Letters to severall persons of honour written by John Donne ... ; published by John Donne, Dr. of the civill law. Correspondence. Selections Donne, John, 1572-1631. 1651 Approx. 315 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 164 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A36298 Wing D1864 ESTC R1211 12265009 ocm 12265009 57999 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A36298) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 57999) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 181:9) Letters to severall persons of honour written by John Donne ... ; published by John Donne, Dr. of the civill law. Correspondence. Selections Donne, John, 1572-1631. Donne, John, 1604-1662. [6], 318 p. : port. Printed by J. Flesher for Richard Marriot, and are to be sold at his shop ..., London : 1651. Reproduction of original in British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Anō Dām 1631 o An̄o Aetatis suae 59 o Lombart Sculp . londre LETTERS TO SEVERALL PERSONS OF HONOUR : WRITTEN BY JOHN DONNE Sometime Deane of S t Pauls London . Published by JOHN DONNE D r. of the Civill Law. LONDON , Printed by J. Flesher , for Richard Marriot , and are to be sold at his shop in S t Dunstans Church-yard under the Dyall . 1651. To the most virtuous and excellent Lady M ris . BRIDGET DUNCH . MADAM , IT is an argument of the Immortality of the Soul , that it can apprehend , and imbrace such a Conception ; and , it may be some kinde of Prophecy , of the continuance , and lasting of these Letters , that having been scattered , more then Sibyls leaves , I cannot say into parts , but corners of the World , they have recollected and united themselves , meeting at once , as it were , at the same spring , from whence they flowed , but by Succession . But , the piety of Aeneas to Anchises , with the heat , and fervour of his zeale , had been dazelled , and extinguished by the fire of Troy , and his Father become his Tombe , had not a brighter flame appeared in his Protection , and Venus herself descended with her embraces , to protect her Martiall Champion ; so that there is no safer way , to give a perpetuity to this remnant of the dead Authour ; but , by dedicating it to the Altar of Beauty and perfection ; and if you , Madam , be but pleased to shed on it , one beame of your Grace and Favour , that very Adumbration will quicken it with a new Spirit , and defend it from all fire , ( the fate of most Letters ) but the last ; which , turning these into ashes , shall revive the Authour from his Vrne , and put him into a capacity of celebrating you , his Guardian Angell , who has protected that part of his Soul , that he left behinde him , his Fame and Reputation . The courtesies that you conferre upon the living , may admit of some allay , by a possibility of a Retaliation ; but what you bestow upon the Dead , is a Sacrifice to pure Virtue ; an ungifted Deity , t is true , without Oblation , Altar , or Temple , if she were not enshrined in your noble brest , but , I must , forever , become her votary , if it be , but for giving me this Inclination , and desire of being Madam Your most humble servant Jo. Donne . A COLLECTION of Letters written to severall Persons of Honour . To the worthiest Lady M rs . Bridget White . MADAME , I Could make some guesse whether souls that go to heaven , retain any memory of us that stay behinde , if I knew whether you ever thought of us , since you enjoyed your heaven , which is your self , at home . Your going away hath made London a dead carkasse . A Tearm , and a Court do a little spice and embalme it , and keep it from putrefaction , but the soul went away in you : and I think the onely reason why the plague is somewhat slackned , is , because the place is dead already , and no body left worth the killing . Wheresoever you are , there is London enough : and it is a diminishing of you to say so , since you are more then the rest of the world . When you have a desire to work a miracle , you will return hither , and raise the place from the dead , and the dead that are in it ; of which I am one , but that a hope that I have a room in your favour keeps me alive ; which you shall abundantly confirme to me , if by one letter you tell me , that you have received my six ; for now my letters are grown to that bulk , that I may divide them like Amadis the Gaules book , and tell you , that this is the first letter of the second part of the first book . Your humblest , and affectionate servant J. D. Strand S. Peters day at nine . To the worthiest Lady M rs . B. W. MADAME , I Think the letters which I send to you single lose themselves by the way for want of a guide , or faint for want of company . Now , that on your part there be no excuse , after three single letters , I send three together , that every one of them may have two witnesses of their delivery . They come also to waite upon another letter from S r E. Herbert , of whose recovery from a Fever , you may apprehend a perfecter contentment then we , because you had none of the former sorrow . I am an Heretique if it be sound Doctrine , that pleasure tasts best after sorrow . For my part , I can love health well enough , though I be never sick ; and I never needed my Mistris frowns and disfavours , to make her favours acceptable to me . In States , it is a weakness to stand upon a defensive war , and safer not to be invaded , then to have overcome : so in our souls health , an innocence is better then the heartiest repentance . And in the pleasures of this life , it is better that the variety of the pleasures give us the taste and appetite to it , then a sowre and sad interruption quicken our stomack ; for then we live by Physick . I wish therefore all your happinesses such as this intire , and without flaw , or spot of discontentment ; and such is the love and service of Your humblest and affectionatest servant J. D. Strand S. Peters day at 4. To the same . MADAME , THis letter which I send enclosed hath been yours many moneths , and hath languished upon my table for a passage so long , that as others send news in their letters , I send an antiquity in mine . I durst not tear it , after it was yours : there is some facriledge in defacing any thing consecrated to you , and some impiety to despaire that any thing devoted to you should not be reserved to a good issue . I remember I should have sent it by a servant , of whose diligence I see I was too confident . I know not what it says : but I dare make this letter no longer , because being very sure that I always think the same thoughts of you , I am afraid I should fall upon the same words , and so send one letter twice together . Your very affectionate servant J. D. Novemb. 