366 LETTERS RELATING TO 



had to object against me. I was bold to crave his 

 princely justice ; first, to hear, then to judge ; which 

 he graciously granted, and said, he wished I could 

 clear myself. I answered I would not appeal to his 

 mercy in any of the points, but would endure the 

 severest censure, if any of them were true. Where 

 upon he said, he would reserve his judgment till he 

 heard me ; which could not be then, his other occa 

 sions pressed him so much. All this was in the 

 hearing of the earl ; and I protest, I think the con 

 fidence in my innocency made me depart half justi 

 fied; for I likewise kissed his majesty s hand at his 

 departure ; and though out of his grace he com 

 manded my attendance to Warwick, yet upon my 

 suit he easily inclined to give me the choice, to wait 

 on him at Windsor, or at London. 



Now, my lord, give me leave, out of all my affec 

 tions, that shall ever serve you, to intimate touching 

 yourself : 



1. That every courtier is acquainted, that the 

 earl professeth openly against you, as forgetful of his 

 kindness, and unfaithful to him in your love, and in 

 your actions. 



2. That he returneth the shame upon himself, 

 in not listening to counsel, that dissuaded his affec 

 tions from you, and not to mount you so high, not 

 forbearing in open speech, as divers have told me, 

 and this bearer, your gentleman, hath heard also, to 

 tax you, as if it were an inveterate custom with 

 you, to be unfaithful to him, as you were to the 

 earls of Essex and Somerset. 





