[[25]] At all these festivities it was the fashion for the company to pelt each other with egg-shells filled with scent.
[[26]] MSS Add. 1026, British Museum.
[[27]] Sir Arthur Hopton's Notebook MS., British Museum, Egerton, 1820.
[[28]] The meaning of this is that nobles and clergy were exempt from the food excise, but all consumers of salt would have to pay the increased price. But, in fact, the excise was not remitted after all.
[[29]] Hopton's MS. Notebook, British Museum.
[[30]] Ibid.
[[31]] Hopton's MS. Notebook, British Museum.
[[32]] Hopton's MS. Letter-book.
[[33]] There is an extremely curious medical report on the health and habits of Carlos in one of Hopton's letters from Madrid, in July 1632. MS. Notebook.
[[34]] This was indeed the crucial time in the fate of the Palatinate. In the contest of ambitions in Germany only a bold course, both towards Spain and the Empire on the part of England, would have been effectual. But poor Frederick at the Court of Gustavus promptly came to understand that whilst his English brother-in-law held aloof from the war he could expect little consideration. At this very period Charles I. was principally interested in adding to his picture gallery. Cottington, writing to Hopton, 10th November (O.S.) 1631, says: "You must tell the Count of Benavente from the King that the copie of the Venus of the Prado is now ready for him, with a picture of his Majesty, if he will give him his St. Philip for them. You must remember to send the King the painted grapes which the poore fellow hath drawn for him." Hopton's MS. Notebook.