Mis MAJESTY's Letter to the Queens Majesty. Oxford, 23 Jan. 2 Feb.
Dear Heart,
SAturday and Sunday last I received two from Thee, of the 29 of December, 9 of January, both which gave Me such Contentment, as Thou mayest better judge than I describe: the which that Thou mayest the better do, know I was full three weeks, wanting but one day, without hearing from Thee; besides scurvy London news of Thy stay and lameness, which though I did not believe, yet it vext Me so much the more, that I could not prove them liars. So now I conjure Thee by the Affection Thou bearest Me, not only to judge, but likewise participate with Me in the Contentment Thou hast given Me by assuring Me of Thy health and speedy return. Concerning 45. 31. 7. 4. 132. 300. I will answer Thee in Thy own words, Je le remetteray a vous respondre per bouche, being confident that way to give Thee contentment: In the mean time assure Thy self, that I neither have, nor will lose any time in that business, and that I have not contented My Self with Generals. And though I hope shortly to have the happiness of Thy company, yet I must tell thee of some particulars, in which I desire both Thy opinion and assistance. I am persecuted concerning Places, and all desire to be put upon Thee, for the which I cannot blame them; and yet Thou knowest I have no reason to do it. Newark desireth Savil's place, upon condition to leave it when his Father dieth; Carenworth the same, being contented to pay for it, or give the profit to whom or how I please: Digby and Dunsmore for to be Captain of the Pentioners; Hartford once looked after it, but now I believe he expects either to be Treasurer, or of My Bed-chamber; I incline rather to the latter, if Thou like it, for I absolutely hold Cottington the fittest man for the other. There is one that doth not yet pretend, that doth deserve as well as any, I mean Capel; therefore I desire Thy assi∣stance to find somewhat for him before he ask. One place I must fill before I can have Thy opinion; it is the Master of the Wards. I have thought upon Nicholas, being con∣fident that Thou wilt not mislike My choice: and if he cannot perform both, Ned Hyde must be Secretary, for indeed I can trust no other. Now I have no more time to speak of more, but to desire Thee not to engage Thy Self for any. So I rest,
Eternally Thine, C. R.
Dated Oxford, 2 Feb. 23 Jan.