Letters to severall persons of honour written by John Donne ... ; published by John Donne, Dr. of the civill law.

To the Honourable Knight Sir Robert Karre, Gentleman of his Highnesses Bed-chamber.

SIR,

I Am come to that tendernesse of con∣science, that I need a pardon for mean∣ing to come to Newmarket in this weather. If I had come, I must have asked you many reall pardons, for the many importunities that I should have used towards you. But since I have divers errands thither, (except I belie my self in that phrase, since it is all one errand to promove mine own business, and to receive your commands) I shall give you but a short respit, since I shall follow this paper within two dayes. And (that I accuse my self, no farther then I am guilty) the principall reason of my breaking the appointment of waiting upon M. Rawlins, was, that I understood the King was from Newmarket; and for comming thither in the Kings absence, I never heard of excuse;

except when Butler sends a desperate Pati∣ent in a Consumption thither for good aire, which is an ill errand now. Besides that I could not well come till now, (for there are very few dayes past, since I took Orders) there can be no losse in my absence except when I come, my Lord should have there∣by the lesse latitude, to procure the Kings Letters to Cambridge. I beseech you there∣fore, take some occasion to refresh that businesse to his Lordship, by presenting my name, and purpose of comming very shortly: and be content to receive me, who have been ever your servant, to the additi∣on of

Your poor Chaplaine J. Donne.

27 January.