_Wh._ You are pleased to express a great honour and esteem for my Lord Protector and for his servant, whereof I shall not fail, by any service in my power, to make acknowledgment to your Excellence.
There were many other compliments and discourses between them; and the Senator fell into a relation of Russia, where he had been, and of the Great Duke's bringing at one time into the field an army of 200,000 men, divided into three parties, whereof one part fell upon Poland, and had lately taken divers considerable places in that kingdom; and much more he spake of this exploit, which is omitted.
Whitelocke was somewhat surprised by the carriage of Senator Schütt to him yesterday, and with his freedom of discourse, which showed him either to be a courtier and versed in the art of simulation, or the reports made of him to Whitelocke to be untrue. Now he seemed clearly for the league with England; before, he expressed himself against it; now he showed civility and respect to Whitelocke and to his superiors; before, he spake disdainfully of them and their affairs.
But an ambassador must hear and see many things, and yet take no notice of them; must court an enemy to become a friend, as he believed he had done to Schütt, who, after acquaintance between him and Whitelocke, became very friendly. But Whitelocke held it requisite to keep at somewhat more distance with him than with others, because he had been informed that there was not much of kindness between the Chancellor and this gentleman, which was confirmed by discourse this day with Lagerfeldt.
_Lagerfeldt._ I entreat your Excellence's excuse for my long absence, which hath been occasioned by an employment lately bestowed on me by her Majesty, which takes up my time in the discharge of it.
_Whitelocke._ I do congratulate the honour and favour of the Queen towards you, in this part of a reward for your good service in England, whereof I was a witness and have affirmed it to her Majesty. What is the office she hath given you?
_Lag._ It is the Vice-President of the College of Trade.
_Wh._ I suppose the office is profitable as well as honourable.
_Lag._ A competent salary is annexed to the office, and with us no person doth serve in any office or public employment, but he hath a salary for it from the State.