Cabala, mysteries of state,: in letters of the great ministers of K. James and K. Charles. Wherein much of the publique manage of affaires is related. / Faithfully collected by a noble hand.

The Lord Keeper to the Duke. 16. Decemb. 1621.

Most Noble Lord,

I Have seen many expressions of your love in other mens Letters (where it doth most naturally and purely declare it self) since I received any of mine own. It is much your Lordship should spare me those thoughts, which pour out themselves in my occasions: But to have me and my assaires in a kind of affectionate remembrance, when your Lordship is saluting of other Noble men, is more then ever I shall be able otherwaies to requite then with true prayers and best wishes. I received this afternoon (by Sir John Brook) a most loving Letter from your Lordship, but dated the 26^th. of Novemb. impart∣ing your care over me for the committing of one Beeston for breach of a Decree. My Noble Lord, Decrees once made must be put in execution, or else, I will confesse this Court to be the greatest im∣posture, and Grievance in this Kingdom. The damned in Hell do never cease repining at the Justice of God, nor the prisoners in the Fleet, at the Decrees in Chancery; of the which hell of prisoners this one, for antiquity and obstinacy may passe for a Lucifer. I nei∣ther know him, nor his cause, but as long as he stands in Contempt, he is not like to have any more liberty.

His Majesties last Letter, though never so full of honey (as I find by passages reported out of the same, being as yet, not so happy as to have a sight thereof) hath notwithstanding afforded those Spiders which infest that noble House of Commons, some poyson, and ill constructions to feed upon, and to induce a new diversion, or plain Cessation of weightier businesses. His Majestie infers, (and that most truly, for where were the Commons before Henry the first gave them authority to meet in Parliaments?) that their priviledges are but Graces and favours of former Kings, which they claim to be their inheritance, and natural birthrights. Both these assertions (if men were peaceably disposed, and affected the dispatch of the com∣mon bufinesses) might be easily reconciled.

These priviledges were originally the favours of Princes, and are now inherent in their persons: Nor doth his Majestie go about to impair or diminish them. If his Majestie will be pleased to qualifie that passage with some mild and noble exposition, and require them strictly to prepare things for a Session, and to leave this needlesse dispute his Majestie shall thereby make it appear to all wise and just men, that these persons are opposite to those common ends, whereof

they vaunthemselves the onely Pat••••ns. But do his Maiestie what he please, I am afraid (although herein the Lord Treasurer and others do differ from me) they do not affect a Sessions, nor intend to give at this time any Subsidie at all.

Will the King be pleased therefore to add in this Letter (which must be here necessarily upon Munday morning) that if they will not prepare bills for a Session, his Majesty will break up this Parlia∣ment without any longer Prorogation, and acquainting the Kingdom with their undutifulnesse and obstinacy, supply the present wants by some other meanes. Or will his Majesty (upon their refusal) presently rejourn the the Assembly until the appointed 8^th. of Feburary. This course is fittest for further advice, but the other to expresse a just in∣dignation. I dare advise nothing in so high a point, but humbly beseech almighty God to illuminate his Majesties understanding to insist upon that course, which shall be most behoveful for the ad∣vancement of his service. In our house his Majesties servants are very strong, and increase every day nor is there the least fear of any Malignant opposition. God reward all your Lordships goodnesse and affection towards. &c.