372 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



came. Nevertheless, I would not fail to let your lordship 

 understand, that as I find every day more and more occa 

 sions whereby you bind me to you ; so this morning the 

 king of himself did tell me some testimony, that your lord 

 ship gave of me to his majesty even now, when you went 

 from him, of so great affection and commendation (for I 

 must ascribe your commendation to affection, being above 

 my merit) as I must do contrary to that that painters do ; 

 for they desire to make the picture to the life, and I must 

 endeavour to make the life to the picture, it hath pleased 

 you to make so honourable a description of me. I can be 

 but yours, and desire to better myself, that I may be of 

 more worth to such an owner. 



I hope to give the king a good account of my time this 

 vacation. 



If your lordship pass back by London, I desire to wait 

 on you, and discourse a little with you : if not, my prayers 

 shall go progress with you, and my letters attend you, as 

 occasion serveth. 



God ever preserve and prosper you. 



Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 



and faithful Servant, 



July 19, 1619. FR. VETMJLAM, Cane. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



This day, according to the first appointment, I thought 

 to have waited upon his majesty, and to have given him 

 an account of my cares and preparations for his service, 

 which is my progress. And therefore, since his coming to 

 Windsor is prolonged, I thought to keep day by letter, 

 praying your lordship to commend my most humble service 

 to his majesty, and to let him know, that since I see his 

 majesty doth me the honour as to rely upon my care and 

 service, I lose no time in that which may pertain thereunto. 

 I see the straits, and I see the way out; and what lieth in 

 one man, whom he hath made great, and trained, shall not 

 be wanting. And I hope, if God give me life for a year or 

 two, to give his majesty cause to think of me seven years 

 after I am dead. 



I am glad the time approacheth, when I shall have the 

 happiness to kiss his majesty s hands, and to embrace your 

 lordship, ever resting 



Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 



and faithful Servant, 

 York House, Aug. 28, 1619. FR. VERULAM, CailC. 