8. To the Honourable Lady M rs . B. W. MADAME , I Have but small comfort in this letter ; the messenger comes too easily to me , and I am too sure that the letter shall be delivered . All adventures towards you should be of more difficulty and hazard . But perchance I need not lament this ; it may be so many of my letters are lost already that it is time that one should come , like Jobs servant , to bring word , that the rest were lost . If you have had more before , this comes to aske how they were received ; and if you have had none , it comes to try how they should have been received . It comes to you like a bashfull servant , who though he have an extreme desire to put himself in your presence , yet hath not much to say when he is come : yet hath it as much to say as you can think ; because what degrees soever of honour , respect , and devotion , you can imagine or beleeve to be in any , this letter tells you , that all those are in me towards you . So that for this letter you are my Secretary ; for your worthiness , and your opinion that I have a just estimation of them , write it : so that it is as long , and as good , as you think it ; and nothing is left to me , but as a witness , to subscribe the name of Your most humble servant J. D. Though this letter be yours , it will not misbecome or disproportion it that I mention your Noble brother , who is gone to Cleave , not to return till towards Christmas , except the business deserve him not so long . To the Honourable L. the Lady Kingsmel upon the death of her Husband . MADAME , THose things which God dissolves at once , as he shall do the Sun , and Moon , and those bodies at the last conflagration , he never intends to reunite again ; but in those things , which he takes in pieces , as he doth man , and wife , in these divorces , by death , and in single persons , by the divorce of body and soul , God hath another purpose to make them up again . That piece which he takes to himself , is presently cast in a mould , and in an instant made fit for his use ; for heaven is not a place of a proficiency , but of present perfection . That piece which he leaves behinde in this world , by the death of a part thereof , growes fitter and fitter for him , by the good use of his corrections , and the intire conformity to his will. Nothing disproportions us , nor makes us so uncapable of being reunited to those whom we loved here , as murmuring , or not advancing the goodness of him , who hath removed them from hence . We would wonder , to see a man , who in a wood were left to his liberty , to fell what trees he would , take onely the crooked , and leave the streightest trees ; but that man hath perchance a ship to build , and not a house , and so hath use of that kinde of timber : let not us , who know that in Gods house there are many Mansions , but yet have no modell , no designe of the forme of that building , wonder at his taking in of his materialls , why he takes the young , and leaves the old , or why the sickly overlive those , that had better health . We are not bound to think that souls departed , have devested all affections towards them , whom they left here ; but we are bound to think , that for all their loves they would not be here again : Then is the will of God done in Earth , as it is in Heaven , when we neither pretermit his actions , nor resist them ; neither pass them over in an inconsideration , as though God had no hand in them , nor go about to take them out of his hands , as though we could direct him to do them better . As Gods Scriptures are his will , so his actions are his will ; both are Testaments , because they testifie his minde to us . It is not lawfull to adde a scedule to either of his wills : as they do ill , who adde to his written will , the Scriptures , a scedule of Apcryphall books : so do they also , who to his other will , his manifested actions , adde Apocryphall conditions , and a scedule of such limitations as these , If God would have stayed thus long , or , If God would have proceeded thus long , or , If God would have proceeded in this or this manner , I could have born it . To say that our afflictions are greater then we can bear , is so near to despairing , as that the same words express both ; for when we consider Caines words in that originall tongue in which God spake , we cannot tell whether the words be , My punishment is greater then can be born ; or , My sin is greater then can be forgiven . But Madame , you who willingly sacrificed your self to God , in your obedience to him , in your own sickness , cannot be doubted to dispute with him , about any part of you , which he shall be pleased to require at your hands . The difference is great in the loss , of an arme , or a head ; of a child , or a husband : but to them , who are incorporated into Christ , their head , there can be no beheading ; upon you , who are a member of the spouse of Christ the Church , there can fall no widowhead , nor orphanage upon those children , to whom God is father . I have not another office by your husbands death ; for I was your Chaplaine before , in my daily prayers ; but I shall inlarge that office with other Collects , then before , that God will continue to you , that peace which you have ever had in him , and send you quiet , and peaceable dispositions in all them with whom you shall have any thing to do , in your temporall estate and matters of this world . Amen . Your Ladiships very humble and thankfull servant in Christ Jesus J. Donne . At my poor house at S. Pauls . 26. Octob. 1624. To my honoured friend S T. Lucey . SIR , I Make account that this writing of letters , when it is with any seriousness , is a kind of extasie , and a departure and secession and suspension of the soul , w ch doth then cōmunicate it self to two bodies : And as I would every day provide for my souls last convoy , though I know not when I shall die , and perchance I shall never die ; so for these extasies in letters , I oftentimes deliver my self over in writing when I know not when those letters shall be sent to you , and many times they never are , for I have a little satisfaction in seeing a letter written to you upon my table , though I meet no opportunity of sending it . Especially this summer , when either by my early retiring home , or your irresolutions of your own purposes , or some other possessions of yours you did lesse reveale to me your progresses , and stations , and where I might crosse you by letters , then heretofore : I make shift to lay little fault upon you , because my pardon might be easier , if I transgress into a longer and busier letter then your Countrey sports admit ; but you may read it in winter : And by that time I may more clearly express my self for those things which have entred into me , concerning your soul : for as the greatest advantage which mans soul is thought to have beyond others , is that which they call Actum reflexum , and iteratum , ( for Beasts do the same things as we do , but they do not consider nor remember the circumstances and inducements ; and by what power , and faculty , it is that they do them ) so of those which they call Actum reflexum the noblest is that which reflects upon the soul it self , and considers and meditates it , Into which consideration when I walke after my slow and unperfect pace , I begin to think that as litigious men tyred with suits , admit any arbitrement ; and Princes travailed with long and wastfull war , descend to such conditions of peace , as they are soon after ashamed to have embraced : so Philosophers , and so all sects of Christians , after long disputations and controversies , have allowed many things for positive and dogmaticall truths which are not worthy of that dignity ; And so many doctrines have grown to be the ordinary diet and food of our spirits , and have place in the pap of Catechismes , which were admitted but as Physick in that present distemper , or accepted in a lazie weariness , when men , so they might have something to relie upon , and to excuse themselves from more painfull inquisition , never examined what that was . To which indisposition of ours , the Casuists are so indulgent , as that they allow a conscience to adhere to any probable opinion against a more probable , and do never binde him to seek out which is the more probable , but give him leave to dissemble it and to depart from it , if by mischance he come to know it . This , as it appears in all sciences , so most manifestly in Physick , which for a long time considering nothing , but plain curing and that but by example and precedent , the world at last longed for some certain Canons and Rules , how these cures might be accomplished ; And when men are inflamed with this desire , and that such a fire breaks out that rages and consumes infinitly by heat of argument , except some of authority interpose . This produced Hippocrates his Aphorismes ; and the world slumbred or took breath , in his resolution divers hundreds of years : And then in Galens time , which was not satisfied with the effect of curing , nor with the knowledge how to cure , broke out another desire of finding out the causes why those simples wrought those effects . Then Galeu rather to stay their stomachs then that he gave them enough , taught them the qualities of the four Elements , and arrested them upon this , that all differences of qualities proceeded from them . And after , ( not much before our time ) men perceiving that all effects in Physick could not be derived form these beggerly and impotent properties of the Elements , and that therefore they were driven often to that miserable refuge of specifique form , and of antipathy and sympathy , we see the world hath turned upon new principles which are attributed to Paracelsus , but ( indeed ) too much to his honour . Certainly it is also so in the Physick of our soul Divinity , for in the Primitive Church , when amongst the Fathers there were so divers opinions of the state of the soul , presently after this life , they easily inclined to be content to do as much for them dead as when they were alive , and so concurred in a charitable disposition to pray for them ; which manner of prayer then in use , no Christian Church at this day having received better light , will allow of . So also when in the beginning of S. Augustines time , Grace had been so much advanced that mans Nature was scarce admitted to be so much as any means or instrument ( not onely no kinde of cause ) of his own good works : And soon after in S. Augustines time also mans free will ( by fierce opposition and arguing against the former error ) was too much overvalued , and admitted into too near degrees of fellowship with Grace ; those times admitted a doctrine and form of reconciliation , which though for reverence to the time , both the Dominicans and Jesuits at this day in their great quarrell about Grace and Free will would yet seem to maintaine , yet indifferent and dispasioned men of that Church see there is no possibility in it , and therefore accuse it of absurdity and almost of heresie . I think it falls out thus also in the matter of the soul : for Christian Religion presuming a soul , and intending principally her happiness in the life to come , hath been content to accept any way which hath been obtruded ; how this soul is begun in us . Hence it is that whole Christian Churches aresthemselves upon propagation from parents ; and other whole Christian Churches allow onely infusion from God. In both which opinions there appear such infirmities as it is time to look for a better : for whosoever will adhere to the way of propagation , can never evict necessarily and certainly a naturall immortality in the soul , if the soul result out of matter , nor shall he ever prove that all mankind hath any more then one soul : as certainly of all beasts , if they receive such souls as they have from their parents , every species can have but one soul. And they which follow the opinion of infusion from God , and of a new creation ( which is now the more common opinion ) as they can very hardly defend the doctrin of original sin ( the soul is forced to take this infection , and comes not into the body of her own disposition ) so shall they never be able to prove that all those whom we see in the shape of men have an immortall and reasonable soul , because our parents are as able as any other species is to give us a soul of growth and of sense , and to perform all vitall and animall functions . And so without infusion of such a soul may produce a creature as wise and well disposed as any horse or Elephant , of which degree many whom we see come far short ; nor hath God bound or declared himself that he will always create a soul for every embryon , there is yet therefore no opinion in Philosophy , nor Divinity , so well established as constrains us to beleeve , both that the soul is immortall , and that every particular man hath such a soul : which since out of the great mercy of our God we do constantly beleeve , I am ashamed that we do not also know it by searching farther : But as sometimes we had rather beleeve a Travellers lie then go to disprove him ; so men rather cleave to these ways then seek new : yet because I have meditated therein , I will shortly aquaint you with what I think ; for I would not be in danger of that law of Moses , That if a man dig a pit , and cover it not , he must recompense those which are damnified by it : which is often interpreted of such as shake old opinions , and do not establish new as certain , but leave consciences in a worse danger then they found them in . I beleeve that law of Moses hath in it some mysterie and appliablenesse ; for by that law men are onely then bound to that indemnity and compensation , if an Oxe or an Asse ( that is , such as are of a strong constitution and accustomed to labour ) fall therein ; but it is not said so , if a Sheep or a Goat fall : no more are we , if men in a sillinesse or wantonnesse will stumble or take a scandall , bound to rectifie them at all times . And therefore because I justly presume you strong and watchfull enough , I make account that I am not obnoxious to that law , since my meditations are neither too wide nor too deep for you , except onely that my way of expressing them may be extended beyond your patience and pardon , which I will therefore tempt no longer at this time . Your very affectionate friend and servant and lover I. Donne . From Micham , my close prison ever since I saw you , 9 Octob. To the Noblest Knight S r. Edward Herbert L. of Cherbury ; sent to him with his Book Biathanatos . SIR , I Make accompt that this book hath enough performed that which it undertook , both by argument and example . It shall therefore the lesse need to be it self another example of the