take it, and from me only the advice to perform a subject and as he that took once the oath of diffident, or indeed almost indifferent how it suc-next, which, in mine own opinion, is better than it. If you part not speedily with it, you may defer the good, which is approaching near you, and disappointing other aims, (which must either shortly receive content, or never,) perhaps anew yield matter of discontent, though you may be indeed as innocent as before. Make the treasurer believe, that since the marquis will by no means accept of it, and that you must part with it, you are more willing to pleasure him than anybody else, because you are given to understand my lord marquis so inclines; which inclination, if the treasurer shortly send unto you about it, desire may be more clearly manifested, than as yet it hath been; since, as I remember, none hitherto hath told you in terminis terminantibus, that the marquis desires you should gratify the treasurer. I know that way the hare runs; and that my lord marquis longs until Cranfield hath it; and so I wish too, for your good, yet would not it were absolutely passed, until my lord marquis did send, or write, unto you, to let him have it; for then, his so disposing of it were but the next degree removed from the immediate acceptance of it, and your lordship freed from doing it otherwise than to please him, and to comply with his own will and way. I have no more to say, but that I am, and ever will be Your lordship's most affectionate friend and humble servant, E. SACKVILLE. Endorsed, Received the 11th of May, 1622. counsellor, to make known to your lordship an advertisement which came to me this morning. A gentleman, a dear friend of mine, whom your lordship cannot but imagine, though I name him not, told me thus much, that some English priests that negotiated at Rome to facilitate the dispensation, did their own business, (that was his phrase;) for they negotiated with the pope to erect some titulary bishops for England, that might ordain, and have other spiritual faculties; saying withal most honestly, that he thought himself bound to impart this to some counsellor, both as a loyal subject, and as a Catholic; for that he doubted it might be a cause to cross the graces and mercies which the Catholics now enjoy, if it be not prevented: and he asked my advice, whether he should make it known to your lordship, or to my lord keeper,* when he came back to London. I commended his loyalty and discretion, and wished him to address himself to your lordship, who might communicate it with my lord keeper, if you saw cause, and that he repaired to your lordship presently, which he resolved to do. Nevertheless, I did not think mine own particular duty acquitted, except I certified it also myself, borrowing so much of private friendship in a cause of state, as not to tell him I would do so much. Endorsed, My letter to my lord marquis, touching the business of estate advertised by Mr. Matthew.† TO THE LORD VISCOUNT ST. ALBAN. MY MOST HONOURED LORD, I come in these to your lordship with the voice of thanksgiving for the continuance of your accustomed noble care of me and my good, which overtakes me, I find, whithersoever I go. But for the present itself, (whereof your lordship writes,) whether or no it be better than that I was wont to bring your lordship, the end only can prove. For I have yet no more to show for it than good words, of which many times I brought your lordship good store. But because modicefideans were not made to thrive in court, I mean to lose no time from assailing my lord marquis, for which purpose I am now hovering about New-hall, where his lordship is expected (but not the king) this day, or to-morrow: which place, as your * Dr. Williams, Bishop of Lincoln. + The date of this letter may be pretty nearly determined by one of the lord keeper to the Marquis of Buckingh m, dated August 23, 1622, and printed in the Cabala. The postscript to that letter is as follows: "The Spanish ambassador took the alarm very speedily of the titulary Roman bishop; and before my departure from his house at Islington, whither I went privately to him, did write both to Rome and Spain to prevent it. But I am afraid that Tobie will prove but an apocryphal, and no canonical, intelligencer, acquainting the state with this project for the Jesuits' rather than for Jesus's sake." ‡ In Essex. N lordship adviseth, may not be ill chosen for my business. For, if his lordship be not very thick of hearing, sure New-hall will be heard to speak for me. And now, my good