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

CLXXXVI.

MADAM,

THe other day the Lady E. E. and the Lady A. A. were to See me, and they Discour∣sing of several Subjects, at last fell into a Dis∣course of Baseness and VVickedness; said the Lady E. E. I would choose rather to be VVic∣ked than Base, for I would rather Steal a Man's Purse than Steal his Wit, and I had rather De∣ny a Friend, than Betray a Foe, and to Fight for my Bread, than to Flatter for my Meat, to Kill a Man's Person, than Detract from his Fame; also I would rather be a Whore than a Bawd, though I were sure to have the Pox for my Hire; said the other Lady, I am not of your mind, but I had rather be Rude, than Base or Wicked, for I would rather choose to Tell a Bold Truth, than a Civil Lie, to Deny Plainly, than to Promise Feignedly; and they ask'd me, of which mind I was, I said, I would neither be VVicked, Base, nor Rude, but I would take no Affronts, but rather Affront a Rude Person if I could; they said, put the case I was Forced to be VVicked, or Base? I answer'd, I would not be Forced, neither with Pain, nor Death; said they, this was Easie to Say so, but Hard to Do it; I replyed, it was true, but yet there have been Examples, that Resolution and Patience

have Overcome Torment and Death, and said I, I hope VVell of my self, although the Proof doth lie in the Trial. Thus, Madam, we pass our Time with more Words than Deeds, for we did nothing but Talk; and lest I should Weary you with the Repetition of our Dis∣course, I take my leave, and rest,

Madam,

Your faithful Friend and Servant.