Loveday's letters domestick and forrein.: To several persons, occasionally distributed in subjects philosophicall, historicall & morall, / by R. Loveday Gent. the late translator of the three first parts of Cleopatra.

LETTER LXV. To Sir. I. P.

Sir,

I Received your Lines, that came happily to confute some doubts that I was lost to your memory: but indeed I could not expect in rea∣son a gentler punishment for the crime of my ill-woven words then your silence; all I can say for my self, it was a sin of ignorance that provoked it, and your clear judgment no doubt found it so, though your goodness allowes it a better title. Sir, you have heretofore vouchsaf∣ed some propriety in me, and I wish I could find the way to so much desert as might perswade you, not onely to own, but challenge that inter∣est from these desires. I but show boldness to let you know that I still continue in the same condition of a servant to my Lord C. without any sensible alteration, either to better or worse: indeed if preferment were still the reward of de∣sert, I might blush to want it; but as it is now rated, though it were laid at my foot, I think I should rather chuse to tread upon it, then stoop to take it up. My chains are not so short here, but that they give me Elbow-room enough to lead a studious life; though I confess the fruits I have gathered from them, have been rather

pleasant, then lasting. I have spent some in∣dustry upon languages, which has not altogether been unsuccesseful, especially the Italian and French; from the latter I have translated some pieces that I am encouraged to publish, but my more serious indeavours (for I call the other but my recreations) have been bent at the study of Physick, how prosperously, I am not fit to judge; & though they befriend me no further, I shall think they have done me some service in staving off idleness. But I should ask pardon for these impertinencies. I beseech you Sir present me humbly to your noble Lady, and believe me desirous to appear, what in heart I ever was,

Sir,

Your most humble and faithful servant, R. L.