lord, if any thing make me memorial to my lord treasurer: that your lordship offered, and received, and presented my petition to the king, and procured me a reference: that your lordship moved his majesty, and obtained for me access to him, against his majesty comes ceeds, it is this; that my sole ambition having ever been, and still is, to grow up only under your lordship, it is become preposterous, even to my nature and habit, to think of prospering, or receiving any growth, either without or besides your lordship. And, therefore, let me claim of your lordship to do me this right, as to believe that which my heart says, or rather swears to me, namely, that what addition soever, by God's good providence, comes at any time to my life or fortune, it is, in my account, but to enable me the more to serve your lordship in both; at whose feet I shall ever humbly lay down all that I have, or am, never to rise thence other than Your lordship's in all duty September 11, 1622. and reverent affections, T. MEAUTYS. if it had been now, and will be a great comfort to me, though I should die next day after: that your lordship gave me so good English for my Latin book. My humble request is, at this time, that because my lord treasurer keepeth yet his answer in suspense, (though by one he useth to me, he speaketh me fair,) that your lordship would nick it with a word for if he do me good, I doubt it may not be altogether of his own. God ever prosper you. Your lordship's most bounden 4th of November, 1622. and faithful servant, FR. ST. ALBAN. TO THE LORD VISCOUNT ST. ALBAN. MY MOST HONOURED LORD, Since my last to your lordship, I find by Mr. TO THE COUNTESS OF BUCKINGHAM, MOTHER Johnson, that my lord treasurer is not twice in TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY HONOURABLE GOOD LADY, a Your ladyship's late favour and noble usage towards me were such, as I think your absence great part of my misfortunes. And the more I find my most noble lord, your son, to increase in favour towards me, the more out of my love to him, I wish he had often by him so loving and wise a mother. For if my lord were never so wise, as wise as Solomon; yet, I find, that Solomon himself, in the end of his Proverbs, sets down a whole chapter of advices that his mother taught him. Madam, I can but receive your remembrance with affection, and use your name with honour, and intend you my best service, if I be able, ever resting Your ladyship's humble and affectionate servant, FR. ST. ALBAN. Bedford House, this 29th of October, 1622. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD LORD, I have many things to thank your lordship for, since I had the happiness to see you; that your lordship, before your going out of town, sent my * Mary, daughter of Anthony Beaumont, a younger son of William Beaumont of Cole-Orton, in Leicestershire. She was thrice married: 1, to Sir George Villiers, father of the Duke of Buckingham; 2, to Sir William Rayner; and, 3, to Sir Thomas Compton, Knight of the Bath, a younger brother of William, Earl of Northampton. She was created Countess of Buckingham, July 1, 1618; and died April 19, 1632. one mind, or Sir Arthur Ingram not twice in one tale. For, Sir Arthur, contrary to his speech but yesterday with me, puts himself now, as it seems, in new hopes to prevail with my lord treasurer for your lordship's good and advantage, by a proposition sent by Mr. Johnson, for the altering of your patent to a new mould, more safe than the other, which he seemed to dissuade, as I wrote to your lordship. I like my lord treasurer's heart to your lordship, so much every day worse than other, especially for his coarse usage of your lordship's name in his last speech, as that I cannot imagine he means you any good. And, therefore, good my lord, what directions you shall give herein to Sir Arthur Ingram, let them be as safe ones as you can think upon; and that your lordship surrender not your old patent, till you have the new under seal, lest my lord keeper should take toy, and stop it there. And I know your lordship cannot forget they have such a savage word among them as fleecing. God in heaven bless your lordship from such hands and tongues; and then things will mend of themselves. Your lordship's, in all humbleness, This Sunday morning. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD LORD, I find my lord treasurer, after so many days and appointments, and such certain messages and pro mises, doth but mean to coax me, (it is his own Your lordship's most bounden Bedford House, this Endorsed, which I will endeavour, upon all opportunities, poor friend and servant, Westminster College, this 7th of Feb., 1622. