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I shall honour my lord with pen and words; and

Remembrances of the Lord Viscount St. Alban, upon be ready to give him faithful and free counsel, as

his going to the lord treasurer.*

MY LORD,

FOR past matters, they are memorial with me. I thank God I am so far from thinking to retrieve a fortune, as I did not mark where the game fell. I ascribe all to Providence. Your lordship hath greatness; and I hope you will line it with goodness. Of me you can have no use; but you may have honour by me, in using me well: for my fortune is much in your hands.

For Sir G. I heard by Sir Arthur,† you thought well of my dealing to him; for so Ingram told me. But I doubt he reported somewhat amiss of me, that procured that warrant; since which he thinks he may bring me to his own conditions, never comes to me, flies from that he had agreed; so to conclude with the letter upon even terms.

For the king, I must submit. Ingram told me there should be a favour in it, till I might sue to the king.

The sequestration as much as a resumption; for if it be as in the king's hands, all will go back; so it requires a farmer.

My pension and that the rewards of my long service, and relief of my present means. In parliament he said, he would not have me know what want meant.

LA. B.‡

Of York-house garden :

Of New-hall:

Of my being with my lord treasurer:

Of my business.

It is well begun: I desire it may be your act.

It is nothing out of the king's purse: it laid fair;

a third part of the profit.

ready as when I had the seal; and mine ever suavibus modis for safety, as well as for greatness. The king and the prince, I hear for certain, well affected.

To dine with:

To go to New-hall.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

EXCELLENT LORD,

I PERCEIVE this day, by Mr. Comptroller,§ that I live continually in your lordship's remembrance and noble purposes concerning my fortunes, as well for the comfort of my estate, as for countenancing me otherwise by his Majesty's employments and graces; for which I most humbly kiss your hands, leaving the times to your good lordship; which, considering my age and wants, I assure myself, your lordship will the sooner take into your care. And for my house at Gorhambury, I do infinitely desire your lordship should have it; and howsoever I may treat, I will conclude with none, till I know your lordship's farther pleasure, ever resting

Your lordship's most obliged and faithful servant,

FR. ST. ALBAN.

Bedford-house, this 5th of Feb. 1622.||

TO THE LORD VISCOUNT ST. ALBAN.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I HAVE received, by this bearer, the privy seal for the survey of coals, which I will lay aside, until I The king bestows honour upon reward, one ho- shall hear farther from my lord steward,¶ and the nour upon alms and charity.

Time, I hope, will work this, or a better.
I know my lord will not forsake me.

He can have but one mother. Friends wayfarers, some to Waltham, some to Ware, and where the ways part, farewell.

pretensions, Yet will I be Malcontent or

I do not desire to stage myself, nor but for the comfort of a private life. ever at your and the king's call. busy-body, I scorn to be.

Though my lord shall have no use of me, yet he shall have honour by me.

For envy, the almanack of that year, is past. You may observe last parliament, though a high-aiming parliament, yet not a petition, not a elamour, not a motion, not a mention of me. Visitations by all the noblemen about the town.

A little will make me happy; the debts I have paid.

These are written in Greek characters.
Lady Buckingham, mother of the duke.
Henry Cary, viscount Falkland.

+ Ingram.

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Two days before the marquis of Buckingham set out pri- May 30, 1622. vately, with the prince, for Spain.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

EXCELLENT Lord,

THOUGH your lordship's absence* fall out in an ill time for myself; yet because I hope in God this noble adventure will make your lordship a rich return in honour, abroad and at home, and chiefly in the inestimable treasure of the love and trust of that thrice-excellent prince; I confess I am so glad of it, as I could not abstain from your lordship's trouble in seeing it expressed by these few and hasty lines.

I beseech your lordship, of your nobleness vouchsafe to present my most humble duty to his highness, who, I hope, ere long will make me leave king Henry the Eighth, and set me on work in relation of his highness's adventures.

I very humbly kiss your lordship's hands, resting

ever

Your lordship's most obliged friend and

servant.

February 21, 1622.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

EXCELLENT Lord,

UPON the repair of my lord of Rochford unto your lordship, whom I have ever known so fast and true a friend and servant unto you; and who knows likewise so much of my mind and affection towards your lordship, I could not but kiss your lordship's hands, by the duty of these few lines.

