442 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



elucescat et celebretur ; ut non non minus in privata homi- 

 nis fortuna potuisse videaris, quam in negotiis publicis. 

 Deus illustriss. dominationem tuam incolumem servet et 

 felicitate cumulet. 



Indorsed My Lord St. Allan s first letter to Gondomar, 

 into Spain, March 28, 1623. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham, in Spain. 

 Excellent Lord, 



Finding so trusty a messenger as Sir John Epsley, I 

 thought it my duty to put these few lines into his hands. 

 I thank God, that those shadows, which either mine own 

 melancholy, or my extreme love to your lordship, did put 

 into my mind concerning this voyage of the prince and 

 your lordship, rather vanish and diminish than otherwise. 

 The gross fear is past of the passage of France. I think 

 you had the ring which they write of, that, when the seal 

 was turned to the palm of the hand, made men go invisible. 

 Neither do I hear of any novelty here worth the esteeming. 



There is a general opinion here that your lordship is like 

 enough to return, and go again, before the prince come: 

 which opinion, whether the business lead you to do so, or 

 no, doth no hurt ; for it keeps men in awe. 



I find, I thank God, some glimmering of the king s 

 favour, which your lordship s noble work of my access, no 

 doubt, did chiefly cherish. I am much bound to Mr. Se 

 cretary Conway. It is wholly for your lordship s sake, 

 for I had no acquaintance with him in the world. By that 

 I see of him, he is a man fit to serve a great king, and fit 

 to be a friend and servant to your lordship. Good my lord, 

 write two or three words to him, both of thanks, and a 

 general recommendation of me unto him. 



Vouchsafe, of your nobleness, to present my most humble 

 duty to his highness. We hear he is fresh in his person, 

 and becomes this brave journey in all things. God provide 

 all things for the best. 



I ever rest, &c. 



Indorsed March 30, 1623. 



To Mr. Secretary Conway. 

 Good Mr. Secretary, 



I am much comforted by your last letter, wherein I find 

 that his majesty, of his mere grace and goodness, vouch- 

 safeth to have a care of me, a man out of sight, out of use ; 

 but yet his, as the Scripture saith, God knows those that 

 are his. In particular, I am very much bound to his 



