EPISTLE V. (Book 5)
Honoured Father,
I Have a great desire to see you, and mine other Friends; I have the greatest reason to love and honour you; and I cannot but desire your House more than School, though I am very desirous to learn. Be pleased to grant me my desire this once, and to send a Letter to my Master, that he may send me to you. To speak the truth, I have a mind to live with another Master, or to come and live with you, that I may go to School in Canterbury, near you. My Master is such a severe man, that I had far rather Plow than continue here. My tasks are also so hea∣vy, my burthens so great, that I cannot undergo them. If you shall please to suffer me to come to you, I shall return you greatest thanks; it is hard to be expressed how much of my mind is at home. I will go to my Cousin, to fetch the Cloak which you lent him, and will bring it with me. (Honour∣ed Sir) pardon my boldness in asking, and let me hear good news, which may rejoyce me. I will be wil∣ling to obey your pleasure in all things. I will be con∣tent