258 LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



I pray your lordship to signify to his majesty that I 

 thought it my duty to stay at the seal, a book of Sir Francis 

 Steward s, and Sir James Averlony, &c. of 2007. land in 

 charge in fee simple : my reasons. 



First, It is a perpetuity and so much rent in diminution 

 of revenue certain. 



Secondly, The warrant (as is acknowledged) came only 

 from my Lord of Suffolk, and not from Mr. Chancellor. 

 And yet my lord was wont to boast, that since he was 

 treasurer, all commissions and contracts for sale of the 

 king s land were broken off and ceased. 



Thirdly, The rate of the monies paid by the gentlemen 

 amounteth but to thirteen years purchase, which is a plain 

 gift of a good proportion of value. 



If his majesty, now informed, iterate his mandate, it is 

 done, and I excused; but I could wish his majesty would 

 refer it to the commissioners of the treasury how the gen 

 tlemen may be otherwise satisfied. 



I received yesternight a brave account of the commission 

 of the wards in Ireland, which this one year is advanced 

 from two hundred pounds per annum to four thousand 

 pounds, which is twenty fold multiplied. This I write for 

 two reasons. First, Because I glory in it, because it was 

 my work wholly: next, because his majesty may take 

 occasion by this to look better to the improvement of his 

 wards in England in due time. God ever preserve and 

 prosper you. 



Your Lordship s most obliged 



York House, Friend and faithful Servant, 



FR. VERULAM, Cane. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good lord, 



I am very glad to hear of the honour his majesty in- 

 tendeth to my noble lady, your lordship s mother. This, 

 amongst many other things, sheweth in your lordship good 

 nature, which is the root of all virtues, next religion. 

 Besides, it doth sort well in states, when place and power 

 do meet, and stand not too far at distance. 



For the passing of it by direction without bill signed, it 

 cannot be in law. So is Mr. Attorney s opinion, and so is 

 mine ; and therefore there is presently a bill sent with an 

 indorsement of passing it by immediate warrant, and this 

 antedate. 



