Bulstrode Whitelocke's diary entry, dated August 25/September 4 (Old Style), 1653

Source:

A journal of the Swedish ambassy, in the years M.DCC.LIII. and M.DCC.LIV., volume 1, page 3, Bulstrode Whitelocke, published in 1772; original at the National Library of the Netherlands (Het Koninklijke Bibliotheek)

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=FfhdAAAAcAAJ

The diary entry:

Letters were written this day by Whitelocke to Earle, that if he heard any thing further touching the buisnes of Sweden, he should informe his master thereof: yett not to be inquisitive about it, nor to speake with any of the councell (except Sir Charles Oulsey) concerning it; least therby, the buisnes might be reminded and revived, which Whitelocke much rather desired, as to himselfe, might for ever dye and be forgotten.

The cautions which he gave to his old servant were fully and punctually observed by him; and, the longer it was before Whitelocke heard further touching this buisnes, the more his hopes were increased that he might have the good fortune never to heare more of it.

With modernised spelling:

Letters were written this day by Whitelocke to Earle that if he heard anything further touching the business of Sweden, he should informe his master thereof; yet not to be inquisitive about it, nor to speak with any of the Council (except Sir Charles Oulsey) concerning it, lest thereby the business might be reminded and revived, which Whitelocke much rather desired, as to himself, might forever die and be forgotten.

The cautions which he gave to his old servant were fully and punctually observed by him; and the longer it was before Whitelocke heard further touching this business, the more his hopes were increased that he might have the good fortune never to hear more of it.

Above: Bulstrode Whitelocke.