Doctrine . It shall not therefore kill it self ; that is , not bury it self ; for if it should do so , those reasons , by which that act should be defended or excused , were also lost with it . Since it is content to live , it cannot chuse a wholsomeraire then your Library , where Authors of all complexions are presented . If any of them grudge this book a room , and suspect it of new or dangerous doctrine , you who know us all , can best moderate . To those reasons which I know your love to me will make in my favour and discharge , you may adde this , that though this doctrine hath not been taught nor defended by writers , yet they , most of any sort of men in the world , have practised it . Your very true and earnest friend and servant and lover J. Donne . To S r Robert Carre now Earle of Ankerum , with my Book Biathanatos at my going into Germany . SIR , I Had need do somewhat towards you above my promises ; How weak are my performances , when even my promises are defective ? I cannot promise , no not in mine own hopes , equally to your merit towards me . But besides the Poems , of which you took a promise , I send you another Book to which there belongs this History . It was written by me many years since ; and because it is upon a misinterpretable subject , I have always gone so near suppressing it , as that it is onely not burnt : no hand hath passed upon it to copy it , nor many eyes to read it : onely to some particular friends in both Universities , then when I writ it , I did communicate it : And I remember , I had this answer , That certainly , there was a false thread in it , but not easily found : Keep it , I pray , with the same jealousie ; let any that your discretion admits to the sight of it , know the date of it ; and that it is a Book written by Jack Donne , and not by D. Donne : Reserve it for me , if I live , and if I die , I only forbid it the Presse , and the Fire : publish it not , but yet burn it not ; and between those , do what you will with it . Love me still , thus farre , for your own sake , that when you withdraw your love from me , you will finde so many unworthinesses in me , as you grow ashamed of having had so long , and so much , such a thing as Your poor servant in Chr. Jes. J. Donne . To the Countesse of Bedford . MADAM , AMongst many other dignities which this letter hath by being received and seen by you , it is not the least , that it was prophesied of before it was born : for your brother told you in his letter , that I had written : he did me much honour both in advancing my truth so farre as to call a promise an act already done ; and to provide me a means of doing him a service in this act , which is but doing right to my self : for by this performance of mine own word , I have also justified that part of his Letter which concerned me ; and it had been a double guiltinesse in me , to have made him guilty towards you . It makes no difference that this came not the same day , nor bears the same date as his ; for though in inheritances and worldly possessions we consider the dates of Evidences , yet in Letters , by which we deliver over our affections , and assurances of friendship , and the best faculties of our souls , times and daies cannot have interest , nor be considerable , because that which passes by them , is eternall , and out of the measure of time . Because therefore it is the office of this Letter , to convey my best wishes , and all the effects of a noble love unto you , ( which are the best fruits that so poor a soil , as my poor soul is , can produce ) you may be pleased to allow the Letter thus much of the souls privilege , as to exempt it from straitnesse of hours , or any measure of times , and so beleeve it came then . And for my part , I shall make it so like my soul , that as that affection , of which it is the messenger , begun in me without my knowing when , any more then I know when my soul began ; so it shall continue as long as that . Your most affectionate friend and servant J. D. To the right honourable the Countess of Montgomery . MADAM , OF my ability to doe your Ladiship service , any thing may be an embleme good enough ; for as a word vanisheth , so doth any power in me to serve you ; things that are written are fitter testimonies , because they remain and are permanent : in writing this Sermon which your Ladiship was pleased to hear before , I confesse I satisfie an ambition of mine own , but it is the ambition of obeying your commandment , not onely an ambition of leaving my name in the memory , or in the Cabinet : and yet , since I am going out of the Kingdom , and perchance out of the world , ( when God shall have given my soul a place in heaven ) it shall the lesse diminish your Ladiship , if my poor name be found about you . I know what dead carkasses things written are , in respect of things spoken . But in things of this kinde , that soul that inanimates them , receives debts from them : The Spirit of God that dictates them in the speaker or writer , and is present in his tongue or hand , meets himself again ( as we meet our selves in a glass ) in the eies and hearts of the hearers and readers : and that Spirit , which is ever the same to an equall devotion , makes a writing and a speaking equall means to edification . In one circumstance , my preaching and my writing this Sermon is too equall : that that your Ladiship heard in a hoarse voyce then , you read in a course hand now : but in thankfulnesse I shall lift up my hands as clean as my infirmities can keep them , and a voyce as clear as his spirit shall be pleased to tune in my prayers in all places of the world , which shall either sustain or bury Your Ladiships humble servant in Christ Iesus J. D. To Sir H. R. IF a whole year be but Annus ab Annulo , because it returnes into it self , what Annululus shall be diminutive enough , to express our weekly revolutions ? In chaines the least linkes have most curiosity , but that can be no emblem of us : but they have also the most strength , and that may . The first sphere onely which is resisted by nothing , absolves his course every day ; and so doth true friendship well placed , often iterate in act or purpose , the same offices . But as the lower spheres , subject to the violence of that , and yet naturally encouraged to a reluctation against it , have therefore many distractions , and eccentricities , and some trepidations , and so return but lamely , and lately to the same place , and office : so that friendship which is not moved primarily by the proper intelligence , discretion , and about the naturall center , vertue , doth perchance sometimes , some things , somewhat like true friendship ; but hath many deviations , which are strayings into new loves , ( not of other men ; for that is proper to true wise friendship , which is not a marring ; but of other things ) and hath such trepidations as keep it from shewing it self , where great persons do not love ; and it returns to the true first station and place of friendship planetarily , which is uncertainly and seldome . I have ever seen in London and our Court , as some colours , and habits , and continuances , and motions , and