LETTER TO THE LORDS. 



ccclxix 



or palliate any thing: for I do again confess, that in the 

 points charged upon me, although they should be taken 

 as myself have declared them, there is a great deal of 

 corruption and neglect, for which I am heartily and 

 penitently sorry, and submit myself to the judgment, 

 grace, and mercy of the court. 



&quot; For extenuation, I will use none concerning the 

 matters themselves ; only it may please your lordships, 

 out of your nobleness, to cast your eyes of compassion 

 upon my person and estate. I was never noted for an 

 avaricious man. And the apostle saith, that covetousness 

 is the root of all evil. I hope also, that your lordships do 

 the rather find me in the state of grace ; for that, in all 

 these particulars, there are few or none that are not 

 almost two years old, whereas those that have an habit of 

 corruption do commonly wax worse and worse ; so that it 

 hath pleased God to prepare me, by precedent degrees of 

 amendment, to my present penitency. And for my estate, 

 it is so mean and poor, as my care is now chiefly to satisfy 

 my debts. 



&quot;And so, fearing I have troubled your lordships too 

 long, I shall conclude with an humble suit unto you, that 

 if your lordships proceed to sentence, your sentence may 

 not be heavy to my ruin, but gracious, and mixed with 

 mercy; and not only so, but that you would be noble 

 intercessors for me to his majesty likewise, for his grace 

 and favour. Your Lordships humble servant and suppliant, 



&quot;FR. ST. ALB AN, Cane.&quot; 



This confession and submission being read, it was agreed 

 that certain lords (a) do go unto the Lord Chancellor, and 



(a) L. Chamberlain, E. of Arundel, E. of Southampton, L. Bp. of Durham, 

 L. Bp. of Winton, L. Bp. of Co. and Lich., L. Wentworth, L. Cromwell, 

 L. Sheffeild, L. North, L. Chandois, and L, Hunsdon. 

 VOL. xv. b b 