My lord, I hope in God, that this your noble adventure will make you a rich return, especially in the inestimable treasure of the love and trust of that thrice-excellent prince. And although, to a man that loves your lordship so dearly as I do, and knows somewhat of the world, it cannot be, but that in my thoughts there should arise many fears, or shadows of fears, concerning so rare an accident; yet nevertheless, I believe well, that this your lordship's absence will rather be a glass unto you, to show you many things, whereof you may make use hereafter, than otherwise any hurt or hazard to your fortunes, which God grant. For myself, I am but a man desolate till your return, and have taken a course accordingly. Vouchsafe, of your nobleness, to remember my most humble duty to his highness. And so God, and his holy angels, guard you both going and coming.

Indorsed, March 10, 1622.

* In Spain.

He was son and heir of Walter Vaughan, of Golden Grove, in Caermarthenshire, Esq. and was created lord Vaughan, in the year 1620. The lord St. Alban, after he was delivered from his confinement in the Tower, was permitted to stay at Sir John Vaughan's house, at Parson's Green, near Fulham.

In a MS. letter of Mr. Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton, dated at London, March 8, 1622-3, is the following pas"The lord of St. Alban is in his old remitter, and came to lie in his old lodgings at Gray's-Inn; which is the fulfilling of a prophecy of one Locke, a familiar of his of the same

sage:

TO SIR FRANCIS COTTINGTON, SECRETARY TO THE PRINCE.

Good Mr. Secretary,

THOUGH I wrote so lately unto you by lord Rochford; yet upon the going of my lord Vaughan,† the prince's worthy and trusty servant, and my approved friend, and your so near ally, I could not but put this letter into his hand, commending myself and my fortunes unto you. You know the difference of obliging men in prosperity and adversity, as much as the sowing upon a pavement and upon a furrow new made. Myself for quiet, and the better to hold out, am retired to Gray's-Inn:‡ for when my chief friends were gone so far off, it was time for me to go to a cell. God send us a good return of you all. I ever rest, &c.

My humble service to my lord marquis, to whom I have written twice. I would not cloy him. My service also to the count Gondomar, and lord of Bristol.

Indorsed,

To Mr. Secretary, Sir Francis Cottington, March 22, 1622.

TO THE KING.

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,

Now that my friend is absent, for so I may call him still, since your Majesty, when I waited on you, told me, that fortune made no difference, your Majesty remaineth to me king, and master, and friend, and all. Your beadsman, therefore, addresseth himself to your Majesty for a cell to retire into. The particular I have expressed to my very friend, Mr. Secretary Conway. This help, which costs your Majesty nothing, may reserve me to do your Majesty service, without being chargeable unto you: for I will never deny, but my desire to serve your Majesty is of the nature of the heart, that will be ultimum moriens with me.

God preserve your Majesty, and send you a good return of the treasure abroad, which passeth all Indian fleets.

Your Majesty's most humble and devoted

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To the king touching the provostship of Eton.§ house, that knew him intus et in cute; who, seeing him go thence in pomp, with the great seal before him, said to divers of his friends, "We shall live to have him here again."

Mr. Thomas Murray, the provost of that college, having been cut for the stone, died April 1, 1623. The lord keeper Williams, in an unpublished letter to the marquis of Buckingham, dated 11 April, 1623, has the following passage: "Mr. Murray, the provost of Eton, is now dead: the place stayed by the fellows and myself until your lordship's pleasure be known. Whomsoever your lordship shall name I shall like of, though it be Sir William Becher, though this provostship never descended so low. The king named unto

TO MR. SECRETARY CONWAY.

GOOD MR. SECRETARY,

WHEN you did me the honour and favour to visit me, you did not only in general terms express your love unto me, but, as a real friend, asked me whether I had any particular occasion, wherein I might make use of you? At that time I had none: now there is one fallen. It is, that Mr. Thomas Murray, provost of Eton, whom I love very well, is like to die. It were a pretty cell for my fortune. The college and school, I do not doubt, but I shall make to flourish. His Majesty, when I waited on him, took notice of my wants, and said to me, that as he was a king, he would have care of me. This is a thing somebody would have; and costs his Majesty nothing. I have written two or three words to his Majesty, which I would pray you to deliver. I have not expressed this particular to his Majesty, but referred it to your relation. My most noble friend, the marquis, is now absent. Next to him, I could not think of a better address than to yourself, as one likest to put on his affection. I rest

Your honour's very affectionate friend, FR. ST. ALBAN. Gray's-Inn, the 25th of March, 1623.

