Page 98
To—. LETTER XLVII.
SIR, you are too just to desire such duties from a sicke friend, as you would exact from one that were in health. The reasons I can give of my silence, are much juster than I would they were, and me thinkes, three moneths continuing in a Feaver, may well dispense with any obligation whatsoever of a civill life. Yet seeing you will needs have me speake, I cannot but obey you, though I make use of a strangers hand to quarrell with you. I cannot endure the dissimulation you shew, in doubting of my affection, and of the truth of my words. I understand no jeasting on that side; these are Games that I am uncapable to learne, and in matter of friendship, I am of that ten∣dernesse, that I am even wounded with that, which is perhaps intended but for a tickling. I perceive I have beene complained upon to you, but I entreat you to beleeve, it hath been upon very false grounds; and I require no bet∣ter justifier, than her owne conscience that ac∣cuseth mee. Within a few dayes, I will come my selfe in person, and give you an account of all my actions; and will trayne my selfe