LETTERS FROM THE RESUSCITATIO. 169 



not as it hath entrance into some ears. And yet, neverthe 

 less, in that kind also, I intend to avoid a suspicious silence, 

 but not to make any base apology. It is blown about the 

 town that I should give opinion touching my lord of Essex 

 cause; first, that it was a premunire; and now last, that it 

 reached to high treason. And this opinion should be given 

 in opposition to the opinion of the Lord Chief Justice, and 

 of Mr. Attorney-General. Sir, I thank God, whatsoever 

 opinion my head serveth me to deliver to her majesty, being 

 asked, my heart serveth me to maintain ; the same honest 

 duty directing me and assisting me. But the utter untruth 

 of this report God and the queen can witness ; and the im 

 probability of it every man that hath wit, more or less, can 

 conceive. The root of this I discern to be not so much a 

 light and humourous envy at my accesses to her majesty, 

 (which of her majesty s grace being begun in my first years, 

 I would be sorry she should estrange in my last years, for so 

 I account them, reckoning by health, not by age ;) as a deep 

 malice to your honourable self; upon whom, by me, through 

 nearness, they think to make some aspersion. But, as I 

 know no remedy against libels and lies, so I hope it shall 

 make no mariner of disseverance of your honourable good 

 conceits and affection towards me ; which is the thing I 

 confess to fear. For as for any violence to be offered to 

 me, wherewith my friends tell me, to no small terror, that I 

 am threatened, I thank God I have the privy coat of a good 

 conscience ; and have a good while since put off any fearful 

 care of life, or the accidents of life. So desiring to be 

 preserved in your good opinion, I remain. 



To the Queen. 



It may please your excellent Majesty, 

 I presume, according to the ceremony and good manner 

 of the time, and my accustomed duty, in all humbleness to 

 present your majesty with a simple gift ; almost as far from 



