LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 457 



hearing to the business, I remember, two several days ; and 

 in the end disallowed it, and commended my care and cir 

 cumspection, and ordered, that it should continue stayed; 

 and so it did all my time. 



About a twelvemonth since, my Lord Duke of Lenox, 

 now deceased,* wrote to me to have the privy seal ; which, 

 though I respected his lordship much, I refused to deliver 

 to him, but was content to put it into the right hand ; that 

 is, to send it to my Lord Keeper,^ giving knowledge how it 

 had been stayed. My Lord Keeper received it by mine own 

 servant, writeth back to me, acknowledging the receipt, and 

 adding, that he would lay it aside until his lordship heard 

 farther from my Lord Steward, J and the rest of the lords. 

 Whether this first privy seal went to the great seal, or that 

 it went about again, I know not : but all my part is, that I 

 have related. I ever rest 



Your faithful Friend and Cousin, 



March 14, 1623. F R . ST. ALBAN. 



To the Duke of Buckingham. 

 My Lord, 



I am now full three years old in misery; neither hath 

 there been any thing done for me, whereby I might either 

 die out of ignominy, or live out of want. But now, that 

 your grace (God s name be praised for it) hath recovered 

 your health, and are come to the court, and the parliament 

 business hath also intermission, I firmly hope your grace 

 will deal with his majesty, that as I have tasted of his 

 mercy, I may also taste of his bounty. Your grace, I know, 

 for a business of a private man, cannot win yourself more 

 honour ; and I hope I shall yet live to do you service. 

 For my fortune hath (I thank God) made no alteration in 

 my mind, but to the better. I ever rest humbly 

 Your Grace s most obliged 



and faithful Servant, 



FR. ST. ALBAN. 



If I may know by two or three words from your grace, 

 that you will set in for me, I will propound somewhat that 

 shall be modest, and leave it to your grace, whether you 

 will move his majesty yourself, or recommend it by some of 

 your lordship s friends, that wish me well; [as my Lord of 

 Arundel, or Secretary Conway, or Mr. James Maxwell.] 



* He died suddenly, February 12, 1623-4. 



t See his letter to Lord St. Alban, of February 7, 1 622. 



J James, Marquis of Hamilton, who died March, 2, 1624-5. 



$ The words included in brackets have a line drawn after them. 



