 Commons; who were all principal Gentlemen, freely picked and culled out
by the People themselves, for their great Abilities, and Love of their Country,
to represent the Wisdom of the whole Nation. And, these two Bodies make up the
most august Assembly in Europe; to whom, in Conjunction with the Prince, the
whole Legislature is committed.
    I then descended to the Courts of Justice, over which the Judges, those
venerable Sages and Interpreters of the Law, presided, for determining the
disputed Rights and Properties of Men, as well as for the Punishment of Vice,
and Protection of Innocence. I mentioned the prudent Management of our Treasury;
the Valour and Atchievements of our Forces by Sea and Land. I computed the
Number of our People, by reckoning how many Millions there might be of each
Religious Sect, or Political Party among us. I did not omit even our Sports and
Pastimes, or any other Particular which I thought might redound to the Honour of
my Country. And, I finished all with a brief historical Account of Affairs and
Events in England for about an hundred Years past.
    This Conversation was not ended under five Audiences, each of several Hours;
and the King heard the whole with great Attention; frequently taking Notes of
what I spoke, as well as Memorandums of what Questions he intended to ask me.
    When I had put an End to these long Discourses, his Majesty in a sixth
Audience consulting his Notes, proposed many Doubts, Queries, and Objections,
upon every Article. He asked, what Methods were used to cultivate the Minds and
Bodies of our young Nobility; and in what kind of Business they commonly spent
the first and teachable Part of their Lives. What Course was taken to supply
that Assembly, when any noble Family became extinct. What Qualifications were
necessary in those who are to be created new Lords: Whether the Humour of the
Prince, a Sum of Money to a Court-Lady, or a Prime Minister; or a Design of
strengthening a Party opposite to the publick Interest, ever happened to be
Motives in those Advancements. What Share of Knowledge these Lords had in the
Laws of their Country, and how they came by it, so as to enable them to decide
the Properties of their Fellow-Subjects in the last Resort. Whether they were
always so free from Avarice, Partialities, or Want, that a Bribe, or some other
sinister View, could have no Place among them. Whether those holy Lords I spoke
of, were constantly promoted to that Rank upon Account of their Knowledge in
religious Matters, and the Sanctity of
