It had expressed his earnest desire for friendship and alliance with the Protector, and for co-operation with him in the defence of the Reformed Religion.

Cromwell now acknowledges the letter and embassy, with high compliments to the Prince personally, of whose merits and labours there had been so much fame.

This leads him at once to the Piedmontese business.

Is not that an opportunity for the co-operation his Serenity had mentioned?
At any rate, it behoves all Protestant princes to be on the alert; for who knows how far the Duke of Savoy's example may spread?
[Footnote 1: Dated so in Skinner Transcript, Printed Collection, and Phillips--with the addition "Westminster" in the first, and "Whitehall" in the two last: no copy given in Morland's book.] (LXII.) TO THE CITY OF GENEVA, _June_ 8, 1655:--This letter announces the collection in progress in England for the relief of the Piedmontese Protestants.

It will take some time to complete the collection; but meanwhile the first instalment of L2000 [Cromwell's personal contribution] is remitted for immediate use.