LETTER TO PEERS. CCCXXl 



It is no feigning or fainting, but sickness both of my heart 

 and of my back, though joined with that comfort of mind 

 that persuadeth me that I am not far from heaven, whereof 

 I feel the first fruits. And because, whether I live or die, 

 I would be glad to preserve my honour and fame, so far as 

 I am worthy, hearing that some complaints of base bribery 

 are coming before your lordships, my requests unto your 

 lordships are: 



First, that you will maintain me in your good opinion, 

 without prejudice, until my cause be heard. 



Secondly, that in regard I have sequestered my mind at 

 this time in great part from worldly matters, thinking of 

 my account and answers in a higher court, your lordships 

 will give me convenient time, according to the course of 

 other courts, to advise with my counsel, and to make my 

 answer; wherein, nevertheless, my counsel s part will be 

 the least ; for I shall not, by the grace of God, trick up an 

 innocency with cavillations, but plainly and ingenuously 

 (as your lordships know my manner is) declare what I 

 know or remember. 



Thirdly, that according to the course of justice, I may 

 be allowed to except to the witnesses brought against me ; 

 and to move questions to your lordships for their cross- 

 examinations ; and likewise to produce my own witnesses 

 for the discovery of the truth. 



And lastly, that if there be any more petitions of like 

 nature, that your lordships would be pleased not to take 

 any prejudice or apprehension of any number or muster of 

 them, especially against a judge, that makes two thousand 

 orders and decrees in a year (not to speak of the courses 

 that have been taken for hunting out complaints against 

 me) but that I may answer them according to the rules 

 of justice, severally and respectively. 



These requests I hope appear to your lordships no other 

 VOL. xv. y 