phrases , and accents , and songs , so friends in fashion and in season : and I have seen them as sodainly abandoned altogether , though I see no change in them , nor know more why they were left , then why they were chosen . To do things by example , and upon confidence of anothers judgment may be some kinde of a second wisdome ; but it is but writing by a copy : or indeed it is the hardest of all , and the issue of the first wisdome , for I cannot know that this example should be followed , except I knew that it is good , and so I judge my Judge . Our assent therefore , and arrest , must be upon things , not persons . And when we are sure we are in the right way , for great persons , we may be glad of their company , if they go our way ; we may for them change our place , but not our end , nor our way , if there be but one , us in Religion . In persevering in it , it concerns as much what our companions be , but very much what our friends . In which I know I speak not dangerously nor mis-appliably to you , as though I averted you from any of those friends , who are of other impressions then you or I in some great circumstances of Religion . You know I never fettered nor imprisoned the word Religion ; not straightning it Frierly , ad Religiones factitias , ( as the Romans call well their orders of Religion ) nor immuring it in a Rome , or a Wittemberg , or a Geneva ; they are all virtuall beams of one Sun , and wheresoever they finde clay hearts , they harden them , and moulder them into dust ; and they entender and mollifie waxen . They are not so contrary as the North and South Poles ; and that they are connaturall pieces of one circle . Religion is Christianity , which being too spirituall to be seen by us , doth therefore take an apparent body of good life and works , so salvation requires an honest Christian. These are the two Elements , and he which elemented from these , hath the complexion of a good man , and a fit friend . The diseases are , too much intention into indiscreet zeal , and too much remisnesse and negligence by giving scandall : for our condition and state in this , is as infirm as in our bodies ; where physitians consider only two degrees ; sicknesse , and neutrality ; for there is no health in us . This , Sir , I use to say to you , rather to have so good a witnesse and corrector of my meditations , then to advise ; and yet to do that too , since it is pardonable in a friend : Not to slack you towards those friends which are religious in other clothes then we ; ( for Amici vitia si feras facis tua , is true of such faults ) but to keep you awake against such as the place where you must live will often obtrude , which are not onely naked , without any fashion of such garments , but have neither the body of Religion , which is morall honesty , and sociable faithfulness , nor the soul , Christianity . I know not how this paper scaped last week which I send now ; I was so sure that I enwrapped it then , that I should be so still , but that I had but one copy ; forgive it as you use to do . From Micham in as much haste , and with as ill Pen and Inke , as the letter can accuse me of ; but with the last and the next weeks heart and affection . Yours very truely and affectionately J. Donne . To Sir H. G. SIR , THis letter hath more merit , then one of more diligence , for I wrote it in my bed , and with much pain . I have occasion to sit late some nights in my study , ( which your books make a prety library ) and now I finde that that room hath a wholesome emblematique use : for having under it a vault , I make that promise me , that I shall die reading , since my book and a grave are so near . But it hath another unwholesomenesse , that by raw vapors rising from thence , ( for I can impute it to nothing else ) I have contracted a sicknesse which I cannot name nor describe . For it hath so much of a continuall Cramp , that it wrests the sinews , so much of a Tetane , that it withdraws and puls the mouth , and so much of the Gout , ( which they whose counsell I use , say it is ) that it is not like to be cured , though I am too hasty in three days to pronounce it . If it be the Gout , I am miserable ; for that affects dangerous parts , as my neck and brest , and ( I think fearfully ) my stomach , but it will not kill me yet ; I shall be in this world , like a porter in a great house , ever nearest the door , but seldomest abroad : I shall have many things to make me weary , and yet not get leave to be gone . If I go , I will provide by my best means that you suffer not for me , in your bonds . The estate which I should leave behinde me of any estimation , is my poor fame , in the memory of my friends , and therefore I would be curious of it , and provide that they repent not to have loved me . Since my imprisonment in my bed , I have made a meditation in verse , which I call a Litany ; the word you know imports no other then supplication , but all Churches have one forme of supplication , by that name . Amongst ancient annals I mean some 800 years , I have met two Letanies in Latin verse , which gave me not the reason of my meditations , for in good faith I thought not upon them then , but they give me a defence , if any man ; to a Lay man , and a private , impute it as a fault , to take such divine and publique names , to his own little thoughts . The first of these was made by Ratpertus a Monk of Suevia ; and the other by S. Notker , of whom I will give you this note by the way , that he is a private Saint , for a few Parishes ; they were both but Monks , and the Letanies poor and barbarous enough ; yet Pope Nicolas the 5 , valued their devotion so much , that he canonized both their Poems , and commanded them for publike service in their Churches : mine is for lesser Chappels , which are my friends , and though a copy of it were due to you , now , yet I am so unable to serve my self with writing it for you at this time , ( being some 30 staves of 9 lines ) that I must intreat you to take a promise that you shall have the first , for a testimony of that duty which I owe to your love , and to my self , who am bound to cherish it by my best offices . That by which it will deserve best acceptation , is , That neither the Roman Church need call it defective , because it abhors not the particular mention of the blessed Triumphers in heaven ; nor the Reformed can discreetly accuse it , of attributing more then a rectified devotion ought to doe . The day before I lay down , I was at London , where I delivered your Letter for S r Ed. Conway , and received another for you , with the copy of my Book , of which it is impossible for me to give you a copy so soon , for it is not of much lesse then 300 pages . If I die , it shall come to you in that fashion that your Letter desires it . If I warm again , ( as I have often seen such beg-gers as my indisposition is , end themselves soon , and the patient as soon ) you and I shal speak together of that , before it be too late to serve you in that commandment . At this time I onely assure you , that I have not appointed it upon any person , nor ever purposed to print it : which later perchance you thought , and grounded