LETTEFxS FROM BIRCH. 333 



It is thought, and much feared, that at Woodstock he 

 will again be recalled to the council-table ; for neither are 

 the earl s ears, nor his thoughts ever off him. 



Sir Edward Coke, with much audacity affirmeth his 

 daughter to be most deeply in love with Sir John Villiers ; 

 that the contract pretended with the Earl of Oxford is 

 counterfeit ; and the letter also, that is pretended to come 

 from the earl. 



My noble lord, if I were worthy, being the meanest of all 

 to interpose my weakness, I would humbly desire, 



1. That your lordship fail not to be with his majesty at 

 Woodstock. The sight of you will fright some. 



2. That you single not yourself from the other lords ; but 

 justify the proceedings as all your joint acts; and I little 

 fear but you pass conqueror. 



3. That you retort the clamour and noise in this business 

 upon Sir Edward Coke, by the violence of his carriage. 



4. That you seem not dismayed, but open yourself bravely 

 and confidently, wherein you can excel all subjects; by 

 which means I know you shall amaze some and daunt 

 others. 



I have abused your lordship s patience long; but my 

 duty and affection towards your lordship shall have no 

 end; but I will still wish your honour greater, and rest 

 myself 



Your Honour s Servant, 



Daventry, Sept. 3, 1617. HENRY YfiLVERTON. 



I beseech your lordship burn this letter. 



To the Earl of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



It may please your lordship to let his majesty understand 

 that I have spoken with all the judges, signifying to them 

 his majesty s pleasure touching the commendams. They 

 all una voce did re-affirm, that his majesty s powers, neither 

 the power of the crown, nor the practised power by the 

 archbishop, as well in the commendam ad recipiendum, as 

 the commendam ad retinendum, are intended to be touched; 

 but that the judgment is built upon the particular defects 

 and informalities of this commendam now before them. 

 They received with much comfort, that his majesty took so 

 well at their hands the former stay, and were very well con 

 tent and desirous, that when judgment is given, there be a 

 faithful report made of the reason thereof. 



The accounts of the summer circuits, as well as that of 



