$66 THE JOURNEY OF THE EARL OF NOTTINGHAM, &c.

no will in them, either in care or pains, to give contentment to the whole company of the English. This charge of the King's endured until the return of his Lordship to the ships at St. Anderas, with very little difference, either of meats or service, at any time. Whither, for that the way from the Groyne was by experience found to be both long and ill, his Lordship had formerly directed the ships to go there to abide and stay his return, being indeed not above half the way from Valladolid, in comparison of his journey from the Groyne. Both in our going and return, we might well observe how joyful our coming seemed to the common people, both by their manner of behaviour, which was courteous, as also by their speeches, which were most kind; who, for that they found by experience the ill reports made heretofore of our nation altogether untrue, admiring our civility and good behaviour, being clean contrary to that which had been formerly preached unto them by their churchmen and friars, we received that kind congratulation and usage, that was possible for them to give, and us, as strangers and travellers, to receive. Insomuch as well we observed, as we passed, the country had taken exceeding care to make the ways both easy and pleasing for us to pass, digging down hills in many places, and mending the ways with timber, stones, and earth, no doubt, to their great pains and charge.

By which it most plainly appeared, with what joy and comfort they received the peace generally, manifesting the same as well by their deeds as words; and, no doubt, performed much more thankfulness to their King, for procuring it, than they would make shew of joy to us, for obtaining it.

And yet, what words might express, that might we daily hear; for we might observe, how they preached the same in pulpits, and spake of the same, even in their open plays and interludes, making, as they said, many feasts and joys for the blessed peace.

The bounty of the King in gifts, as well to his Lordship, as to divers other of his followers, together with the great charge his Highness was at, during our abode there, gave us not so good contentment in general, as did the good esteem and behaviour we found in all, from the highest to the meanest, upon every occasion ministered to them to shew the same, either in particular, or in general: His Lordship receiving all very thankfully, and not without a reciprocal shew of his bounty and good-will again, being indeed of his purse not sparing, and (with pardon be it spoken) as liberal, in his degree, as was necessary: Whose carriage and behaviour, during the whole journey, being such, and, upon good intelligence, sufficiently known to his Majesty, who employed him, and by him is both graciously allowed and accepted; he himself hath cause sufficient of gladness, and no other cause of exception in any sort. So, concluding with the blessing of our Saviour, Beati Pacifici, let us pray to Almighty God to make his Majesty as careless of war, as he, from time to time, in his great judgment, shall find peace to be necessary; his people and subjects ever obedient to all his designs and appointments, either in war, or peace; and his Majesty himself blessed with long life, health, and ability to undergo either, as it shall seem best to the Divine Majesty. Amen.

END OF VOL, IF.