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. Though your lordship's absence* fall out in an ill time for myself; yet, because I hope in God this noble adventure will make your lordship a To Buckingham, about Lord Treasurer Cranfield's rich return in honour, abroad and at home, ana using of him. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. EXCELLENT LORD, I perceive this day by Mr. Comptroller,* that I live continually in your lordship's remembrance and noble purposes concerning my fortunes, as well for the comfort of my estate, as for countenancing me otherwise by his majesty's employments and graces; for which I most humbly kiss your hands, leaving the times to your good lordship; which, considering my age and wants, I assure myself your lordship will the sooner take into your care. And for my house at Gorhambury, I do infinitely desire your lordship should have it; and howsoever I may treat, I will conclude with none, till I know your lordship's farther pleasure, ever resting Your lordship's obliged Bedford House, this 5th of Feb. 1622.† FR. ST. ALBAN. TO THE LORD VISCOUNT ST. ALBAN. MY VERY GOOD LORD, I have received by this bearer, the privy seal for the survey of coals, which I will lay aside, until I shall hear farther from my Lord Steward, and the rest of the lords. I am ready to do as much as your lordship desireth, in keeping Mr. Cottons off from the violence of those creditors: only himself is, as yet, wanting in some particular directions. I heartily thank your lordship for your book; and all other symbols of your love and affection, * Henry Cary, Viscount Falkland. chiefly in the inestimable treasure of the love and trust of that thrice-excellent prince; I confess I am so glad of it, as I could not abstain from your lordship's trouble in seeing it expressed by these few and hasty lines. I beseech your lordship, of your nobleness vouchsafe to present my most humble duty to his highness, who, I hope, ere long will make me leave King Henry the Eighth, and set me on work in relation of his highness's adventures. I very humbly kiss your lordship's hands, resting ever Upon the repair of my Lord of Rochford unto your lordship, whom I have ever known so fast and true a friend and servant unto you; and who knows likewise so much of my mind and affection towards your lordship, I could not but kiss your lordship's hands, by the duty of these few lines. My lord, I hope in God, that this your noble adventure will make you a rich return, especially in the inestimable treasure of the love and trust of that twice-excellent prince. And although, to a man that loves your lordship so dearly as I do, and knows somewhat of the world, it cannot be, but that in my thoughts there should arise many fears, or shadows of fears, concerning so rare an accident; yet, nevertheless, I believe well, that this your lordship's absence will rather be a glass unto you, to show you many things, whereof you may make use hereafter, than otherwise any hurt or hazard to your fortunes; which God grant. For myself, I am but a man desolate till your return, and have taken a course accordingly. Vouchsafe, of your nobleness, to remember my most humble † Two days before, the Marquis of Buckingham set out duty to his highness. And so God, and his holy privately with the prince, for Spain. 1 Duke of Lenox. Probably the surety of Lord Bacon for the debt to Harrys angels guard you, both going and coming. the goldsmith, mentioned in his lordship's letter of May 30, 1622 * In Spain. TO SIR FRANCIS COTTINGTON, SECRETARY TO GOOD MR. SECRETARY, Though I wrote so lately unto you, by my Lord Rochford; yet, upon the going of my Lord Vaughan, the prince's worthy and trusty servant, and my approved friend, and your so near ally, I could not but put this letter into his hand, commending myself and my fortunes unto you. You know the difference of obliging men in prosperity and adversity, as much as the sowing upon a pavement and upon a furrow new made. Myself for quiet, and the better to hold out, am retired to Gray's Inn:† for when my chief friends were gone so far off, it was time for me to go to a cell. God send us a good return of you all. I ever rest, &c. My humble service to my lord marquis, to whom I have written twice. I would not cloy him. My service also to the Count Gondomar, and Lord of Bristol. Endorsed, TO MR. SECRETARY CONWAY. GOOD MR. SECRETARY, When you did me the honour and favour to