Cabala, sive, Scrinia sacra mysteries of state & government : in letters of illustrious persons, and great agents, in the reigns of Henry the Eighth, Queen Elizabeth, K. James, and the late King Charls : in two parts : in which the secrets of Empire and publique manage of affairs are contained : with many remarkable passages no where else published.

The Lord Cromwell to the Duke, 8. Septemb. 1625.

May it please your Grace,

I Am now returned from mine own home, and am here at Fulham neer Mr. Burlemachi, making my self ready to attend your Com∣mand in the best manner my poor fortunes will give me leave, and with what speed I may. Some things I have sent to Plymouth, and some Gentlemen, so as when I come there, I hope to find that your Lordship hath appointed me a good sailing ship, and one, that shall be able to play her part with the best and proudest enemy, that dare look danger in the face.

Though your Grace hath placed a Noble Gentleman in the Regi∣ment was intended to my Lord of Essex, yet I will not despair of your favour, or that you will not give me some taste of it as well as to any other. I will study to be a deserving Creature, and whether you will please to look on me with an affectionate eye or no, I will love, honour, and serve you, with no lesse truth, and faith, then those you have most obliged. What concerns me, I will not here speak of for fear I offend. My prayers shall ever attend you, and my curses those, that wish you worse then their own soules. Divers I do meet, that say your Grace hath parted with your place of the Mastership of the Horse, which makes the world suspect, that some disfavour your

Lordship is growing into: And that this prime feather of yours being lost, or parted with (be it as it will) it will not be long ere the rest follow.

They offer to lay wagers, the Fleet goes not this year, and that of necessitie shortly a Parliament must be, which when it comes, sure it will much discontent you. It is wondered at, that since the King did give such great gifts to the Dutchesse of Chevereux, and those, that then went, how now a small summe in the Parliament should be called for at such an unseasonable time: And let the Parliament sit when it will, begin they will, where they ended. They say the best Lords of the Councel knew nothing of Count Mansfelts journey, or this Fleet, which discontents even the best sort, if not all; They say it is a very great burthen, your Grace takes upon you, since none knowes any thing but you. It is conceived, that not letting others bears part of the burthen you now bear, it may ruine you; (which heaven forbid) Much discourse there is of your Lordship here, and there, as I passed home, and back, and nothing is more wondered at, then that one Grave man is not known to have your Ear except my good, and Noble Lord Conway. All men say, if you go not with the Fleet you will suffer in it, because if it prosper, it will be thought no act of yours; and if it succeed ill, they say it might have been better, had not you guided the King. They say your undertakings in the Kingdom, and your Engagements for the Kingdome, will much prejudice your Grace.

And if God blesse you not with goodnesse as to accept kindly, what in dutie and love, I here offer; questionlesse my freedom in letting you know the discourse of the world, may much prejudice me. But if I must lose your favour, I had rather lose it for striving to do you good in letting you know the talk of the wicked world, then for any thing else, so much I heartily desire your prosperitie, and to see you trample the ignorant multitude under foot.

All I have said is the discourse of the world, and when I am able to judge of your actions, I will freely tell your Lordship my mind. Which when it shall not be alwaies really inclined to serve you, may all noble thoughts forsake me. Because I seldom am honoured with your Ear, I thus make bold with your all-discerning eye, which I pray God may be inabled with power and strength, daily to see into them that desire your ruine. Which if it once be, I will never believe, but so good a King will constantly inable you daily with power to confound them.

Many men would not be thus bold and saucie. If I find you distaste

me for my respect to you. I will respect my poor self (who ever hath honoured you) so much as hereafter to be silent. So I kisse the no∣ble hands of your Grace.

Your Lordships servant, during life, Tho. Cromwell.