“On the contrary; I found it eminently diverting, and I very much hope that men of good curiosity from all over Christendom will join together in free discourse. There are many in Spain, as well, who are interested in these matters and I would willingly introduce them to your Society, if you find that agreeable.”
I accepted with pleasure, and made certain I would remember to warn Oldenburg of the danger. Spain is a country which had ruthlessly subjected all enquiry to persecution, and for such a place as this to desire communication with us would have been laughable had it not been so cruel.
“I must say I am glad to make your acquaintance, Dr. Wallis, and even more pleased to have the opportunity of talking to you in private. I have, of course, heard much of you.”
“You surprise me, Your Excellency. I do not know how my name has come to your ears; I did not realize you took an interest in mathematics.”
“I take very little; excellent pursuit though it no doubt is, I have no head for figures at all.”
“That is a pity. I have long believed the purity of mathematical reasoning is the finest training a man might have.”
“In which case, I must own to my deficiencies, for my great interest is canon law. But I did not hear of you for your expertise in algebra. Rather for your skill in the comprehension of codes.”
“I am sure whatever you heard was greatly exaggerated. I have few abilities in that line of work.”
“So great is your reputation as the finest man in the world, that I was wondering whether you might share your knowledge.”
“With whom?”
“With all men of good will, who wish to bring the darkness into light, and ensure the peace of all Christendom.”
“You mean I should write a book about it?”
“Maybe you should,” he said with a smile. “But that would be a long operation, and bring you little reward. More, I wondered whether you might travel to Brussels, and give instruction to some young men of my acquaintance, who would prove, I am sure, to be some of the finest pupils you have ever had. Naturally, this labor would be well rewarded.”
The audacity of the man was astonishing; he slipped so easily and readily into the suggestion, it fell from his lips so normally, that I did not even feel resentment at the proposal. There was, of course, not the slightest chance of my even considering the offer; perhaps he knew that. In my life I have had many such proposals; I have turned them all down. Even good Protestant states I have declined to aid in any way at all, most recently rejecting a hint that I should instruct Mr. Leibniz in my art. I have always been determined that my skill should be my country’s alone, and should not be available to any who might become an antagonist.
“Your offer is as generous as my worth is small,” I replied. “But I fear my university duties are such that I would never be allowed leave to travel.”
“A great pity,” he replied, with no trace at all of surprise or disappointment. “If your circumstances ever change, the offer will undoubtedly be renewed.”
“As you have done me a great honor, I feel obliged to repay your kindness instantly,” I said. “For I must tell you that a plot is afoot by your enemies to besmirch your reputation, by spreading the most scurrilous rumors.”
“And this comes from your work, does it?”
“It comes from different places. I know many people of high standing, and converse frequently with them. Let me tell you frankly, sir, that I feel strongly you should be allowed to defend yourself against idle tittle-tattle. You have not been in this country long enough to understand the power of gossip in a country so ill-used to the discipline of strong and firm government.”
“I am grateful for your concern. Tell me, then. What is this gossip I should concern myself with?”
“It is said that you are no friends of our monarch, and that should misfortune befall him, people would not have to look far to find the source of his troubles.”
De Moledi nodded at these words. “Slander indeed,” he said. “For it is known that our love for your king is complete. Did we not aid him in his exile, when he was cast out and penniless? Provide him and his friends with a home, and money? Risk war with Cromwell because we would not abandon our obligations to him?”
“Few people,” I replied, “remember past goodness. It is in the nature of mankind to think the worst of their fellows.”
“And does a man such as yourself harbor such suspicions?”
“I cannot believe that any man of honor could intend harm to a man so manifestly loved by God,” I said.
“That is true. The great difficulty with lies is that they are hard to contradict, especially when others spread them with malicious intent.”
“They must be contradicted,” I said. “If I may speak plainly?”
He gave his assent.
“Your interest at court, and your friends there, will be hurt by these stories if they are allowed to go unchecked.”
“And you wish to assist me? Forgive me for saying so, but I did not expect such a kindness from a man such as you, whose opinions are well known.”
“I freely admit I have no great love for your country. Many men within it I honor deeply, but your interests and ours must ever be in conflict. I can say the same for France, however. The well-being of England must always lie in ensuring that no foreign country ever attains a predominant position amongst us. That has been the policy of the wisest of our princes for generations, and must continue. When France is strong, we must look to the Habsburgs; when the Habsburgs are strong, we should bolster France.”
“And do you speak for Mr. Bennet as well?”
“I speak for no man but myself. I am a mathematician, a priest, and an Englishman. But I am sure you know the admiration Mr. Bennet has for your country. His position, also, will not be aided by such talk.”
De Moledi stood up, and bowed graciously. “I understand well that you are the sort of man to whom thanks should only be offered in words, and so in words alone do I offer them. I will say only that a different man would go from this room very much the richer for his kindness.”
I wrapped up my warning to de Moledi in no bad advice and, as was my continual habit before my failing eyes made the practice impossible, I wrote down a short account of my meeting with him to aid my memory. I have the note still, and I see that the counsel I gave was practical and wise. I had little expectation that it would be taken, however. The state is like a large ship with a numerous crew; once set on a course, it is difficult to change tack with any speed, even when such an alteration is manifestly sensible.
De Moledi’s response to my conversation was swift, however; far faster and more determined than I had anticipated. The following evening, one of Mr. Bennet’s men came to my house and handed me a letter which informed me that my presence was urgently required.
His standing had increased grandly since our previous meeting, and he wished all to know of his power as Secretary of State for the South. It is unwise even now to compare any man unfavorably with Cromwell, but there was a simplicity about that great bad man which was far more impressive for being totally unpracticed and unfeigned. For Cromwell truly was a great man, the greatest, I believe, this country has ever known. His clarity of mind, his strength and certainty were such that, born to a gentleman’s estate, he made himself a kingdom; had he been born to a kingdom, he would have made himself an empire. He reduced three nations, which perfectly hated him, to entire obedience; governed by an army which wished his ruin, and inspired fear across a continent and beyond. He held the country in his palm yet would often greet a visitor himself, and pour wine with his own hands. He had no need of display, for there was no mistaking his authority. I said this once to Lord Clarendon, and he agreed with my account.