There is a suit against Armani at Leghorn; but Hosier, after going to great expenses, is deterred from appearing there by threats of personal violence.

"We therefore request your Highness both to relieve this oppressed man, and also to restrain the insolence of his adversary, according to your accustomed justice." (CXX.) TO LOUIS XIV.

OF FRANCE, _May_ 26, 1658:[1]--This is a very momentous letter.

It is Cromwell's appeal to the French King in behalf once more of the poor Piedmontese Protestants:--"Most serene and potent King, most august Friend and Ally,--Your Majesty may remember that, at the time when there was treaty between us for the renewing of our League [April 1655]--the highly auspicious nature of which transaction is now testified by many resulting advantages to both nations and much damage to the common enemy--there fell out that miserable massacre of the People of the Valleys, whose cause, forsaken on all hands and sorely beset, we commended, with all ardour of heart and commiseration, to your pity and protection.

Nor do we think that your Majesty, of yourself, was wanting in a duty so pious, nay so human, in as far as, by your authority or by the respect due to your person, you could prevail with the Duke of Savoy.