INVITATION TO A FUNERAL
a tale of Restoration intrigue by
Molly Brown
What Charles signed
Clause 2 of the Secret Treaty of Dover, 1670:
The King of England, being convinced of the truth of the Roman Catholic
religion, is resolved to declare it, and to reconcile himself with the
Church of Rome as soon as the state of his country's affairs permit...
But as there are always unquiet spirits who mask their designs under
the guise of religion... (he) will avail himself of the assistance of
the King of France, who, on his part, promises to pay to the King of
England the sum of two million livres tournois... In addition, the King
of France undertakes to provide, at his own expense, six thousand
troops for the execution of the design.
What Charles told Parliament
I cannot conclude without showing the entire confidence I have in
you. I know you have heard much of my alliance with France; and I
believe it hath been strangely represented to you, as if there
were certain secret Articles of dangerous consequence; but I will
make no difficulty of letting the Treaties and all the Articles
of them, without any the least reserve, to be seen by a small
Committee of both Houses, who may report to you the true scope of
thme; and I assure you, there is no other Treaty with France,
either before or since, not already printed, which shall not be
made known.
It was noted at the time that Charles seemed nervous and fumbled
with his notes.
(c) 1996, 1997 Molly Brown