your request thereupon . A Gent. that visited me yesterday told me that our Church hath lost M r Hugh Broughton , who is gone to the Roman side . I have known before , that Serarius the Jesuit was an instrument from Cardinall Baronius to draw him to Rome , to accept a stipend , onely to serve the Christian Churches in controversies with the Jews , without indangering himself to change of his perswasion in particular deductions between these Christian Churches , or being enquired of , or tempted thereunto . And I hope he is no otherwise departed from us . If he be , we shall not escape scandall in it ; because , though he be a man of many distempers , yet when he shall come to eat assured bread , and to be removed from partialities , to which want drove him , to make himself a reputation , and raise up favourers ; you shall see in that course of opposing the Jews , he will produce worthy things : and our Church will perchance blush to have lost a Souldier fit for that great battell ; and to cherish onely those single Duellisms , between Rome and England , or that more single , and almost self-homicide , between the unconformed Ministers , and Bishops . I writ to you last week that the plague increased ; by which you may see that my Letters — — opinion of the song , not that I make such trifles for praise ; but because as long as you speak comparatively of it with mine own , and not absolutely , so long I am of your opinion even at this time ; when I humbly thank God , I ask & have , his comfort of sadder meditations ; I doe not condemn in my self , that I have given my wit such evaporations , as those , if they be free from prophaneness , or obscene provocations . S r you would pity me if you saw me write , and therefore will pardon me if I write no more : my pain hath drawn my head so much awry , and holds it so , that mine eie cannot follow mine hand : I receive you therefore into my prayers , with mine own weary soul , and commend my self to yours . I doubt not but next week I shall be good news to you , for I have mending or dying on my side , which is two to one . If I continue thus , I shall have comfort in this , that my B. Saviour exercising his Justice upon my two worldly parts , my fortune , and body , reserves all his mercy for that which best tasts it , and most needs it , my soul. I professe to you truly , that my lothnesse to give over now , seems to my self an ill sign , that I shall write no more . Your poor friend , and God's poor patient , Jo. Donne . To my worthy and honoured friend M r George Garet . SIR , I Am sorry , if your care of me have made you importune to any body else ; yet I cannot be very sorry because it gives new testimonies of your favour to me , of which I shall ever be very glad , and ( that which is my onely vertue ) thankfull : so desperate fortunes as mine , may well make friends loth to doe curtesies , because an inability in deserving or requiting , takes from them the honour of having done a curtesie , and leaves it but the poor name of an alms ; and alms may be given in easier proportions , and more meritoriously . But S r , by what name or weight soever you esteem this kindnesse which you have done me , I value it so , as might alone perswade me of your care of me ; in recompense of which , you must be pleased to accept new assurances that I am I pray let my service be presented by you to M r Roope . Your very affectionate servant , J. Donne . To M r George Garet . SIR , I Have not received that Letter , which by this , I perceive you sent to London ; if there were any thing in that , by which I might have taken occasion to have done you service before this time , I have a double reason of grief for the want of it . I came from thence upon Thursday , where I left Sir Tho. Roe so indulgent to his sorrow , as it had been an injury to have interrupted it with my unusefull company . I have done nothing of that kinde as your Letter intimates , in the memory of that good Gentlewoman ; if I had , I should not finde any better use of it , then to put it into your hands . You teach me what I owe her memory ; and if I pay that debt so , you have a part and interest in it , by doing me the honour of remembring it : and therefore it must come quickly to you . I hope not for your return from Court , till I come thither ; which if I can be master of my self , or servant to my self , which I think is all one , I hope to do some ten daies hence , making it my way to the Bathe . If you find any there that have not forgot my name , continue me in their favour , and hold in your self a firm assurance that I am Your affectionate servant J. Donne . J. Donne . To M rs Martha Garet . MADAME , THough there be much merit , in the favour your brother hath done me in a visit , yet that which doth enrich and perfect it , is , that he brought you with him ; which he doth , as well by letting me see how you do , as by giving me occasions , and leave to talk with you by this Letter : if you have any servant , which wishes you better then I , it must be because he is able to put his wishes into a better frame , and expresse them better , and understand proportion , and greatnesse better then I. I am willing to confesse my impotencie ; which is , that I know no wish good enough for you ; if any doe , my advantage is , that I can exceed his , by adding mine to it . You must not think that I begin to think thus , when you begin to hear it , by a Letter ; As sometimes by the changing of the winde , you begin to hear a Trumpet , which sounded long before you heard it ; so are these thoughts of you familiar and ordinary in me , though they have seldome the help of this conveyance to your knowledge : I am loth to leave ; for as long as in any fashion , I can have your brother and you here , you make my house a kinde of Dorvey ; but since I cannot stay you here , I will come thither to you ; which I do , by wrapping up in this paper , the heart of Your most affectionate servant J. Donne . To Sir Thomas Roe . SIR , IT is an ease to your friends abroad , that you are more a man of businesse then heretofore ; for now it were an injury to trouble you with a busie Letter . But by the same reason I were inexcusable if I should not write at all , since the lesse , the more acceptable ; therefore , Sir , though I have no more to say , but to renew the obligations I have towards you , and to continue my place in your love , I would not forbear to tell you so . If I shall also tell you , that when this place affords any thing worth your hearing , I will be your relator , I think I take so long a day , as you would forget the debt , it appears yet to be so barren . How soever with every commodity , I shall say something , though it be but a descant upon this plain song , that I am Your affectionate servant J. Donne . To all my friends : Sir H. Goodere . SIR , I Am not weary of writing ; it is the course but durable garment of my love ; but I am weary of wanting you . I have a minde like those bodies , which have hot Livers , and cold stomachs ; or such a distemper as travelled me at Paris ; a Fever , and dysentery : in which , that which is physick to one infirmity , nourishes