Sidebilder
PDF
ePub

TO SIR FRANCIS COTTINGTON, SECRETARY TO
THE PRINCE.

GOOD MR. SECRETARY,

[ocr errors]

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

March 25, 1623.

and devoted servant,

Endorsed,

FR. ST. ALBAN.

To the king, touching the Provostship of Eton.‡ *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.

[ocr errors]

Your honour's very affectionate friend,
FR. ST. ALBAN.*

Gray's Inn, the 25th of March, 1623.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM, IN SPAIN.

EXCELLENT Lord,

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

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, whic. 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 But there will hardly fall, may expect them. 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.

I

For yourself, you have obliged me much. 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.

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, The provostship was given to Sir Henry Wotton, who was instituted into it the 26th of that month,

July 24, 1621.

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:]

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, If you without discontentment or perturbation. 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.

[blocks in formation]

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

for, when he went to the election at Eton, soon after his you left me; and, to my thinking, better than be

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, 1621.

* In his works is published, A Draught of an Act against an usurious Shift of Gain in delivering of Commodities instead of Money.

N 2

[blocks in formation]

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM. EXCELLENT LORD,

I write now only to congratulate with your grace your new honour;* which, because I reckon to be no great matter to your fortune, (though you are the first English duke that hath been created since I was born,) my compliment shall be the shorter. So, having turned almost my hopes of your grace's return by July, into wishes, and not to them neither, if it should be any hazard to your health, I rest, &c.

Vouchsafe, of your nobleness, to present my most humble duty to his highness. Summer is a thirsty time; and sure I am, I shall infinitely thirst to see his highness's and your grace's

return.

[blocks in formation]

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM, IN SPAIN. EXCELLENT Lord,

I humbly thank your grace for your letter of the 29th of May; and that your grace doth believe that no man is gladder of the increase of your honour and fortune than I am; as, on the other part, no man should be more sorry, if it should in the least degree decline, nor more careful, if it should so much as labour. But, of the first, I speak as of a thing that is: but, for the two latter, it is but a case put, which I hope I shall never see. And, to be plain with your grace, I am not a little comforted to observe, that, although in common sense and experience a man would have doubted that some things might have sorted to your prejudice; yet, in particulars we find nothing of it. For, a man might reasonably have feared that absence and discontinuance might have lessened his majesty's favour; no such thing has followed. So, likewise, that any that might not wish you well, should have been bolder with you. But all is continued in good compass. Again, who might not have feared, that your grace being there to manage, in great part, the most important business of Europe, so far from the king, and not strengthened with advice there, except that of the prince himself, and thus to deal with so politic a state as Spain, you should be able to go through

Duke of BUCKINGHAM TO THE LORD VISCOUNT as you do? and yet nothing, as we hear, but for

MY GOOD LORD,

ST. ALBAN.

I have received your hearty congratulation for the great honour, and gracious favour which his majesty hath done me : and I do well believe, that no man is more glad of it than yourself.

Tobie Matthew is here; but what with the journey, and what with the affliction he endures, to find, as he says, that reason prevails nothing with these people, he is grown extreme lean, and looks as sharp as an eyas. † Only, he comforts himself with a conceit, that he is now gotten on the other side of the water, where the same reason that is valuable in other parts of the world, is of no validity here; but rather something else, which yet he hath not found out

I have let his highness see the good expressions of your lordship's care, and faithful affection to

The title of duke, comerred on him May, 1623. A young hawk, just taken out of the nest.

your honour, and that you do your part. Surely, my lord, though your virtues be great, yet these things could not be, but that the blessing of God, which is over the king and the prince, doth likewise descend upon you as a faithful servant; and you are the more to be thankful to God for it.

I humbly thank your grace, that you make me live in his highness's remembrance, whom I shall ever bear a heart to honour and serve. And I much joy to hear of the great and fair reputation which at all hands are given him.

For Mr. Matthew, I hope by this time he hath gathered up his crumbs; which importeth much, I assure your grace, if his cure must be, either by finding better reason on that side the line, or by discovering what is the motion, that moveth the wheels, that, if reason do not, we must all pray for his being in good point. But, in truth, my

The Duke of Buckingham went to Spain, February 1623, and returned in September.

lord, I am glad he is there; for I know his virtues, | mise for a compliment. But since you call for it, and particularly his devotion to your lordship.

God return his highness, and your grace, unto us safe and sound, and according to your heart's desires.

TO MR. TOBIE MATTHEW.

GOOD MR. MATTHEW,

I have received your letter of the 10th of June,* and am exceeding glad to hear you are in so good health. For that which may concern myself, I neither doubt of your judgment in choosing the fittest time, nor of your affection in taking the first time you shall find fit. For the public business, I will not turn my hopes into wishes yet, since you write as you do; and I am very glad you are there, and, as I guess, you went in good time to his lordship.

For your action of the case, it will fall to the ground; for I have not heard from the duke, neither by letter, nor message, at this time.

God keep you. I rest always
Your most affectionate and faithful servant,
FR. ST. ALBAN.

Gray's Inn, 17th of June, 1623.

I shall perform it.*

I am much beholden to Mr. Gage for many expressions of his love to me; and his company, in itself very acceptable, is the more pleasing to me, because it retaineth the memory of yourself.

This letter of yours, of the 26th, lay not so long by you, but it hath been as speedily answered by me, so as with Sir Francis Cottington I have had no speech since the receipt of it. Your former letters, which I received from Mr. Griesley, I had answered before, and put my letter into a good hand.

For the great business, God conduct it well. Mine own fortune hath taught me expectation. God keep you.

Endorsed,

To Mr. Matthew, into Spain.

TO MR. TOBIE MATTHEW.

