468 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



To Mr. Tobie Matthew. 

 Good Mr. Matthew, 



When you write by pieces, it sheweth your continual 

 care ; for a flush of memory is not so much ; and I shall 

 be always, on my part, ready to watch for you, as you for 

 me. 



I will not fail, when I write to the lord marquis, to thank 

 his lordship for the message, and to name the nuntius. 

 And, to tell you plainly, this care they speak of, concerning 

 my estate, was more than I looked for at this time ; and it 

 is that which pleaseth me best. For my desires reach but 

 to a fat otium. That is truth; and so would I have all 

 men think, except the greatest ; for I know patents, absque 

 aUquid inde reddendo, are not so easily granted. 



I pray my service to the Spanish ambassador, and present 

 him my humble thanks for his favour. I am much his 

 servant ; and ashes may be good for somewhat. I ever rest 

 Your most affectionate and assured Friend, 



FR. ST. ALBAN. 



I have sought for your little book, and cannot find it. I 

 had it one day with me in my coach. But sure it is safe ; 

 for I seldom lose books or papers. 



To the Lord Viscount St. Alban. 

 Most honoured Lord, 



I have received your great and noble token and favour 

 of the 9th of April, and can but return the humblest of 

 my thanks for your lordship s vouchsafing so to visit this 

 poorest and unworthiest of your servants. It doth me good 

 at heart, that, although I be not where I was in place, yet 

 I am in the fortune of your lordship s favour, if I may call 

 that fortune, which I observe to be so unchangeable. I pray 

 hard that it may once come in my power to serve you for 

 it; and who can tell but that, as fortis imaginatio general 

 casum, so strange desires may do as much ? Sure I am, 

 that mine are ever waiting on your lordship ; and wishing 

 as much happiness as is due to your incomparable virtue, 

 I humbly do your lordship reverence. 



Your Lordship s most obliged and humble Servant, 



TOBIE MATTHEW. 



P. S. The most prodigious wit that ever I knew of my 

 nation, and of this side of the sea, is of your lordship s 

 name, though he be known by another. 



