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 Earl of Middlesex to his Majestie, 26. April, 1624.

Sacred Majestie, and my most gracious Master,

YOur goodnesse is such to me your oppressed servant in this my time of persecution, as I know not how to expresse my thank∣fulnesse otherwise then by pouring forth my humble and heartie prayers to the great God of heaven and earth, to grant your Majestie all happinesse here, and everlasting happinesse hereafter.

Between 5. and 6. of the clock upon Saturday in the evening. I received my Charge from the Lords assembled in Parliament, with an Order, by which I am commanded to make my appearance at the Bar upon Thursday next by 9. of the clock in the morning

with my answer. And in the mean time to examine my wit∣nesses.

This Charge of mine hath been in preparing, by examining of witnesses upon oath, and otherwise, 23. daies. And hath been weighed by the Wisdom of both Houses, and doth concern me so neerly in point of honour, and faith to your Majestie to answer well, as I value my life at nothing in comparison of it.

I may grieve, though I will not complain of any thing my Lords shall be pleased to Command; but do hope, that upon a second con∣sideration they will not think three daies a fitting time for me to make my Answer, and to examine witnesses in a cause of such im∣portance, and so neerly concerning me, when twenty three daies hath been spent almost from morning until night in preparing my Charge.

I know the House (whose Judgment I shall never desire to wave) is the proper place for me to move to be resolved herein, and there∣fore shall upon Wednesday morning make my humble motion there to have 7. daies longer time, as well to make my answer, and appea∣rance, as to examine my witnesses, which are many, and upon several heads.

But because the Prince his Highnesse, and many of the Principal Lords are now with your Majestie at VVindsor, my most humble suit to your Majestie is, That you would be pleased to move them on my behalf, to yield me so much further time, that my Cause may not suffer prejudice for want of time to make my just defence, that which I have propounded being as moderate as is possible.

With my most humble and heartie prayer to Almightie God for continuance of your health with all happinesse, I humbly kisse your Royal hands, and will ever rest

Your Majesties most humble, &c. Middelsex.