GOOD MR. MATTHEW,

I have received your letter, sent by my Lord of Andover; and, as I acknowledged your care, so I cannot fit it with any thing, that I can think on for myself; for, since Gondomar, who was my voluntary friend, is in no credit, neither with the prince, nor with the duke, I do not see what may

I do hear, from Sir Robert Ker and others, how be done for me there; except that which Gonmuch beholden I am to you.

TO MR. TOBIE MATTHEW.

GOOD MR. MATTHEW,

I thank you for your letter of the 26th of June, and commend myself unto your friendship, knowing your word is good assurance, and thinking I cannot wish myself a better wish, than that your power may grow to your will.

Since you say the prince hath not forgot his commandment, touching my history of Henry VIII., I may not forget my duty. But I find Sir Robert Cotton, who poured forth what he had, in my other work, somewhat dainty of his materials in this.

It is true, my labours are now most set to have those works, which I had formerly published, as that of Advancement of Learning, that of Henry VII., that of the Essays, being retractate, and made more perfect, well translated into Latin by the help of some good pens, which forsake me not. For these modern languages will, at one time or other, play the bankrupts with books; and since I have lost much time with this age, I would be glad, as God shall give me leave, to recover it with posterity.

For the essay of friendship, while I took your speech of it for a cursory request, I took my pro

*N. S.

domar hath lost you have found; and then I am sure my case is amended: so as, with a great deal of confidence, I commend myself to you, hoping, that you will do what in you lieth, to prepare the prince and duke to think of me, upon their return. And if you have any relation to the infanta, I doubt not but it shall be also to my use. God keep you.

Your most affectionate and assured friend, etc.

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

EXCELLENT Lord,

Though I have formerly given your grace thanks for your last letter, yet being much refreshed to hear things go so well, whereby we hope to see you here shortly, your errand done, and the prince within the vail, I could not contain, but congratu late with your lordship, seeing good fortune, that is God's blessing, still follow you. I hope I have still place in your love and favour; which if I have, for other place, it shall not trouble me. I ever rest Your grace's most obliged and faithful servant. July 22, 1623.

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM. EXCELLENT Lord,

in health, as he might partly perceive. ThereUpon Mr. Clarke's despatch, in troth I was ill

Among his Essays, published in 4to, and dedicated to the Duke of Buckingham, is one upon Friendskip

fore, I wrote to my true friend, and your grace's] punto, "he that tieth not a knot upon his thread. devoted servant, Mr. Matthew, to excuse me to loseth his stitch." your grace for not writing. Since, I thank God, I am pretty well recovered; for I have lain at two wards, one against my disease, the other against iny physicians, who are strange creatures.

My lord, it rejoiceth me much, that I understand from Mr. Matthew, that I live in your grace's remembrance; and that I shall be the first man that you will think on upon your return: which, if your grace perform, I hope God Almighty, who hath hitherto extraordinarily blessed you in this rocky business, will bless you the more for my sake. For I have had extraordinary tokens of his divine favour towards me, both in sickness and in health, prosperity and adversity. Vouchsafe to present my most humble duty to his highness, whose happy arrival will be a bright morning to all.

[blocks in formation]

GOOD MR. MATTHEW,

Any particular, I that live in darkness, cannot propound. Let his grace, who seeth clear, make his choice: but let some such thing be done, and then this reputation will stick by him; and his grace may afterwards be at the better liberty to take and leave off the future occasions that shall present.

TO THE KING.

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR Most excellent Majesty, I send, in all humbleness, to your majesty, the poor fruits of my leisure. This book was the first thing that ever I presented to your majesty ;† and it may be will be last. For I had thought it should have posthuma proles. But God hath otherwise disposed for a while. It is a translation, but almost enlarged to a new work. I had good helps for the language. I have been also mine own index expurgatorius, that it may be read in all places. For since my end of putting it into Latin was to have it read everywhere, it had been an absurd contradiction to free it in the language, and to pen it up in the matter. Your majesty will vouchsafe graciously to receive these poor sacrifices of him that shall ever desire to do you honour while he breathes, and fulfilleth the rest in prayers.

Your majesty's true beadsman

I have gotten a little health; I praise God for it. I have therefore now written to his grace, that I formerly, upon Mr. Clarke's despatch, desired you to excuse me for not writing, and taken knowledge, that I have understood from Todos duclos con pan son buenos: itaque det vestra

you, that I live in his grace's remembrance; and that I shall be his first man that he will have care of upon his return. And although your absence be to me as uncomfortable to my mind, as God may make it helpful to my fortunes; yet, it is somewhat supplied by the love, freedom, and often visitations of Mr. Gage; so as, when I have him, I think I want you not altogether. God keep you.

Your most affectionate

and much obliged friend, &c.

MINUTES OF A LETTER TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

THAT I am exceeding glad his grace is come home with so fair a reputation of a sound Protestant, and so constant for the king's honour a errand.

His grace is now to consider, that his reputation will vanish like a dream, except now, upon his return, he do some remarkable act to fix it, and bind it in.

They have a good wise proverb in the country whence he cometh, taken, I think from a gentlewoman's sampler, Qui en no da nudo, pierdo

and most humble servant, &c.

Maiestas obolum Bellisario.

TO THE PRINCE.

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR EXCELLENT HIGHNESS,

book of Advancement of Learning, translated into I send your highness, in all humbleness, my Latin, but so enlarged, as it may go for a new work. It is a book, I think, will live, and be a citizen of the world, as English books are not. For Henry the Eighth, to deal truly with your highness, I did so despair of my health this summer, as I was glad to choose some such work, as I might compass within days; so far was I from entering into a work of length. Your highness's wait upon your highness, I shall give you a return hath been my restorative. When I shall farther account. So, I most humbly kiss your highness's hands, resting

Your highness's most devoted servant.

[blocks in formation]
« ForrigeFortsett »