The Ancient Styles and Designations of Persons. 349 
The following letter from King James the First to Prince Charles, 
while still on his tour, is also in the Bodleian Library! :— 
‘* For the Prencis. 
My sweete Babie 
Since the ending of my last letris unto you, I haue ressauid a lettre of youres 
from the Lorde Keeper? quhiche tells me the first newis of a parliament (and 
that in a strainge forme) euer I hearde of since youre pairting from me. By 
suche intelligence both ye and my sweete Steenie Gossepp maye juge of thaire 
worth that make thaim unto you and ye maye reste assured that I neuer meant 
to undertake anie suche bussienesse in youre absence if it hadde bene propowndit 
unto me as in goode faith I neuer hearde of it—And so with God’s blessing to 
you both I praye God that after a happie conclusion thaire ye maye both make 
a comfortable and happie returne in the armes of youre deare dade. 
Greenwiche, the 11 of Maye. JAMES R.” 
The whole of the first of these letters is in the handwriting of 
the Duke of Buckingham, with the exception of the words— 
“Your Majesty’s Humble & obedient sone and servant 
CHARLES.” 
which are in the handwriting of Prince Charles. 
The second letter is entirely in the handwriting of King James 
the First.’ 
The word “ Gossip” also occurs in an old Wiltshire song, which 
begins thus— 
“Good morrow, Gossip Joan, 
Where have you been a walking ; 
I wanted you to see, 
I’ve a budget full of talking, 
Gossip Joan.” 
This song must have been well known in the reign of George the 
First, as the music of it was introduced into the Beggar’s Opera in 
1727. It was sung in Wiltshire at Harvest Homes, Christenings, 
and Christmas parties at the middle of the last century. 
In the foregoing paper thirty-five of the instances I have referred 
to are taken from the county of Wilts. 
I hope that some of our Wiltshire friends will furnish others, 
and fayour us with further illustrations of the subject. 
F, A. Carrreton, 
1 Orig. Hol. Tan. Lxxiii. fol. 326. 
2 John Williams, Bishop of Loncoln. 
8 For the perusal of these letters and for permission to take copies of them, I 
am indebted to the kindness of the Rey. Dr. Bandinel, the principal Librarian 
of the Bodleian Library. The former of the two letters has been lithographed 
by Mr, Nethercliff in his ‘‘ Autographs of Royal and Illustrious Personages.” 
