IT is worth the noting, how commonly the casual firings of Houses in Towns do follow one ano∣ther; and so (methinks) do the inflammations of spirits in Courts: For after the solemn quenching of our late quarrels, there is fallen out a new, and shrewdly pursued, between Mr. Harbert Price, a Sewer to the Queen, and Mr. Eliot, Page to the King.

Page  461 The beginning they say was upon very sleight occasion: but because a young Lady is an ingre∣dient in the story, I will pass it over. To field they went two days since upon hot and hasty blood (which somewhat saves it from a deliberate Duel) both shooting the Bridge in several Boats; yet the matter being before suspected, my Lord Chamber∣•…ain sent one Mr. Haies (a Scottishman, and a good Surgeon, though of late an ordinary Courtier on the Queens side) in quest of them: who found them both on the Surry side, a mile or two below Bridge, closed, and (I hear) on the ground. But Mr. Price already hurt in three places, in one of his sides, in •…is face, and in three of his fingers: the other is come off untouched. This Price hath been formerly bred a Souldier, and sometimes (they say) a Lieute∣nant in the Low Provinces. Mr. Eliot scarce yet a man in years; but for height and strength at his full prime, and in both above the common scant∣ling. The King is herewith highly offended, suc∣ceeding so freshly upon the late reconcilements: And it is doubted, they will at least lose their places.

The journey to Scotland continueth hotly, and His Majesty removeth House to Theobalds, that way, on Saturday come fortnight. But first must be censured the Bishop of Lincoln for too many words, and the Citizens of London in their un∣dertakings in Ireland for too few deeds; which I believe will both trench deep. I shall stay long enough in London (not intending to be gone before the Kings remove) to tell you the event: and truly without your benificent courtesie, I had been wrapt in a strange riddle; for I could neither have staid •…or departed.

Page  462 I received the Communion in St. Bartholomews on Sunday last (being Easter-day) in the same Pew with your Hester and her Mother; your Hester either becomes a little tincture of the Green sick∣ness well, or that becomes her well: well she looks, I am sure, and in my fancy draws towards the countenance of her Sister Stanhop more and more, but stealingly. My Niece Margaret is come home from her Artisan in Southwark, with some pretty amendment. The manner of his cure in those im∣perfections is somewhat strange; he useth no bindings, but oyls and stroakings; of which I take him to be (in all my reading) both the Instrument and the Author. My Niece Ann will prove one of the handsomest Creatures of the World; being much grown, and having rectified a little squint∣ing, or oblique look which she had in one of her eyes, so far as the remainder will turn to a beauty. Her Mother hath of late been much troubled (and I think as much in her fancy, which is the greater cure, as in her body) with a pain in her right side, which changeth place, and therefore is sure but a flatuous infirmity: yet it hasteneth her removing to better Air.

From my Lady, my Sister at Canterbury, we hear nothing; I believe she is in travail with her own thoughts, about desacing the inscription of the Tomb, as far as Catholica and Catholica amount unto. And I could wish, as she took your advice in the invention and word upon the Marble, she had done so in the rest: but in that you were no apt Coun∣sellor.

Now for foreign matters. We have fair tydings from Germany, that the Princes hold fast together, and things go well: and I am of opinion, tha•… Page  463 when those parts have learnt as well as the lower Provinces, to spend a Summer upon the siege of a Town, the War will nestle there as well as below. For they abound in strong places; and War it self is a great refiner of spirits in little time.

The States are in the Field earlier then hereto∣fore: and in all judgement it importeth no less, then the countenancing and covering of a general revolt of the geheerten Provinces, as they call them: of that more in my next. And so (Sir) leaving you in our blessed Saviours love, I rest,