The Earl of Middlesex to the Duke.

I Have received divers Letters from your Lordship since your going from Theobalds, which though they concern several men, and in sundry kinds, yet they all conclude upon diminution of his Maje∣sties estate, contrary to your general ground, when his Majestie de∣livered me the Staffe, and contrary to your Lordships private directi∣ons given me at Theobalds, with which I did your Lordship the right to acquaint the King.

I have of late had cause to take into consideration the miserable condition of my present estate, who since I received the staffe, have led such a life, as my very enemies pity me, which I foresaw, the di∣straction of the Kings estate, and burthen of that place, would of ne∣cessitie throw upon me. Yet my dutie, love and thankfulnesse to his Majestie, and my love and thankfulnesse to you, contrary to my own judgment, and advice of my friends, made me undertake it, little expecting these Crosse accidents, which have lyen heavy upon me, and more troubled me, then the continual cares and vexations of my place.

I do most freely and willingly acknowledge one man cannot be more bound unto another, then I am to your Lordship; and if I do not make a thankful return, let me be held an ungrateful Monster, which is the worst of Villains.

I have been so ambitious as to desire to extend my gratitude so far, as that the King may have cause to thank you for preferring me, and that your Lordship may blesse the time you did it. To effect that, I shall delight to live a miserable life for a time. The course which must of necessitie be held to do it, I will acquaint your Lord∣ship with very shortly, which I hope you will be pleased to approve, and assist me in. And then I will expresse my thankfulnesse to you that way: If that course shall not like you, I will not onely deliver you up my places, but whatsoever I hold from the King, and live privately upon mine own estate. For I will never fell so good and gracious a Master, nor so noble and constant a friend ruined, and undone. God blesse you, and send you your hearts desire. As for my self, I never desired to quit the World, and all the foole∣ries in it, till now.