The boundless power which he exercised at the India House enabled him to become a favourite at Whitehall; and the favour which he enjoyed at Whitehall confirmed his power at the India House.

A present of ten thousand guineas was graciously received from him by Charles.

Ten thousand more were accepted by James, who readily consented to become a holder of stock.

All who could help or hurt at Court, ministers, mistresses, priests, were kept in good humour by presents of shawls and silks, birds' nests and atar of roses, bulses of diamonds and bags of guineas.

[166] Of what the Dictator expended no account was asked by his colleagues; and in truth he seems to have deserved the confidence which they reposed in him.
His bribes, distributed with judicious prodigality, speedily produced a large return.