My Lords and Gentlemen,

I Think it fit, after so long absence, at this first occasion, to speak a few words unto you, but it is no wayes in answer to Master Speakers learned Speech: Albeit I have staid longer then I expected [Page 2] to have done when I went away, yet in this I have kept my promise with you, that I have made all the haste back again, that the setling of my Scotch affairs could any wayes permit, in which I have had so good successe, that I will confident­ly affirm to you, that I have left that Nation a most peaceable and contented People; so that although I have a little misreckoned in time, yet I was not deceived in my end.

But if I have deceived your ex­pectations a little in the time of my return, yet I am assured that my expectation is as much and more deceived in the condition wherein I hoped to have found businesses at my return. For since that before my going I setled the Liberties of [Page 3] my Subjects, and gave the Lawes a free and orderly course, I expected to have found my People reaping the fruits of these benefits, by living in quietnesse, and satisfaction of minde: But in stead of this, I finde them disturbed with Jealou­sies, Frights, and Alarms of dan­gerous Designes and Plots; in con­sequence of which, Guards have been set to defend both Houses: I say not this as in doubt that my Subjects affections are any way les­ned to me in this time of my ab­sence, for I cannot but remember, to my great comfort, the joyfull re­ception I had now at my entry in­to London, but rather as I hope that my presence will easily disperse these fears. For I bring as perfect [Page 4] and true affections to my people as ever Prince did, or as good Sub­jects can possibly desire. And I am so far from repenting me of any Act I have done this Session for the good of my people, that I pro­test, if it were to do again I would do it, and will yet grant what else can be justly desired for satisfaction in point of Liberties, or in mainte­nance of the true Religion that is here established.

Now I have but one Particular to recommend unto you at this time, It is Ireland, for which though I doubt not your care, yet me thinks the preparations for it go but slowly on. The occasion is the fitter for me now to mention it, because of the arrivall of two Lords [Page 5] from Scotland, who come instru­cted from my Councel there (who now by Act of Parliament have full power for that purpose) to an­swer that Demand which it pleased both Houses to make me by way of Petition, that met me at Bar­wick, and which the Duke of Rich­mont sent back by my Command to my Scotch-Councel: Therefore my desire is, That both Houses would appoint a select Committee to end this businesse with these Noblemen. I must conclude in telling you, that I seek my peoples happinesse, for their flourishing is my greatest glory, and their affe­ctions my greatest strength.