250 LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 



sure I am that, for myself, I have found him in both my 

 fortunes to esteem me so much above my just value, and 

 to love me so much above the possibility of deserving, or 

 obliging on my part, as if he were a friend created and 

 reserved for such a time as this. You know what I have 

 to say to the great lord, and I conceive it cannot pass so 

 fitly to him by the mouth of any as of this gentleman, and 

 therefore do your best (which I know will be of power 

 enough) to engage him, both in the substance and to the 

 secrecy of it ; for I can think of no man but yourself to be 

 used by me in this, who are so private, so faithful, and so 

 discreet a friend to us both ; as, on the other side, I dare 

 swear he is, and know myself to be as true to you as your 

 own heart. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



Yesterday I know was no day ; now I hope I shall hear 

 from your lordship, who are my anchor in these floods. 

 Meanwhile, to ease my heart, I have written to his majesty 

 the inclosed, ^ which I pray your lordship to read advisedly, 

 and to deliver it, or not to deliver it, as you think good. 

 God ever prosper your lordship. 



Yours ever, &c. 



March 25, 1621. FR. St. ALBAN, CailC. 



To the Earl of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



Since my last to your lordship, I did first send for Mr. 

 Attorney General, and made him know, that since I heard 

 from court, I was resolved to further the match and the 

 conditions thereof for your lordship s brother s advance 

 ment the best I could. I did send also to my Lady Hatton 

 and some other special friends, to let them know, I would 

 in any thing declare myself for the match ; which I did, to 

 the end that, if they had any apprehension of my assistance, 

 they might be discouraged in it. I sent also to Sir John 

 Butler, and after by letter to my lady your mother, to 

 tender my performance of any good office towards the match 

 or the advancement from the mother. This was all I could 

 think of for the present. 



I did ever foresee, that this alliance would go near to 

 leese me your lordship, that I hold so dear ; and that was 

 the only respect particular to myself that moved me to be 



* See p. tib . 



