tETTERS FROM BIRCH. 445 



To Sir Francis Cottington, Secretary to the Prince. 



Good Mr. Secretary, 



Though I think I have cloyed you with letters, yet had 

 I written a thousand before, I must add one more by the 

 hands of Mr. Matthew, being as true a friend as any you 

 or I have ; and one, that made me so happy, as to have the 

 assurance of our friendship ; which, if there be any stirring 

 for my good, I pray practise in so good a conjunction as 

 his. I ever rest, &c. 



To Mr. Tobie Matthew, 

 Good Mr. Matthew, 



Because Mr. Clarke is the first that hath been sent since 

 your departure, who gave me also the comfortable news, 

 that he met you well, I could not but visit you with my 

 letters, who have so often visited me with your kind con 

 ferences. 



My health, I thank God, is better than when you left 

 me ; and, to my thinking, better than before my last sick 

 ness. This is all I need to write of myself to such a 

 friend. 



We hope well, and it is generally rather spoken than 

 believed, that his highness will return very speedily. But 

 they be not the best pieces in painting that are dashed out 

 in haste. I hope, if any thing want in the speed of time, it 

 will be compensed in the fruit of time, that all may sort to 

 the best. 



I have written a few words, of duty and respect only, to 

 my Lord Marquis, and Mr. Secretary. I pray you kiss the 

 Count of Gondomar s hand. 



God keep you. 



Your most affectionate and assured Friend, 



May 2, 1623. FR. ST. ALB AN. 



To the Duke of Buckingham. 

 Excellent Lord, 



I write now only to congratulate with your grace your 

 new honour;* which because I reckon to be no great 

 matter to your fortune (though you are the first English 

 duke that hath been created since I was born) my compli 

 ment shall be the shorter. So having turned almost my 

 hopes of your grace s return, by July, into wishes, and not 



* The title of Duke, conferred on him May 18, 1G23. 