SECRETARY CONWAY, TO THE LORD VISCOUNT ST. ALBAN.*

RIGHT HONOURable,

I DO SO well remember the motives, why I presented you so with my humble service, and particular application of it to your particular use, as I neither forget nor repent the offer. And I must confess a greater quickening could not have been added to my resolution to serve you, than the challenge you lay to my duty, to follow, in his absence, the affection of your most noble and hearty friend the marquis.

I lost no time to deliver your letter, and to contribute the most advantageous arguments I could. It seems your motion had been more than enough, if a former engagement to Sir William Becher upon the marquis his score had not opposed it.

I will give you his Majesty's answer, which was; That he could not value you so little, or conceive you would have humbled your desires and your worth so low: That it had been a great deal of ease to him to have had such a scantling of your mind; to which he could never have laid so unequal a measure. His Majesty adding farther, that since your intentions moved that way, he would study your accommodation. And it is not out of hope, but that he may give some other contentment to Sir William Becher in due time, to accommodate your lordship,

me yesterday morning Sir Albertus Morton, Sir Dudley Carleton, and Sir [Robert] Aiton, our late queen's secretary. But in my opinion, though he named him last, his Majesty inclined to this Aiton most. It will rest wholly upon your lordship to name the man. It is somewhat necessary he be a

of whom, to your comfort, it is my duty to tell you, his Majesty declared a good opinion, and princely care and respect.

I will not fail to use time and opportunity to your advantage: and if you can think of any thing to instruct my affection and industry, your lordship may have the more quick and handsome proof of my sure and real intentions to serve you, being indeed Your lordship's affectionate servant, ED. CONWAY.

Royston, March 27, 1623.

TO COUNT GONDOMAR, THEN IN SPAIN. ILLUSTRISSIME COMES,

MULTA sunt, quæ mihi animos addunt, et quandam alacritatem conciliant, ut dominationem tuam illustrissimam hoc tempore de meis fortunis compellam et deprecer. Primum, idque vel maximum, quod cum tam arcta regum nostrorum conjunctio jam habeatur pro transacta, inde et tu factus sis intercessor tanto potentior; et mihi nullus jam subsit scrupulus universas fortunas meas viro tanto, licet extero, debendi et acceptas referendi. Secundum, quod cum ea, quæ dominatio tua illustrissima de me promisso tenus præsens impetraveras, neque ullam repulsam passa sint, neque tamen ad exitum perducta; videatur hoc innuere providentia divina, ut hoc opus me a calamitate erigendi plane tuum sit initio et fine. Tertium, quod stellæ duæ, quæ mihi semper fuerunt propitiæ, major et minor, jam splendent in urbe vestra, unde per radios auxiliares et benignos amoris erga me tui eum possint nancisci influxum, qui me in aliquo non indigno priore fortuna gradu collocet. Quartum, quod perspexi ex literis, quas ad amicum meum intimum dominum Tobiam Matthæum nuper scripsisti, memoriam mei apud te vivere et vigere, neque tanta negotiorum arduorum et sublimium mole, quanta dom. tuæ incumbit, obrutam esse aut extinctam. Postremum accidit et illud, quod postquam ex favore excellent. Domini marchionis ad regis mei conspectum et colloquium admissus fuerim, videar mihi in statu gratiæ collocatus. Non me allocutus est rex ut criminosum, sed ut hominem tempestate dejectum; et simul constantem meum et perpetuum in sermone suo industriæ et integritatis tenorem prolixe agnovit, cum insigni, ut videbatur, affectu: unde major mihi oboritur spes, manente ejus erga me gratia, et extincta omni ex diuturnitate invidia, labores illustr. domin. tuæ pro me non incassum fore. Ipse interim nec otio me dedi, nec rebus me importune immiscui, sed in iis vivo, et ea tracto, quæ nec priores, quos gessi, honores dedeceant, et posteris memoriam nominis mei haud ingratam fortasse relinquent. Itaque spero me non indignam fore materiam, in qua et potentiæ et amicitiæ tuæ vis elucescat et celebretur; ut non minus in privata

good scholar, but more that he be a good husband, and careful manager, and a stayed man; which no man can be, that is so much indebted as the lord of St. Alban's.'

* From the collections of Robert Stephens, Esq. deceased.

