48 LETTERS FROM MATIIEM S. 



A Letter of Sir Francis Bacon to a Servant of his, 

 in expression of great Acknowledgment and Kind 

 ness. 



Sir, 



I have been too long a debtor to you for a letter, and 

 especially for such a letter, the words whereof were deli 

 vered by your hand, as if it had been in old gold ; for it 

 was not possible for entire affection to be more generously 

 and effectually expressed. I can but return thanks to you ; 

 or rather, indeed, such an answer as may better be of 

 thoughts than words. As for that which may concern 

 myself, I hope God hath ordained me some small time 

 whereby I may redeem the loss of much. Your company 

 was ever of contentment to me, and your absence of grief; 

 but now it is of grief upon grief. I beseech you, therefore, 

 make haste hither, where you shall meet with as good a 

 welcome as your own heart can wish. 



