to the beginning of our late differences with Holland; in which his Majesties title to the Dominion of the Sea is asserted against the Novel and later Pretenders_.

(1674).

His own account of the stoppage of the work is given in the diary for 19th August 1674,--'His Majesty told me how exceedingly the Dutch were displeas'd at my treatise of the "Historie of Commerce;" that the Holland Ambassador had complain'd to him of what I had touch'd of the Flags and Fishery, etc., and desired the booke might be call'd in; whilst on the other side he assur'd me he was exceedingly pleas'd with what I had done, and gave me many thanks.

However, it being just upon conclusion of the treaty of Breda (indeed it was design'd to have been publish'd some moneths before and when we were at defiance), his Majesty told me he must recall it formally, but gave order that what copies should be publiqly seiz'd to pacifie the Ambassador, should immediately be restor'd to the printer, and that neither he nor the vendor should be molested.

The truth is, that which touch'd the Hollander was much lesse than what the King himself furnish'd me with, and oblig'd me to publish, having caus'd it to be read to him before it went to the presse; but the error was, it should have been publish'd before the peace was proclaim'd.