I VVas confident that the whole course of my life, and the warinesse I have learnt by long experience, would have prevented any necessity of making an Apologie, especially to the ho­nourable House of Commons (whereof I am an humble Member) either of my intentions, or actions. But having understood, that I have beene accused by the French Embassadour, to have offe­red to the King of Hungary, in the name of his Majestie, my Master, a league offensive, and defensive against all men; upon conditions of restitution, and reintegration of the second Elector Palatine to his Lands, and dignities: which being in contravention of the League betweene his Majesty, the French King, and the united States, was offensively taken, and therefore reparation required: I have thought it my duty both to his Majesty, and for the justification of my fidelity, and the tender care of my reputation, Wounded in the high Court of Parliament, to desire this Office of frie [...]dship from you, to represent my Answer.

First, That I never re [...]eived any such power, or instruction, from his Majestie my master, nor that any respect could so farre decline me from my duty, to undertake of my selfe to transgresse both my Orders, and against my owne judgment▪ Therefore I must protest, with all reverence to the thrice Christian King, and due respect to his Emdassador, as his represen­tant, and without relation to the command of the one, or obedience of the other: the whole accusation in form, and mat­ter, in substance, and circumstances, is unjust, and in the first inventor false; and against innocency, truth, and faithfull service scandalous.

Jt is very easie to Blot, and Staine the purest innocency: But I am confident in the equity, and wisdom of the House of Commons, that they will not only give credit to my assertion: but that they will so far regard the reputation of one of their Members, as to blot out, and expunge all record, or memory of this imputation, and that they will please to be­lieve, that I both understand my duty, and the present state of the troubled world; and that all my negotiations have prin­cipally respected the honour, and conveniency of my King, and Country, of which I shall render such account, as every ac­cusation shall turne to my advantage.

I will not reflect upon the scope of this complaint against me, knowing well, their wisdome will easily penetrate, that there may lye hid other designes, then to disgrace a private man; but humbly desiring, they will be pleased as far and wide to publish my integrity, as it hath beene defamed, I will no further trouble them, nor You, but rest,