CCXI sociable letters written by the thrice noble, illustrious, and excellent princess, the Lady Marchioness of Newcastle.

CLXVII.

MADAM,

YOu may Chide me for my Idle, Vain Discourse, when you were last to Visit me, but though I may for Pastime speak Vain∣ly of Vanities, yet I do not make them the Object, or Subject of my Thoughts, nor the Imployment of my Mind, nor do I suffer them to Dwell therein, they may Peep in some∣times, but they are straight Thrust out, as Cheating Deceivers; for should they Visit my Mind often, they would Cause such Troubles and Discontents, with Idle Desires, as my Life would be Unhappy; for though I am Ambitious, yet it is not for such Trifles as Worldly Wealth, Gay Shews, and Empty Titles, but for In∣ward Worth, Just Actions, and Outward Fame, for which my Endeavours shall never be want∣ing, as long as my Life doth last, not that I would refuse Fortunes Favours or Bounties, but

I am not Covetous of them; the truth is, my Tongue is Vainer than my Heart, and my Outward Ceremonies and Adornments more for the Foolish World, than any Plea∣sure I take therein, for the World Respects nothing but Golden Out-sides, whereas my Happiness is, that I can be Content with any Fortune, so Heaven would but Spare the Life of my Friends, for Fortune can neither Af∣fright nor Surprize me, although she be so Powerful, as to Advance and Ruin whom she pleases; but though she hath Power over the Body, and Estates of men, yet she hath none over the Souls, or Minds of some men, I say Some, as Wise, and Honest men, for Knaves and Fools alter their Minds according to Fortunes Frowns or Smiles; but my No∣ble Husband's Constancy and Patience can neither be Altered with the one nor the o∣ther, for he is one and the same both in Pro∣speritiy and Adversity, by whose Example I have Learn'd Patience, and am Constantly,

Madam,

Your Faithful and Unfeigned Servant.