At the same time
the King of France writes to the Emperor, that he is resolved to
do all things to express affection to the Emperor, having it now
in his power to make what peace he pleases between the King of
England and him, and the States of the United Provinces; and
therefore, that he would not have him to concern himself in a
friendship with us; and assures him that on that regard he will
not offer anything to his disturbance in his interest in Flanders
or elsewhere. He writes at the same time to Spain, to tell him
that he wonders to hear of a league almost ended between the
Crown of Spain and England, by my Lord Sandwich, and all without
his privity, while he was making a peace upon what terms he
pleased with England. That he is a great lover of the Crown of
Spain, and would take the King and his affairs during his
minority into his protection, nor would offer to set; his foot in
Flanders or any where else to disturb him; and therefore would
not have him to trouble himself to make peace with any body; only
he hath a desire to offer an exchange, which he thinks may be of
moment to both sides: that is, that he will enstate the King of
Spain in the kingdom of Portugall, and he and the Dutch will put;
him into possession of Lisbon; and that being done, he may have
Flanders: and this, they say, do mightily take in Spain, which
is sensible of the fruitless expence Flanders, so far off, gives
them; and how much better it would be for them to be master of
Portugall: and the King of France offers for security herein
that the King of England shall be bond for him, and that he will
counter-secure the King of England with Amsterdam: and it seems
hath assured our King, that if he will make a league with him, he
will make a peace exclusive to the Hollander.
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