LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 377 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



I know well his majesty taketh to heart this business of 

 the Dutch, * as he hath great reason, in respect both of 

 honour and profit. And because my first letter was written 

 in the epitasis, or trouble of the business ; and my second 

 in the beginning of the catastrophe, or calming thereof, 

 (wherein nevertheless I was fain to bear up strongly into 

 the weather, before the calm followed), and since every day 

 hath been better and better, I thought good to signify so 

 much, that his majesty may be less in suspense. 



The great labour was to get entrance into the business ; 

 but now the portcullis is drawn up. And though, I must 

 say, there were some blots in the tables, yet, by well play 

 ing, the game is good. 



Rowland is passing well justified; for both his credit is 

 by very constant and weighty testimony proved, and those 

 vast quantities, which were thought incredible, or at least 

 improbable, are now made manifest truth. 



Yet I find a little of the old leven towards the first de 

 fendants, carried in this style and character : &quot; I would 

 this that appears now had appeared at first. But this 

 cometh of haste and precipitation ;&quot; and the like. But 

 yet, I hope, the corruption and practice upon the ore terms, 

 and the rectifying of Rowland s credit, will satisfy my lords 

 upon the former proofs. For I would be very sorry that 

 these new defendants (which, except one or two, are the 

 smaller flies) should be in the net, and the old defendants, 

 which are the greater flies, should get through. God 

 preserve you. 



Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 



and faithful Servant, 



This November 26, 1619. Fn. VERULAM, Cane. 



Indorsed Touching the Dutch business. 



To the Lord Chancellor.! 

 My honourable Lord, 



I do, from time to time, acquaint his majesty with your 

 letters, wherein he ever perceiveth your vigilant care in any 

 thing that concerneth his service; and hath commanded 

 me to give you thanks in his name, who is sure your 



* Merchants, accused in the Star-chamber for exporting the gold and silver 

 coin. 



t Harl. MSS. Vol. 7006. 