the other . So I abhor nothing more then sadnesse , except the ordinary remedy , change of company . I can allow my self to be Animal sociale , appliable to my company , but not gregale , to herd my self in every troup . It is not perfectly true which a very subtil , yet very deep wit Averroes says , that all mankinde hath but one soul , which informes and rules us all , as one Intelligence doth the firmament and all the Starres in it ; as though a particular body were too little an organ for a soul to play upon . And it is as imperfect which is taught by that religion w ch is most accommodate to sense ( I dare not say to reason ( though it have appearance of that too ) because none may doubt but that that religion is certainly best , which is reasonablest ) That all mankinde hath one protecting Angel ; all Christians one other , all English one other , all of one Corporation and every civill coagulation or society one other ; and every man one other . Though both these opinions expresse a truth ; which is , that mankinde hath very strong bounds to cohabit and concurre in other then mountains and hills during his life . First , common , and mutuall necessity of one another ; and therefore naturally in our defence , and subventions we first flie to our felves ; next , to that which is likest , other men . Then , naturall and inborn charity , beginning at home , which perswades us to give , that we may receive : And legall charity , which makes us also forgive . Then an ingraffing in one another , and growing together by a custome of society : and last of all , strict friendship , in which band men were so presumed to be coupled , that our Confessor King had a law , that if a man be killed , the murderer shall pay a sum felago suo , which the interpreters call , fide ligato , et comite vitae . All these bands I willingly receive , for no man is lesse of himself then I : nor any man enough of himself . To be so , is all one with omnipotence . And it is well marked , that in the holy Book , wheresoever they have rendered Almighty , the word is Self-sufficient . I think sometimes that the having a family should remove me farre from the curse of Vae soli . But in so strict obligation of Parent , or Husband , or Master , ( and perchance it is so in the last degree of friendship ) where all are made one , I am not the lesse alone , for being in the midst of them . Therefore this oleum laetitiae , this balme of our lives , this alacrity which dignifies even our service to God , this gallant enemy of dejection and sadnesse , ( for which and wickednesse the Italian allows but one word , Triste : And in full condemnation whereof it was prophesied of our blessed Saviour , Non erit tristis , in his conversation ) must be sought and preserved diligently . And since it grows without us , wemust be sure to gather it from the right tree . They which place this alacrity only in a good conscience , deal somewhat too roundly with us , for when we aske the way , they shew us the town afar off : Will a Physitian consulted for health and strength , bid you have good sinews and equall temper ? It is true , that this conscience is the resultance of all other particular actions ; it is our triumph and banquet in the haven ; but I would come towards that also , ( as Mariners say ) with a merry winde . Our nature is Meteorique , we respect ( because we partake so ) both earth and heaven ; for as our bodies glorified shall be capable of spirituall joy , so our souls demerged into those bodies , are allowed to partake earthly pleasure . Our soul is not sent hither , only to go back again : we have some errand to do here : nor is it sent into prison , because it comes innocent : and he which sent it , is just . As we may not kill our selves , so we may not bury our selves : which is done or endangered in a dull Monastique sadnesse , which is so much worse then jolity ( for upon that word I durst — — And certainly despair is infinitly worse , then presumption : both because this is an excesse of love , that of fear ; and because this is up , that down the hill ; easier , and more stumbling . Heaven is expressed by singing , hell by weeping . And though our blessed Saviour be never noted to have laughed , yet his continuance is said ever to be smiling . And that even moderate mirth of heart , and face , and all I wish to my self ; and perswade you to keep . This alacrity is not had by a general charity and equanimity to all mankinde , for that is to seek fruit in a wildernesse : nor from a singular friend , for that is to fetch it out of your own pocket : but the various and abundant grace of it , is good company . In which no rank , no number , no quality , but ill , and such a degree of that as may corrupt and poyson the good , is exempt . For in nearer then them , your friend , and somewhat nearer then he , in your self you must allow some inordinatenesse of affections and passions . For it is not true that they are not natural , but stormes and tempests of our bloud and humours : for they are naturall , but siokly . And as the Indian priests expressed an excellent charity , by building Hospitalls and providing chirurgery for birds and beasts samed by mischance , or age , or labour : so must we , not cut off , but cure these affections , which are the bestiall part . To Sir H. Goodere . SIR , EVery tuesday I make account that I turn a great hour-glass , and consider that a weeks life is run out since I writ . But if I aske my self what I have done in the last watch , or would do in the next , I can say nothing ; if I say that I have passed it without hurting any , so may the Spider in my window . The primitive Monkes were excusable in their retirings and enclosures of themselves : for even of them every one cultivated his own garden and orchard , that is , his soul and body , by meditation , and manufactures ; and they ought the world no more since they consumed none of her sweetnesse , nor begot others to burden her . But for me , if I were able to husband all my time so thriftily , as not onely not to wound my soul in any minute by actuall sinne , but not to rob and cousen her by giving any part to pleasure or businesse , but bestow it all upon her in meditation , yet even in that I should wound her more , and contract another guiltinesse : As the Eagle were very unnaturall if because she is able to do it , she should pearch a whole day upon a tree , staring in contemplation of the majestie and glory of the Sun , and let her young Eglets starve in the nest . Two of the most precious things which God hath afforded us here , for the agony and exercise of our sense and spirit , which are a thirst and inhiation after the next life , and a frequency of prayer and meditation in this , are often envenomed , and putrefied , and stray into a corrupt disease : for as God doth thus occasion , and positively concurre to evill , that when a man is purposed to do a great sin , God infuses some good thoughts which make him choose a lesse sin , or leave out some circumstance which aggravated that ; so the devill doth not only suffer but provoke us to somethings naturally good , upon condition that we shall omit