LETTERS FROM THE RESUSCITATIO. 149 



A Letter to Sir George Villiers, touching his 

 swearing Councillor, May 30, 1616. 



Sir, 



The time is, as I should think, now or never, for his 

 majesty to finish his good meaning towards me ; if it please 

 him to consider what is past, and what is to come. 



If I would tender my profit, and oblige men unto me by 

 my place and practice, I could have more profit than I 

 could devise, and could oblige all the world and offend 

 none ; which is a brave condition for a man s private. But 

 my heart is not on these things. Yet, on the other side, 1 

 would be sorry that worthless persons should make a note 

 that I get nothing but pains and enemies ; and a little 

 popular reputation, which followeth me whether I will or no. 

 If any thing be to be done for yourself, I should take 

 infinite contentment, that my honour might wait upon yours : 

 But I would be loath it should wait upon any man s else. If 

 you would put your strength to this business it is done ; and 

 that done many things more will begin. God keep you 

 ever ; I rest, 



Your true and devoted servant. 



A Letter to Sir George Villiers, upon the choice his 

 Majesty gave him, whether he would be sworn 

 Councillor or have assurance to succeed the 

 Chancellor, June 3, 1616. 



Sir, 



The king giveth me a noble choice, and you are the 

 man, my heart ever told me you were. Ambition would 

 draw me to the latter part of the choice ; but in respect of 

 my hearty wishes that my Lord Chancellor may live long, 

 and the small hopes I have, that I shall live long myself, 

 and above all, because I see his majesty s service daily and 



