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

XLVI.

MADAM,

I Have observ'd, that in all Combustions and Wars, those get more Favour and Profit that enter into them Latest, for those that are at the Beginning, for the most part, are Losers, either in Lives, or Estates, or both, and are least Fa∣voured by those they Fight or Adventure for, nay most commonly they are Disfavour'd; wherefore, if Honour and Honesty would give leave, were I a Man, I would not enter until the last course, for that is Sweetest, like a Banquet; But because Honour and Honesty would Ex∣clame against me, for preferring Profit and Pro∣motion before Them, therefore a Man ought to do his Endeavour in a Just Cause, for Honour

and Honestie's sake, although he were sure to lose his Liberty, Estate or Life. But leaving VVar, Loss, Disfavour and Preferment to VVorthy Persons, and Unjust States and Prin∣ces, I rest,

Madam,

Your faithful Friend and Servant.