1612, 13.

I Must now acknowledge it true which our Navi∣gators tell us, that there be indeed certain va∣riations of the Compass: for I think there was never point of a needle better touched then you have touched me, having ever since I parted from you, been looking towards you, and yet still by something or another, I am put out of my course. I will therefore hereafter not promise you any more to come unto you, but I will promise my self it; because indeed I have no other means to be at peace with my self: for I must lay this heavy note upon your conversation, that I am the un∣quieter for it a good while after.

This is the first part of what I meant to say. Af∣ter which I would fain tell you, That I send this Foot man expresly unto you to redeem some part of my fault, for not answering your late kind Letter by the Messenger that brought it: But the Page  402 truth is, I had some special occasion to send to Ber∣ry: and therefore I will set no more upon your ac∣count, then his steps from thence to Redgrave, where perhaps you now are. See what a real Cour∣tier I am, and whether I be likely to prosper. Well, howsoever, let me entertain you a little by this op∣portunity, with some of our discourses. The King departed yesterday from hence towards you; ha∣ving as yet, notwithstanding much voice, and some wagering on the other side, determined nothing of the vacant places: Whereupon the Court is now divided into two opinions; the one; that all is reserved for the greater honour of the marriage; the other, that nothing will be done till a Par∣liament, or (to speak more precisely) till after a Parliament; which latter conceit, though it be spread without either Author or ground, yet as many things else of no more validity, it hath got∣ten faith enough on a sudden. I will leave this to the judicial Astrologers of the Court, and tell you a tale about a subject somewhat nearer my ca∣pacity.

On Sunday last at night, and no longer, some sixteen Apprentices (of what sort you shall guess by the rest of the Story) having secretly learnt a new Play without Book., intituled, The Hog hath lost his Pearl; took up the White-Fryers for their Theatre: and having invited thither (as it should seem) rather their Mistresses then their Masters; who were all to enter per buletini for a note of di∣stinction from ordinary Comedians. Towards the end of the Play, the Sheriffs (who by chance had heard of it) came in (as they say) and carried some six or seven of them to perform the last Act at Bride∣wel; the rest are fled. Now it is strange to hear Page  403 how sharp-witted the City is, for they will needs have Sir Iohn Swinerton the Lord Maior be meant by the Hog, and the late Lord Treasurer by the Pearl. And now let me bid you good night, from my Chamber in King-street this Tuesday, at Eleven of the night.