visit me, you did not only in general terms express your love unto me, but, as a real friend, asked me whether I had any particular occasion, wherein I might make use of you? At that time I had none: now there is one fallen. It is, that Mr. Thomas Murray, Provost of Eton, (whom I love very well,) is like to die. It were a pretty cell for my fortune. The college and school, I do not doubt, but I shall make to flourish. His majesty, when I waited on him, took notice of my wants, and said to me, that, as he was a king, he would have care of me: this is a thing somebody would have, and costs his majesty nothing. I have written two or three words to his majesty, which I would pray you to deliver. I have not expressed this particular to his majesty, but referred it to your relation. My most noble friend, the marquis, is now absent. Next to him I could not think of a better address than to yourself, as one To Mr. Secretary, Sir Francis Cottington, March likest to put on his affection. I rest 22, 1622. TO THE KING. IT MAY PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY, Now that my friend is absent, (for so I may call him still, since your majesty, when I waited on you, told me, that fortune made no difference,) your majesty remaineth to me king, and master, and friend, and all. Your beadsman therefore addresseth himself to your majesty for a cell to retire into. The particular I have expressed to my very friend, Mr. Secretary Conway. This help, which costs your majesty nothing, may reserve me to do your majesty service, without being chargeable unto you; for I will never deny but my desire to serve your majesty is of the nature of the heart, that will be ultimum moriens with me. God preserve your majesty, and send you a good return of the treasure abroad, which passeth all Indian fleets. Your majesty's most humble Your honour's very affectionate friend, Gray's Inn, the 25th of March, 1623. Finding so trusty a messenger as Sir John Epsley, I thought it my duty to put these few lines into his hands. I thank God, that those shadows, which either mine own melancholy, or my extreme love to your lordship, did put into my mind concerning this voyage of the prince and your lordship, rather vanish and diminish than otherwise. The gross fear is past of the passage of France. I think you had the ring which they write of, that, when the seal was turned to the palm of the hand, made men go invisible. Neither do I hear of any novelty here worth the esteeming. There is a general opinion here that your lordship is like enough to return, and go again, before the prince come: which opinion, whether the business lead you to do so, or no, doth no hurt; for it keeps men in awe. I find, I thank God, some glimmering of the * He was son and heir of Walter Vaughan, of Golden Grove, in Caermarthenshire, Esq.; and was created Lord Vaughan, in the year 1620. The Lord St. Alban, after he was delivered from his confinement in the Tower, was permitted to stay at Sir John Vaughan's house, at Parson's Green, near Fulham. + In a MS. letter of Mr. Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton, dated at London, March 8, 1622-3, is the following passage: "The Lord of St. Alban is in his old remitter, and came to lie in his old lodgings in Gray's Inn; which is the fulfilling of a prophecy of one Locke, a familiar of his, of the same house, that knew him intus et in cute: who, seeing him go thence in pomp, with the great seal before him, said to divers of his friends, we shall live to have him here again." Mr. Thomas Murray, the provost of that college, having been cut for the stone, died April 1, 1623. * To this letter Secretary Conway wrote an answer, acquainting the Lord Viscount St. Alban, that the king could not value his lordship so little, or conceive that he limited his desires so low; in which, however, he should have been gratified, had not the king been engaged, by the Marquis of Buckingham, for Sir William Becher, his agent in France.See Account of the Life of Lord Bacon, p. 26, prefixed to the edition of his Letters, Memoirs, &c., by Robert Stephens, Esq. The Duke of Buckingham himself, likewise, after his return from Spain, in a letter to the Lord Viscount St. Alban, dated at Hinchinbrook, October 27, 1623, expresses his concern that he could do his lordship no service in that affair, "having engaged myself," says he, "to Sir William Becher, before my going into Spain; so that I cannot free myself, unless there were means to give him satisfaction." king's favour, which your lordship's noble work