Indorsed,

My lord St. Alban's first letter to Gondomar, into
Spain, March 28, 1623.

hominis fortuna potuisse videaris, quam in negotiis | saith, God knows those that are his. In particular, publicis. Deus illustriss. dominationem tuam in- I am very much bound to his Majesty, and I pray columem servet et felicitate cumulet. you, Sir, thank his Majesty most humbly for it, that, notwithstanding the former designment of Sir William Becher, his Majesty, as you write, is not out of hope, in due time, to accommodate me of this cell, and to satisfy him otherwise. Many conditions, no doubt, may be as contenting to that gentleman, and his years may expect them. But there will hardly fall, especially in the spent hour-glass of my life, any thing so fit for me, being a retreat to a place of study so near London, and where, if I sell my house at Gorhambury, as I purpose to do, to put myself in some convenient plenty, I may be accommodated of a dwelling for summer time. And therefore, good Mr. Secretary, further this his Majesty's good intention, by all means, if the place fall.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM, IN
SPAIN.

EXCELLENT LORD,

FINDING SO trusty a messenger as Sir John Epsley, I thought it my duty to put these few lines into his hands. I thank God, that those shadows, which either mine own melancholy, or my extreme love to your lordship, did put into my mind concerning this voyage of the prince and your lordship, rather vanish and diminish, than otherwise. The gross fear is past of the passage of France. I think you had the ring, which they write of, that, when the seal was turned to the palm of the hand, made men go invisible. Neither do I hear of any novelty here worth the esteeming.

There is a general opinion here, that your lordship is like enough to return, and go again, before the prince come: which opinion, whether the business lead you to do so or no, doth no hurt; for it keeps men in awe.

I am

For yourself, you have obliged me much. I will endeavour to deserve it: at least your nobleness is never lost and my noble friend, the marquis, I know, will thank you for it.

I was looking of some short papers of mine touching usury,† to grind the teeth of it, and yet make it grind to his Majesty's mill in good sort, without discontentment or perturbation. If you think good, I will send it to his Majesty, as the fruit of my leisure. But yet I would not have it come from me, not for any tenderness in the thing, but because I know, in courts of princes, it is usual, non res, sed displicet God keep your honour, &c.

auctor.

Indorsed,

of Eton, March 31, 1623.

I find, I thank God, some glimmering of the king's favour, which your lordship's noble work of To Mr. Secretary Conway, touching the provostship my access, no doubt, did chiefly cherish. much bound to Mr. Secretary Conway. It is wholly for your lordship's sake; for I had no acquaintance with him in the world. By that I see of him, he is a man fit to serve a great king, and fit to be a friend and servant to your lordship. Good my lord, write two or three words to him, both of thanks, and a general recommendation of me unto him.

Vouchsafe, of your nobleness, to present my most humble duty to his highness. We hear he is fresh in his person, and becomes this brave journey in all things. God provide all things for the best. I ever rest, &c.

Indorsed, March 30, 1623.

TO MR. SECRETARY CONWAY. GOOD MR. SECRETARY,

I AM much comforted by your last letter, wherein I find, that his Majesty, of his mere grace and goodness, vouchsafeth to have a care of me, a man out of sight, out of use; but yet his, as the Scripture

* Sir William had not, however, that post; but, in lieu of it, the promise of 25007, upon the fall of the first of the six clerks places, and was permitted to keep his clerkship of the council. MS. letter of Mr. Chamberlain to Sir Dudley Carleton, dated at London, July 21, 1624. The provostship was given to Sir Henry Wotton, who was instituted into it the 26th of that month, having purchased it by a surrender of a grant of the reversion of the mastership of the rolls, and of another office, which was fit to be turned into present money, which he then,

TO COUNT GONDOMAR.
ILLUSTRISSIME COMES,

PRIMO loco, ut debeo, gratulor dominationi tuæ illustrissimæ novum honoris tui gradum per se sublimem, sed ex causa, propter quam evectus es, haud parum nobilitatum. Profectio dom. Tobiæ Matthæi, qui mihi est tanquam alter ego, ut dominatio tua illustrissima optimè novit, in illas partes, memoriam mihi renovat eximii tui erga me favoris, cum me pluries, paulo ante discessum tuum, in campis, in urbe visitares, et prolixe de voluntate tua erga for tunas meas pollicereris. Quinetiam tam apud regen meum quam apud marchionem de illis sedulo age res, ut etiam promissum ab illis de postulatis meis obtinueris. Quod si illo tempore quis mihi genius aut vates in aurem insusurrasset et dixisset, Mitte ista in præsens: Britannia est regio paulo frigidior differ rem donec princeps Galliæ et marchio Buck inghamiæ et comes de Gondomar conveniunt in

and afterwards, much wanted [Life of him by Mr. Isaac Wal ton]: for when he went to the election at Eton, soon after hi being made provost, he was so ill provided, that the fellows c the college were obliged to furnish his bare walls, and whateve else was wanting. MS. letter of Mr. Chamberlain, Aug. 1624.

