now see I shall be fully contented; and so turning the book all over, leaf by leaf, and perusing it, seeing each chapter interpreted in each language, word for word with English or Latin, he called my lord of Canterbury to the table, who all this while stood somewhat in doubt, what this proof would be; Lo! here is an ample proof and manifestation, wittily contrived; and I am fully satisfied in all things. He could never have done this, but that he is a master of them all. And I am the more glad I raised the doubt; but much more that he hath thus undeniably made a full proof of his rare abilities in every kind. What say you to it, my lord? Who replied, it was far beyond what he should have thought of; and was right glad to see it. So many questions were asked and answered to the king's good liking. The king turning to the rest of the lords, who also took the book and were admiring at it, and spake of it in no small way of commendation, said, We have spent part of our Maundy Thursday1 to good purpose, have we not, my lords, think you? They all replied, they had seen those good things and rarities, that they never did before, nor should see the like, they believed, again for the future. It is very rightly said, said the king. So looking upon Nicholas Ferrar, he willed him, that he should go the next morning to Richmond, and carry the prince the book made for him. And after the holiday, said he, return to

1 April 2, 1640.

my lord of Canterbury; and then you shall know my good approbation of yourself and all you have done; and he shall signify to you my will and pleasure, what I will have you to do, and where you are to go.

121. So dismissing him with a cheerful royal look, the king said to my lord of Canterbury, Alas! what pity is it, that this youth hath not his speech altogether so ready as his pen and great understanding is. For the king had observed, that sometimes at the first bringing out his words he would make a small pause; but once having begun, he spake readily and roundly, as other men did. Sir, said my lord of Canterbury, I conceive that small impediment in his tongue hath been very happy for him. How can you, my lord, make that good? Sir, said he, out of doubt, the small defect in that one tongue hath gained, by the directions of that learned and wise uncle of his, that directed him to the study of all these languages (as finding his great abilities of wit, memory, and industry), the attaining of them, and producing these and the like rare works, that you see, done by him to admiration. So oftentimes God, in His great wisdom and love, turns those things, we account our prejudice, to our greatest happiness, if with pleasure and cheerfulness we undergo them, and to His own further glory. So that neither he nor his parents have cause to grieve at that small defect he hath in his one tongue, that by it hath gained so many more, that make him more eminent, than that one could

have done. For certainly, sir, so many other abilities that are united in the young man had taken and put him upon some other studies, than this of languages, if this small imperfection had not accompanied it: and instead of one mother tongue, he hath gained twenty-four; a full recompense I take it to be. Well, said the king, you have somewhat to the purpose, my lord. Then said my lord of Holland, He should do well to carry always in his mouth some small pebble stones, that would help him much. Nay, nay, said the king, I have tried that', but it helps not. I will tell him the best and surest way is to take good deliberation at first, and not to be too sudden in speech. And let him also learn to

sing, that will do well. Then said one of the lords to Nicholas Ferrar, Do you not learn to sing, and music also? He replied, he did. So humble reverence done, Nicholas Ferrar going away, my lord of Canterbury stepped to Nicholas Ferrar and told him, he must not fail to come to Lambeth, and

1 On Charles's imperfect utterance see Dr. Wordsworth's note. Add from Merc. Brit. 785 (No. 87): "Henceforth then (perhaps) he will be able to speake plaine to his Parliament, and not brand them any more with that S'tammering, crooked, wry-mouth'd Slaunder of Rebels." Cf. ibid. 825 (No. 92). Williams gave offence (in his funeral sermon) by dwelling at length on king James's eloquence, in expressions which might be forborne in the presence of his son and successor, whose impediment in speech was known to be great, and mistook to be greater.”—Fuller, vi. 12. See also Hacket, i. 223.

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call for his letter in the morning, for bishop Duppa, the prince's tutor.

122. This was done next morning; and so in a coach with four horses Nicholas Ferrar went to Richmond, with some other company of his friends. Coming to Richmond, the bishop's secretary acquainted his lord of a letter sent to him by the lord of Canterbury. The bishop was then with the prince, who coming from him, Nicholas Ferrar delivered him the letter. The contents read, he embraced Nicholas Ferrar, who kneeled down to crave his blessing and kiss his hands.

Nicholas

Ferrar was called for to come in to the prince, who gave him his hand to kiss. He presented the book unto him. The prince hastily opened it, saying, Here's a gallant outside: gave it then to the bishop: he read the title page and frontispiece. Then the prince took it, and turning it all over, leaf by leaf, said, Better and better. The courtiers that stood about him, demanded how he liked that rare piece. Well, well, very, said he. It pleaseth me exceedingly; and I wish daily to read in it. So many questions were asked and answered. And the little duke of York, having also seen the book, and fine pictures in it, came to Nicholas Ferrar, and said unto him, Will you not make me also such another fine book? I pray you do it. Nicholas Ferrar replied, his grace should not fail to have one made for him also. But said the duke, How long will it be before I have it? With all good speed, said Nicholas Ferrar. But how long time will that be? I pray

tell the gentlewomen at Gidding I will heartily thank them, if they will dispatch it. (For he had heard Nicholas Ferrar tell the prince, who questioned with him, who bound the book so finely, and made it so neatly and stately, and had laid on all the pictures so curiously; that it was done by the art and hands of his kinswomen at Gidding.) All the courtiers standing by heartily laughed to see the duke's earnestness, who would have no nay; but a promise speedily to have one made for him', like his brother's. The prince at last went to dinner, expressing much joy at his book.

123. The bishop took Nicholas Ferrar by the hand, and with great demonstration of favour led him into a room, where divers young lords were, the duke of Buckingham and others, who sitting down to dinner, the bishop placed Nicholas Ferrar by the table at his side. The bishop demanded many questions at table concerning Gidding, to which he received satisfaction; saying, my lord of Canterbury's letters had informed him of what had passed before the king at White Hall; and of the rare pieces which were shewed the king, whereof he said he hoped one day to have the happiness to see them; and said, This present given the prince was very acceptable, and he made no question but

1 In the margin it is added, "The book which was made and printed for the duke never had opportunity to be presented to his grace. It is yet still at Gidding."