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XII. To Sir James Crofts: Antwerp.
SIR,
I Presume that my last to you from the Hague came to safe hand: I am now come to a more cheerfull Countrey, and amongst a People somewhat more vigorous and mettald, being not so heavy as the Hollander, or homely, as they of Zealand. This goodly ancient City me thinks looks like a disconsolat Widow, or rather som superannuated Virgin, that had lost her Lover, being almost quite •…•…erest of that flourishing Commerce, wherwith before the falling off of the rest of the Provinces from Spain, she abounded to the envy of all other Cities and Marts of Europ. Ther are few places this side the Alps better built, and so well Streeted as this, and none at all so well girt with Bastions and Rampasts, which in som places are so spacious, that they usually take the Air in Coa∣ches upon the very wals, which are beutified with divers rows of Trees, and pleasant Walks. The Cittadell here, though it be an addition to the Statelines and strength of the Town, yet it serve•…•… as a shrew'd Curb unto her, which makes her chomp upon the Bit, and Foam sometimes with anger, but she cannot help it. The Tumults in Bohemia now grow hotter and hotter, they write how the great Councell a•…•… Prague fell to such a hurliburly, that so•…•… of those Senators who adherd to the Emperour, were thrown ou•…•… at the windows, wher som were maim'd, som break their Necks. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 am shortly to bid a farewell to the Netherlands, and to bend m•…•… cours for France, wher I shall be most ready to entertain an•…•… commands of yours. So may all health and happines, attend yo•…•… according to the wishes of
Your obliged Servant, J. •…•…▪
Iuly 5. 1619.