May 30, 1654.

[SN:  Preparations for departure.]

The wind continued this morning, as it was last night, easterly, but not sufficing for Whitelocke to go on his voyage.  The Vice-Admiral Clerke coming to Whitelocke, he advised with him touching his voyage, and asked him if he thought the ‘Amarantha’ might with this wind be gotten to the Dollars.  He answered that there could be no assurance thereof, but that possibly it might be so; whereupon Whitelocke replied, that he had a great desire to go down himself to the Dollars, before the news came of the ‘Amarantha’s’ arrival there, because the wind might come good, and within six hours carry them out to the open sea, which, if neglected, might retard their voyage fifteen days or more.  Clerke said that if Whitelocke desired to do so, that he would not advise him to the contrary, but he believed that this might expedite his voyage; only he said that Whitelocke must be content to lie on board the ship till the wind should come fair, because there was no accommodation to be had for him and his company at the Dollars.  Whitelocke said he should be well contented to lie on ship-board, and prayed Clerke to cause boats to be provided for his passage to the Dollars the next day, and ordered his officers and servants to prepare all things in readiness for his departure accordingly.  Wrangel came back this night from Upsal, and several other persons, though very late, having staid the solemnity of the Queen’s resignation and the coronation of the new King, which they related to Whitelocke to be done this day, and in this manner and solemnity.

[SN:  Relation of the ceremony of the Queen’s resignation.]

About nine o’clock this morning the Queen, being attired in her royal apparel and robes of purple velvet, with her crown upon her head, and attended by all her officers and servants, came into the room prepared for that occasion, where was set a table with a rich carpet, and five great cushions laid upon it.  Most of the grandees and officers were present.

Upon one of the cushions was laid the sword of state; upon the second cushion was laid the sceptre; upon the third cushion was laid the ball; and upon the fourth cushion were laid the keys.

The Queen being come into the room, after a little pause made a short speech to the company, to this effect:—­

    “My Lords and Gentlemen,

“You have before this time been acquainted with my resolution to resign the crown and government of this kingdom into the hands of my most dear cousin the Prince, here present with me, upon my earnest request to the Ricksdag, now convened.  After long debates and much solicitation to dissuade me from it, yet at length, though unwillingly, they have assented to this my resolution; and I am now come to put the same in execution before all these honourable witnesses here present; and to you, my most dear cousin, I do heartily wish all