LETTERS FROM THE RESUSCITATIO. 147 



one entire licence without stint; and then that they amongst 

 themselves take order for that profit which hath been 

 offered to your majesty. This is a plain and known way, 

 wherein your majesty is not an actor ; only it hath this that 

 the work of dying and dressing cloths, which hath been so 

 much glorified, seenieth to be wholly relinquished if you 

 leave there. The second is, that there be a free trade of 

 cloth with this difference ; that the dyed and dressed pay no 

 custom and the Whites double custom, it a merchandize 

 prohibited and only licentiate. This coritinueth in life and 

 fame the work desired, and will have popular applause. 

 But I do confess I did ever think, that trading in com 

 panies is most agreeable to the English nature which 

 wanteth that same general vein of a republic, which runneth 

 in the Dutch ; and serveth to them instead of a Company. 

 And therefore, I dare not advise to adventure this great 

 trade of the kingdom (which hath been so long under 

 government) in a free or loose trade. The third is, a com 

 pounded way of both which is, to go on with the Trade of 

 Whites by the Old Company restored ; and that your ma 

 jesty s profit be raised by order amongst themselves, rather 

 than by double custom wherein you must be the actor: 

 and that nevertheless there be added a privilege to the 

 same company to carry out cloths dyed and dressed 

 custom free ; which will still continue as a glorious beam of 

 your majesty s royal design. I hope and wish at least that 

 this, which I have written, may be of some use to your ma 

 jesty to settle by the advice of the lords about you this 

 great business. At the least it is the effect of my care and 

 poor ability, which if in me be any, it is given me to no 

 other end but faithfully to serve your majesty. God ever 

 preserve you. 



Your majesty s most humble subject, 

 and bounden servant. 



