1666.] OF THE MARQUIS OF WORCESTER. 285 



seas, and do as good as want bread at home, where 

 I was born to five and thirty thousand pounds, land of 

 inheritance, and two hundred thousand pounds in cash 

 left me by my grandfather, which, for so good a cause 

 as I have lost it for, I joyfully renounce. 



&quot; Monsieur La Sual told me that Germany, France, 

 Spain, and Italy censured England very much for so ill 

 requiting my services and sufferings, and being so little 

 sensible of my yet abilities to serve it ; and yet those 

 Kings and Princes know not the quarter, and mine 

 own King the least of all, or the least sensible and 

 persuaded, as well not to understand what I can yet 

 perform, as not to reflect upon what is past. 



44 My dear Lord, look once more upon both my peti 

 tions ; and if the King thinks me not worthy of common 

 justice to be heard, or you deem them fit, and me, to be 

 laid aside, I will gladly acquiesce, and I will not further 

 trouble the King, nor importune your Lordship, but, 

 fair and far off, ever quietly without more importunity 

 remain, 



44 My Lord, your Lordship s 



44 most faithful and most humble servant, 



44 WORCESTER.&quot; 



In the April of this year, the plague had commenced 

 its appalling ravages in the metropolis, the stagnant air 

 of which was partially purified by means of large 

 bonfires, to promote circulation, the air having, it was 

 supposed, become noxious through unusually prevalent 

 calm sultry weather. The unhealthy state of the town 

 may have had its influence on the Marquis, contributing 

 to weaken a constitution already sufficiently harassed ; 

 yet so far from relief of any kind coming to solace him 

 in his afflictions, we next find him compelled to petition 



