LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 255 



already found, that the last grievance in 7 mo - is not the same 

 with this suit ; but we doubt yet of another in 3 0&amp;lt; 



For the business of Mr. Leviston, for your lordship s 

 sake (who I perceive keeps your noble course with me, in 

 acquainting me with these things) I shall apply myself unto 

 you, though in my nature I do desire that those that serve 

 in the court where I sit, though they be not in places of 

 my gift, and so concerns not me nor my place in profit ; 

 yet I wish, I say, I might leave them in as good case as I 

 find them. And this suit concerneth the main profit of the 

 Six Clerks, who though they be of the Master of the Rolls 

 his gift, yet they serve in my court. But my greatest 

 doubt is that the grant cannot be good in law ; and that it 

 is not like those other presidents, whereof I have received a 

 note. For the difference is, where things have been written 

 by all the clerks indifferently and loosely, (in which case the 

 king may draw them into an office) and where they have 

 appertained to one especial office ; in which case the king 

 can no more take away the profits of a man s office than he 

 can the profits of his land. Therefore I think your lordship 

 may do well to write to Mr. Solicitor and Serjeant Finch, 

 or some other lawyers that you trust, or such as Mr. Le 

 viston trusteth, being persons of account, to inform you of 

 the point in law before you proceed any further : for with 

 out that all is in vain. 



For the business of Hawkyns, touching the Register for 

 the Commission of Bankrupts, I am not yet satisfied, like 

 wise for the law, nor for the conveniency, but I rather 

 incline to think it may pass ; and I have set it in a course 

 by which I may be throughly informed. 



For Sir Rowland Egerton s cause, and his lady s, the 

 parties have submitted themselves unto me, and are content 

 to do it by bond, and therefore I will undoubtedly make an 

 end of it according to justice and conscience. 



For Sir Gilbert Houghton s business I am in very good 

 hope to effect your lordship s desire for his good. 



For Moor s business, concerning the printing of books, 

 after hearing all parties, I have sealed his patent ; but for 

 his former patent of salt I dare not do it without acquaint 

 ing the council therewith, which I am ready to do, if he 

 require that course to be taken. 



If his majesty at any time ask touching the Lord Clif 

 ton s business, I pray your lordship represent to his majesty 

 thus much, that whatsoever hath passed I thank God I 

 neither fear him nor hate him ; but I am wonderful careful 