of my access, no doubt, did chiefly cherish. I am much bound to Mr. Secretary Conway. It is wholly for your lordship's sake, for I had no acquaintance with him in the world. By that I see of him, he is a man fit to serve a great king, and fit to be a friend and servant to your lordship. Good my lord, write two or three words to him, both of thanks, and a general recommendation of me unto him. Vouchsafe, of your nobleness, to present my most humble duty to his highness. We hear he is fresh in his person, and becomes this brave journey in all things. God provide all things for the best. I ever rest, &c. Endorsed-March 30, 1623. TO MR. SECRETARY CONWAY. GOOD MR. SECRETARY, I am much comforted by your last letter, wherein I find that his majesty, of his mere grace and goodness, vouchsafeth to have a care of me, a man out of sight, out of use; but yet his, as the Scripture saith, God knows those that are his. In particular, I am very much bound to his majesty (and I pray you, sir, thank his majesty most humbly for it) that, notwithstanding the former designment of Sir William Becher,* his majesty (as you write) is not out of hope, in due time, to accommodate me of this cell, and to satisfy him otherwise. Many conditions, no doubt, may be as contenting to that gentleman, and his years may expect them. But there will hardly fall, especially in the spent hourglass of my life, any thing so fit for me, being a retreat to a place of study so near London, and where (if I sell my house at Gorhambury, as I purpose to do, to put myself in some convenient plenty) I may be accommodated of a dwelling for summer time. And, therefore, good Mr. Secretary, further this his majesty's good intention, by all means, if the place fall. For yourself, you have obliged me much. I will endeavour to deserve it: at least your nobleness is never lost; and my noble friend, the marquis, I know, will thank you for it. I was looking of some short papers of mine touching usury,* to grind the teeth of it, and yet make it grind to his majesty's mill in good sort, without discontentment or perturbation. If you think good, I will send it to his majesty, as the fruit of my leisure. But yet, I would not have it come from me, not for any tenderness in the thing, but because I know, in courts of princes, it is usual, non res, sed displicet auctor. God keep your honour, &c. Endorsed, To Mr. Secretary Conway, touching the provostship of Eton, March 31, 1623. TO THE EARL OF BRISTOL, AMBASSADOR IN SPAIN. MY VERY GOOD LORD, Though I have written to your lordship lately, yet I could not omit to put a letter into so good a hand as Mr. Matthew's, being one that hath often made known unto me how much I am beholden to your lordship; and knoweth, likewise, in what estimation I have ever had your lordship, not according to your fortunes, but according to your inward value. Therefore, not to hold your lordship in this time of so great business, and where I have so good a mean as Mr. Matthew, who, if there be any thing that concerns my fortune, can better express it than myself, I humbly commend myself, and my service to your lordship, resting, &c. TO MR. TOBIE MATTHEW. GOOD MR. MATTHEW, Because Mr. Clarke is the first that hath been sent since your departure, who gave me also the comfortable news, that he met you well, I could not but visit you with my letters, who have so often visited me with your kind conferences. My health, I thank God, is better than when you left me; and, to my thinking, better than be * Sir William had not, however, that post, but, in lieu of it, the promise of two thousand five hundred pounds, upon the fall of the first of the six clerks' places, and was permitted to keep his clerkship of the council.-MS. Letter of Mr. Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton, dated at London, July 24, 1624. The provostship was given to Sir Henry Wotton, who was instituted into it the 26th of that month, having purchased it by a surrender of a grant of the reversion of the mastership of the rolls, and of another office, which was fit to be turned into present money, which he then, and afterwards, much wanted: [Life ofhim by Mr. Isaac Walton:] for, when he went to the election at Eton, soon after his being made provost, he was so ill provided, that the fellows of the college were obliged to furnish his bare walls, and whatever else was wanting.-MS. Letter of Mr. Chamberlain, Aug. 7, 1624. * In his works is published, A Draught of an Act against an usurious Shift of Gain in delivering of Commodities instead of Money. |