82 



ee A Dismal Degression in 1622." 



in itself worth notice, "but rendered beautiful by the garden of sea 

 growth which has covered it. So, I hope, here; though my subject 

 has been but a temporary depression in one trade, I may have 

 suggested to you a few matters that will repay further thought. 



And I will trespass on your indulgence but one moment longer, 

 and that to take to myself the comfort that is to be derived from 

 finding that all this dismal depression did not utterly overwhelm 

 those whom by their letters we have been making friends with to- 

 night. 



Light hearted sprightly Lady Carleton, albeit she had, you will 

 allow, the additional trial that the " blacks 99 were not paid for, had 

 by the next year so far recovered as to write this letter to her 

 husband : — • 



" Dear Sweetheart 



" I have received your letters by Deston, and my lord of Bohun, and 

 yestermorning yours by the blind post. Those that came by my Lord I delivered 

 to Sir Edward Harwood, as soon as I received them, which was after those which 

 Deston brought me a good while. I met his Lordship yesterday at court, where 

 I was to as little purpose as ever I was anywhere in my life. But the Duchess 

 sent for me with this word, that the King had appointed that day to see me, and 

 So he did, and that was all he did, for he was so afraid that I would speak to him 

 of the two thousand pounds, and of his daughter, that he only kissed me to stop 

 my mouth I think, for he spoke not a word to me, nor gave me opportunity to 

 speak to him. But after this my Lord Hambleton fetched in Bruce and her 

 sister, and what favour they had my ' nevie ' shall tell you, whom I repent I 

 promised to send to you for I shall have great miss of him. I shall not need to 

 write much to you for he can tell you all I know. I am resolved to make all the 

 haste to thee that is possible, for when J une and July is over you know what 

 follows, at the beginning of which month I hope to be with thee. I have lost 

 nothing by my being here, but gained many friends, and my sister Williams, 

 and my sister Alice Carleton, and that family begin to think they have not 

 done well. They now come very often to me. And I pray thank Mr. 

 Chamberlaine for his exceeding great kindness to me, for in truth he is very fond 

 of me as my nevie will tell you, and of many other things which I have been loth 

 to write of, fearing their event. There is many about Imworth. But it must be 

 a great deal of money must tempte me now I know your mind. If it be a thing 

 that can be done in regards it lies so near Hampton Court, my Lord Treasurer has 

 given me hope we shall buy it for very little in fee farm, which will make both of 

 us like it better. I dined to-day with my Lord Chichester who is your exceeding 

 good friend you are like to see him very shortly. All must be referred to my 

 nevie who I must entreat you will send back to fetch me, or else I will not come to 

 you, though, I confess there is nothing I more desire than that we were well to- 

 gether again. Though in truth I am nothing so kindly used there as here, as I 



