LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 467 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



It is in vain to cure the accidents of a disease, except the 

 cause be found and removed. I know adversity is appre 

 hensive; but I fear it is too true, that now I have lost 

 honour, power, profit, and liberty, I have, in the end, lost 

 that which to me was more dear than all the rest, which is 

 my friend. A change there is apparent and great ; and 

 nothing is more sure, than that nothing hath proceeded 

 from and since my troubles, either towards your lordship 

 or towards the world, which hath made me unworthy of 

 your undeserved favours or undesired promises. Good my 

 lord, deal so nobly with rne, as to let me know whether! 

 stand upright in your favour, that either I may enjoy my 

 wonted comfort, or see my griefs together, that I may the 

 better order them ; though, if your lordship should never 

 think more of me, yet your former favours should bind me 

 to be 



Your Lordship s most obliged and faithful Servant, 



FR. ST. ALBAN. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



This extreme winter hath turned, with me, a weakness 

 of body into a state that I cannot call health, but rather 

 sickness, and that more dangerous than felt, as whereby I 

 am not likely to be able to wait upon your lordship, as I 

 desired, your lordship being the person of whom I promise 

 myself more almost than of any other ; and, again, to 

 whom, in all loving affection, I desire no less to approve 

 myself a true friend and servant. My desire to your lord 

 ship is to admit this gentleman, my kinsman and approved 

 friend, to explain to you my business, whereby to save 

 further length of letter, or the trouble of your lordship s 

 writing back. 



To Mr. Tobie Matthew. 

 Good Mr. Matthew, 



The event of the business, whereof you write, is, it may 

 be, for the best : for seeing my lord, of himself, beginneth 

 to come about, quorsum as yet ? I could not in my heart 

 suffer my Lord Digby to go hence without my thanks and 

 acknowledgments. I send my letter open, which I pray 

 seal and deliver. Particulars I would not touch. 

 Your most affectionate and assured Friend, 



FR. ST. ALBAN. 

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