Reliquiae Wottonianae, or, A collection of lives, letters, poems with characters of sundry personages : and other incomparable pieces of language and art : also additional letters to several persons, not before printed / by the curious pencil of the ever memorable Sir Henry Wottan ...

Much honoured Sir,

SInce I had the favour and the delight of any Letters from you, you have had the trouble of two or three from me, besides the present, vvhich I hope vvill find you according to my con∣tinual vvishes, in perfect health, though you live in a Theater of Tragical Actions this year. I am here newly delivered of one of the most fastidious pieces of my life, as I account, for my part, the Week of our Annual Election of Scholers, both into this Seminary, and out of it for Kings Colledge in Cambridge; vvhereunto hath been a marvellous Concourse, and much distraction in our Votes through Letters from Court. Pardon me, Sir, a Question by the vvay, Have you no Child of your own, or at least of some of your Friends, vvhom you could vvish trained in this course? I vvould fain beg some employment from you, vvhich makes me offer you this, or any other of those poor ser∣vices vvhich lie vvithin my circumference, as this Bearer hath particular charge from me. This is that Nicholas Oudart, for vvhom you did a great fa∣vour in procuring the Cardinal Infanta's Letters to Mechelen in his behalf: which took so good effect, as he is now personally flown over to consummate that business, having information from his Cor∣respondents

there, that it is ripened for him. He hath served me from a little Page, and of late years hath managed the chief part of my Dome∣stick Affairs; so as if it were not for his own ur∣gent occasion, I could hardly miss him that short time vvithin vvhich I expect his return. You will find him, I hope, worthy of your love, I am sure of your trust. His profession is Physick, towards vvhich he is very vvell grounded in the learned Languages: But his Scope novv is Business, not Knowledge. If there shall by chance remain any thing to be added unto your former honourable Courtesie, for the expedition of his Cause and Re∣turn, you have given us both good cause to be con∣fident both in your power and friendship: And so, Sir, leaving him in your loving arms, I rest for ever,

Your obliged and faithful Friend to serve you, H. WOTTON.