CHARLES COTTON, ESQ. xxiii 



(for, in truth, I have not, in all this long time, though I have 

 often thought on't, and almost as often resolved to go presently 

 about it), I was forced, upon the instant, to scribble what I here 

 present you ; which I have also endeavored to accommodate to 

 your own method. And, if mine be clear enough for the honest 

 brothers of the angle readily to understand (which is the only 

 thing I aim at), then I have my end ; and shall need to make no 

 further apology ; a writing of this kind not requiring (if I were 

 master of any such thing) any eloquence to set it off, or recom- 

 mend it : so that if you, in your better judgment, or kindness 

 rather, can allow it passable, for a thing of this nature, you will 

 then do me honor if the cypher fixt and carv'd in the front of my 

 little fishing-house, may be here explained ; and, to permit me 

 to attend you in public, who, in private, have ever been, am, and 

 ever resolve to be, Sir, 



Your most affectionate 



Son and Servant, 



Charles Cotton. 

 Berisford, 10th 

 of March, 1675-6. 



