affairs and perpetuity to our friendship!”—­In writing this letter, Milton must have remembered Nieuport’s interference in behalf of Morus, for the suppression at the last moment, if possible, of the Defensio Secunda.  He had not quite relished that interference, or the manner of it.  See Vol.  IV, pp. 631-633, and ante p. 202-203.

(CXV.) TO THEIR HIGH MIGHTINESSES THE STATES GENERAL OF THE UNITED PROVINCES, Dec. 1657:—­A fit sequel to the foregoing, for it is the Letter Credential to GEORGE DOWNING, just selected to be his Highness’s Resident at the Hague, and so the counterpart of Nieuport (ante p. 312).  “GEORGE DOWNING,” it begins, “a gentleman of rank, has been for a long time now, by experience of him in many and various transactions, recognised and known by Us as of the highest fidelity, probity, and ability.”  He is, accordingly, recommended in the usual manner; and there is intimation, though not in language so strong as that of Lockhart’s credentials to France, that “communications” with him will be the same as with his Highness personally.  “Communications” only this case, Downing not being a plenipotentiary like Lockhart.[1]

[Footnote 1:  Downing’s father was Emanuel Downing, a settler in Massachusetts, and his mother was a sister of the celebrated Governor John Winthrop.  Though born in this country (in or near Dublin in 1623), their son had grown up in New England, much under the charge of Hugh Peters, who was related to