In his works is published, "A Draught of an Act againan usurious Shift of Gain, in delivering of Commodities instea of Money."

My health, I thank God, is better than when you left me; and, to my thinking, better than before my last sickness. This is all I need to write of myself to such a friend.

Hispania, ubi hujusmodi fructus clementius matu- | comfortable news, that he met you well, I could not rescant: quin et viderit idem dom. Tob. Matthæum, but visit you with my letters, who have so often qui illic, quemadmodum nunc, instabit, et negotium visited me with your kind conferences. promovebit: scilicet risissem, sed fidem prorsus non adhibuissem. Quare, illustrissime comes, cum talia miracula edideris in fortuna publica, etiam in fortuna amici et servi tui privata eniteat virtus tua. Miraculum enim potentiæ et fidei proles est. Tu potentiam habes, ego fide abundo, si modo digna sit res ad quam dominatio tua illustrissima manum salutarem porrigat. Id tempus optime demonstrabit. Cum nuper ad dominationem tuam illustrissimam scripserim, eo brevior fio. Hoc tantum a te peto, ut etiam inter negotia, quæ feliciter administras, consuetam digneris dom. Matthæo libertatem proponendi et consulendi apud te ea, quæ in rem meam fore videbimus.

Deus illustrissimam tuam dominationem servet incolumem, ut enixe optat, etc.

We hope well, and it is generally rather spoken, than believed, that his highness will return very speedily. But they be not the best pieces in painting, that are dashed out in haste. I hope, if any thing want in the speed of time, it will be compensed in the fruit of time, that all may sort to the best.

I have written a few words of duty and respect
only to my lord marquis, and Mr. Secretary. I
pray you kiss the count of Gondomar's hand.
God keep you.

Your most affectionate and assured friend,
FR. ST. ALBAN.

May 2, 1623.

TO THE EARL OF BRISTOL, AMBASSADOR
IN SPAIN.

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

:

THOUGH I have written to your lordship lately, yet I could not omit to put a letter into so good a hand as Mr. Matthew's, being one, that hath often made known unto me how much I am beholden to your lordship and knoweth likewise in what estimation I have ever had your lordship, not according to your fortunes, but according to your inward value. Therefore, not to hold your lordship in this time of so great business, and where I have so good a mean as Mr. Matthew, who, if there be any thing that concerns my fortune, can better express it than myself, I humbly commend myself and my service to your lordship, resting, &c.

TO SIR FRANCIS COTTINGTON, SECRETARY
TO THE PRINCE.

GOOD MR. SECRETARY,

THOUGH I think I have cloyed you with letters, yet had I written a thousand before, I must add one more by the hands of Mr. Matthew, being as true a friend as any you or I have; and one, that made me so happy, as to have the assurance of our friendship; which if there be any stirring for my good, I pray practise in so good a conjunction as his. I ever rest, &c.

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.
EXCELLENT Lord,

I WRITE now only to congratulate with your Grace your new honour;* which because I reckon to be no great matter to your fortune, though you are the first English duke that hath been created since I was born, my compliment shall be the shorter. So having turned almost my hopes of your Grace's return, by July, into wishes, and not to them neither, if it should be any hazard to your health, I rest, &c.

Vouchsafe, of your nobleness, to present my most humble duty to his highness. Summer is a thirsty time; and sure I am, I shall infinitely thirst to see his highness's and your Grace's return.

THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM TO THE LORD
VISCOUNT ST. ALBAN.

MY GOOD Lord,

I HAVE received your hearty congratulation for the great honour and gracious favour which his Majesty hath done me; and I do well believe, that no man is more glad of it than yourself.

Tobie Matthew is here; but what with the journey, and what with the affliction he endures, to find, as he says, that reason prevails nothing with these people, he is grown extreme lean, and looks as sharp as an eyas.† Only he comforts himself with a conceit, that he is now gotten on the other side of the water, where the same reason, that is valuable in other parts of the world, is of no validity here; but rather something else, which yet he hath not found out.

TO MR. TOBIE MATTHEW.
GOOD MR. MATTHEW,
BECAUSE Mr. Clarke is the first, that hath been
sent since your departure, who gave me also the of
The title of duke, conferred on him May 18, 1623.

I have let his highness see the good expressions your lordship's care and faithful affection to his A young hawk, just taken out of the nest.

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