Diary, September 1667 | Page 5

desirous to have his
whole time to spend upon the business of the Treasury, and a little for
his own ease, he did desire this of the Duke of York. He assures me that
the kindness with which he goes away from the Duke of York is one of
the greatest joys that ever he had in the world. I used some freedom
with him, telling him how the world hath discoursed of his having
offended the Duke of York, about the late business of the Chancellor.
He do not deny it, but says that perhaps the Duke of York might have
some reason for it, he opposing him in a thing wherein he was so
earnest but tells me, that, notwithstanding all that, the Duke of York
does not now, nor can blame him; for he tells me that he was the man
that did propose the removal of the Chancellor; and that he did still
persist in it, and at this day publickly owns it, and is glad of it; but that
the Duke of York knows that he did first speak of it to the Duke of
York, before he spoke to any mortal creature besides, which was fair
dealing: and the Duke of York was then of the same mind with him,

and did speak of it to the King; though since, for reasons best known to
himself, he was afterwards altered. I did then desire to know what was
the great matter that grounded his desire of the Chancellor's removal?
He told me many things not fit to be spoken, and yet not any thing of
his being unfaithful to the King; but, 'instar omnium', he told me, that
while he was so great at the Council-board, and in the administration of
matters, there was no room for any body to propose any remedy to
what was amiss, or to compass any thing, though never so good for the
kingdom, unless approved of by the Chancellor, he managing all things
with that greatness which now will be removed, that the King may have
the benefit of others' advice. I then told him that the world hath an
opinion that he hath joined himself with my Lady Castlemayne's
faction in this business; he told me, he cannot help it, but says they are
in an errour: but for first he will never, while he lives, truckle under any
body or any faction, but do just as his own reason and judgment directs;
and, when he cannot use that freedom, he will have nothing to do in
public affairs but then he added, that he never was the man that ever
had any discourse with my Lady Castlemayne, or with others from her,
about this or any public business, or ever made her a visit, or at least
not this twelvemonth, or been in her lodgings but when called on any
business to attend the King there, nor hath had any thing to do in
knowing her mind in this business. He ended all with telling me that he
knows that he that serves a Prince must expect, and be contented to
stand, all fortunes, and be provided to retreat, and that that he is most
willing to do whenever the King shall please. And so we parted, he
setting me down out of his coach at Charing Cross, and desired me to
tell Sir W. Pen what he had told me of his leaving the Duke of York's
service, that his friends might not be the last that know it. I took a
coach and went homewards; but then turned again, and to White Hall,
where I met with many people; and, among other things, do learn. that
there is some fear that Mr. Bruncker is got into the King's favour, and
will be cherished there; which will breed ill will between the King and
Duke of York, he lodging at this time in White Hall since he was put
away from the Duke of York: and he is great with Bab. May, my Lady
Castlemayne, and that wicked crew. But I find this denied by Sir G.
Carteret, who tells me that he is sure he hath no kindness from the King;
that the King at first, indeed, did endeavour to persuade the Duke of

York from putting him away; but when, besides this business of his ill
words concerning his Majesty in the business of the Chancellor, he told
him that he hath had, a long time, a mind to put him away for his ill
offices, done between him and his wife, the King held his peace, and
said no more, but wished him to do what he pleased with him; which
was very noble. I met with Fenn; and he tells me, as I