Sir Edward Cecyl to the Duke.
My very good Lord,
HOw much my affection and ambition hath been to serve your Lordship before other men, I hope I shall not need now to ex∣presse, considering it hath been clear and manifest to your own trial, whereof I do bear still the testimonie, and the continuance in mine own heart. But in your noblenesse it will not appear impertinent to your Lordship, that I put you in mind, how much I suffered in the disgrace my enemies cast upon me about the imployment for the Pa∣latinate, when I was under your protection; whether I suffered for mine own sake, or for your Lordship, I know not: howsoever of this I am assured, the greatest cause I gave them, that had least reason, was because I sought not them, but your Lordship only. And for the successe, you may see by the miracles the imployment hath brought forth, that it was carried another way, rather for private ma∣lice, then for any great zeal to the advancement of the publique Cause.
Now my Lord, for your own honour, and for the upholding of your servant, make me so happie, if there be any imployment for men of my profession (as there is opinion) that I may be the man by your Lordships means, wherein you shall make me your obliged, as I am now your affectionate servant. For which you shall be assured of as thankful heart, as any breathes in the whole world. In the enjoying of which kind of service, though you are accounted the most happie among great men, yet you cannot have too much of it. I could re∣member your Lordship of his Majesties gracious promise for my im∣ployment before any other in the presence of the Prince and your Lordship, and that I am the first General his Majestie ever made, and that I had no ill successe in the perfecting of that service; yet for all this, I will onely trust in your Noblenesse, if you resolve to make me your Creature.
And if it shall please his Majestie to hold me worthy of this honour, I will undertake to save his Coffers (as I have heretofore done) the sixth part of the imployments charge and cost, that any other man shall require, who makes not a computation for the managing of it, by a sufficient expence of his own.
I will not write more at this time, but to wish your Lordship as Page 129much happinesse as your heart can desire, and that you will give me an occasion to shew how much I am, and will be
Your Lordships most faithful and affectionate servant. Ed. Cecil.
From our Army this 20. of Novemb.
