LETTERS FROM THE LAMBETH LIBRARY. 491 



Edward Franklin to Lord St. Alban.* 

 Sir, 



You falsify the common proverb: Out of sight out of 

 mind. Distance of place makes no divorce of your love ; 

 but present or absent you baulk no opportunity for my 

 good. I shall never deserve your love unless that which 

 is mental may requite that which is real; and that good 

 prayers may be balanced with good deeds. 



Touching the present overture, (the errand of your let 

 ters) though there be a great conflict within myself, yet 

 nor must nor will I hold you in long suspense. Though I 

 could content myself with the obscure condition of my 

 country fortune, yet should I not neglect and slight the 

 fair opportunities of my better preferment. It is a sullen 

 stoical humour, not to be drawn out of a dark retired 

 corner into the warm and open sunshine. But I cannot 

 resolve on the sudden : my present affairs being somewhat 

 involved and perplexed. Respite me (I pray) but till the 

 funeral ; and then (God willing) I shall visit London, and 

 give up my determinate and satisfactory answer. Mean 

 while, I desire my thankful love may be tendered to that 

 honest Mr. Hatcher. So I rest a devoted homager to your 

 virtues : or (if you suspect a compliment) 



Cressingham, Your assured Friend, 



April 30, 1625. kl&amp;gt;. FRANKLIN. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham.! 

 My very good Lord, 



Your lordship s former letter was honourable, this later 

 is kind and loving ; wherein I took much comfort. This 

 I protest to God, who knoweth the secrets of hearts, that 

 I do not think there was ever a son of Adam who wished 

 more prosperity to another that was a subject than I have 

 done and do to your lordship ; and, as low as I am, I had 

 rather sojourn in a college than recover a fortune by any 

 other but yourself. Marry, to recover you (if I have not) 

 or to cease you of doing any thing for me wherein you 

 would not be seen, I would use any man. 



God preserve and prosper your Grace. I rest. 

 Indorsed To Buckingham. 



* MS. Gibson, Lambeth Lib. 936. fol. 210. Orig. 

 t Ibid. fol. 223. Grig. 



