and traitors might have favour in his country; but Whitelocke, knowing
that he was neither employed nor versed in the business of his treaty,
spent the fewer words in answer to his immaterial objections.

[SN: Whitelocke confers with the Queen on the articles.]

In the afternoon, Whitelocke attended the Queen, who excused her not
having conferred with him about his treaty. Whitelocke told her, that,
if it were now seasonable, he had them ready, and they might read them
over together; whereunto she consented, and he read them to her.

She took out a paper of notes, written with her own hand in Latin, her
observations upon the articles.

1. After Whitelocke had read the first article, she said there was
nothing therein which needed explanation.

2. The second, she said, would require consideration, and read out of her
notes the words "communis interesse," which she desired Whitelocke to
explain what was meant by them. He told her those words included matter
of safety and matter of traffic. She then demanded why the Baltic Sea was
named as to free navigation, and not other seas likewise. Whitelocke said
the reason was, because at present navigation was not free in the Baltic
Sea; but if she pleased to have other seas also named, he would consent
to it. She asked if he would consent to freedom of navigation in America.
Whitelocke told her he could not, and that the treaties of the
Commonwealth were comprehended within the bounds of Europe. She asked him
what he thought the Protector would do in case she demanded that liberty.
He said, his Highness would give such an answer as should consist with
the interest of England, and show a due regard to her Majesty.