She tells me that the
Duchesse of Richmond do not yet come to the Court, nor hath seen
the King, nor will not, nor do he own his desire of seeing her;
but hath used means to get her to Court, but they do not take.
15th. This afternoon my Lord Anglesy tells us that it is voted
in Council to have a fleet of 50 ships out: but it is only a
disguise for the Parliament to get some money by; but it will not
take, I believe.
16th. Lord Anglesy tells us again that a fleet is to be set out;
and that it is generally, he hears, said that it is but a Spanish
rhodomontado; and that he saying so just now to the Duke of
Albemarle, who came to town last night (after the thing was
ordered,) he told him a story of two seamen: one wished all the
guns of the ship were his, and that they were silver; and says
the other, "You are a fool, for if you can have it for wishing,
why do you not wish them gold?" "So," says he, "if a
rhodomontado will do any good, why do you not say 100 ships?"
And it is true; for the Dutch and French are said to make such
preparations as 50 sail will do no good.
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