LETTERS FROM MATHEWS. 47 



than any body else, because you are no way drenched in 

 any man s humour. Of other things at another time ; but 

 this I was forward to write, in the midst of more business 

 than ever I had. 



The Lord of St. Albans to a most dear Friend, in 

 whom he notes an Entireness and impatient Atten 

 tion to do him Service. 



Sir, 



It is not for nothing that I have deferred my Essay de 

 Amicitia, whereby it hath expected the proof of your great 

 friendship towards me. Whatsoever the event be (wherein 

 I depend upon God, who ordains the effect, the instrument, 

 all) yet your incessant thinking of me, without loss of a 

 moment of time, or a hint of occasion, or a circumstance of 

 endeavour, or the stroke of a pulse in demonstration of 

 your affection to me, doth infinitely tie me to you. Com 

 mend my service to my friend. The rest to-morrow, for I 

 hope to lodge at London this night, &c. 



Secrecy I need not recommend, otherwise than that you 

 may recommend it over to our friend ; both because it 

 prevents opposition, and because it is both the King s and 

 my Lord Marquis s nature to love to do things unexpected. 



The Lord St. Albans to the Lord Treasurer Marl- 

 borough, expostulating about his Unkindness, and 

 Injustice. 



My Lord, 



I humbly entreat your lordship, and (if I may use the 

 word) advise you to make me a better answer. Your lord 

 ship is interested in honour, in the opinion of all them who 

 hear how I am dealt with. If your lordship malice me for 

 such a cause, surely it was one of the justest businesses 

 that ever was in Chancery. I will avouch it ; and how 

 deeply I was tempted therein, your lordship knows best. 

 Your Lordship may do well, in this great age of yours, to 

 think of your grave, as I do of mine, and to beware of hard 

 ness of heart. And as for fair words, it is a wind, by which 

 neither your lordship nor any man else can sail long. How 

 soever, I am the man who will give all due respects and 

 reverence to your great place, &c. 