some other more necessary and more obligatory . And this is his greatest subtilty ; because herein we have the deceitfull comfort of having done well , and can very hardly spie our errour because it is but an insensible omission , and no accusing act . With the first of these I have often suspected my self to be overtaken ; which is , with a desire of the next life : which though I know it is not meerly out of a wearinesse of this , because I had the same desires when I went with the tyde , and enjoyed fairer hopes then now : yet I doubt worldly encombrances have encreased it . I would not that death should take me asleep . I would not have him meerly seise me , and onely declare me to be dead , but win me , and overcome me . When I must shipwrack , I would do it in a Sea , where mine impotencie might have some excuse ; not in a sullen weedy lake , where I could not have so much as exercise for my swimming . Therefore I would fain do something ; but that I cannot tell what , is no wonder . For to chuse , is to do : but to be no part of any body , is to be nothing . At most , the greatest persons , are but great wens , and excrescences ; men of wit and delightfull conversation , but as moales for ornament , except they be so incorporated into the body of the world , that they contribute something to the sustentation of the whole . This I made account that I begun early , when I understood the study of our laws : but was diverted by the worst voluptuousnes , which is an Hydroptique immoderate desire of humane learning and languages : beautifull ornaments to great fortunes ; but mine needed an occupation , and a course which I thought I entred well into , when I submitted my self to such a service , as I thought might imployed those poor advantages , which I had . And there I stumbled too , yet I would try again : for to this hour I am nothing , or so little , that I am scarce subject and argument good enough for one of mine own letters : yet I fear , that doth not ever proceed from a good root , that I am so well content to be lesse , that is dead . You , Sir , are farre enough from these descents , your vertue keeps you secure , and your naturall disposition to mirth will preserve you ; but lose none of these holds , a slip is often as dangerous as a bruise , and though you cannot fall to my lownesse , yet in a much lesse distraction you may meet my sadnesse ; for he is no safer which falls from an high tower into the leads , then he which falls from thence to the ground : make therefore to your self some mark , and go towards it alegrement . Though I be in such a planetary and erratique fortune , that I can do nothing constantly , yet you may finde some constancy in my constant advising you to it . Your hearty true friend J. Donne . I came this evening from M. Jones his house in Essex , where M. Martin hath been , and left a relation of Captain Whitcocks death , perchance it is no news to you , but it was to me ; without doubt want broke him ; for when M. Hollands company by reason of the plague broke , the Captain sought to be at M ris . Jones house , who in her husbands absence declining it , he went in the night , his boy carrying his cloakbag , on foot to the Lord of Sussex , who going next day to hunt , the Captain not then sick , told him he would see him no more . A Chaplain came up to him , to whom he delivered an account of his understanding , and I hope , of his beliefe , and soon after dyed ; and my Lord hath buryed him with his own Ancestors . Perchance his life needed a longer sicknesse , but a man may go faster and safer , when he enjoyes that day light of a clear and sound understanding , then in the night or twilight of an ague or other disease . And the grace of Almighty God doth every thing suddenly and hastily , but depart from us , it inlightens us , warms us , heats us , ravishes us , at once . Such a medicin , I fear , his inconsideration needed ; and I hope as confidently that he had it . As our soul is infused when it is created , and created when it is infused , so at her going out , Gods mercy is had by asking , and that is asked by having . Lest your Polesworth carrier should cousen me , I send my man with this letter early to London , whither this Tuesday all the Court come to a Christening at Arondell house , and stay in town so that I will sup with the good Lady , and write again to morrow to you , if any thing be occasioned there , which concerns you , and I will tell her so ; next day they are to return to Hampton , and upon friday the King to Royston . To Sir H. Goodere . SIR , IF this which I send you inclosed give me right intelligence , I present you a way by which you may redeem all your former wastes , and recompense your ill fortunes , in having sometimes apprehended unsuccesfull suits , and ( that which I presume you affect most ) ease your self from all future inquisition of widowes or such businesses as aske so over industrious a pursuit , as devest a man from his best happinesse of enjoying himself . I give you ( I think ) the first knowledge , of two millions confiscated to the Crown of England : of which I dare assure my self the coffers have yet touched none , nor have the Commissioners for suits any thing to oppose against a suit founded upon this confiscation , though they hold never so strictly to their instructions . After you have served your self with aproportion , I pray make a petition in my name for as much as you think may begiven me for my book out of this ; for , but out of this , I have no imagination . And for a token of my desire to serve him , present M. Fowler with 3 or 4000 li. of this since he was so resolved never to leave his place , without a suit of that value . I wish your cousen in the town , better provided , but if he be not , here is enough for him . And since I am ever an affectionate servant to that journey , acquaint M. Martin from me , how easie it will be to get a good part of this for Virginia . Upon the least petition that M. Brook can present he may make himself whole again , of all which the Kings servants M. Lepton and master Water●use , have endammaged him . Give him leave to offer to M. Hakevill enough to please himself , for his Aurum Reginae . And if M. Gherard have no present hopefull designe upon a worthy Widow , let him have so much of this as will provide him that house and coach which he promised to lend me at my return . If M. Inago Jones be not satisfied for his last Maske ( because I hear say it cannot come to much ) here is enough to be had : This is but a copy , but if Sir Ro. Cotton have the originall he will not deny it you ; if he hath it not , no body else hath it , nor can prevent you ; husband it well , which you may easily doe , because I assure my self none of the children nor friends of the party condemned will crosse you or importune the King for any part . If I get no more by it , yet it hath made me a Letter . And Sir ( to depart from this Mine ) in what part of my Letters soever you find the remembrance of my humble service to my Lord of Bedford , I beseech you ever think them intended for the first , and in that ranke present them . I have yet received but one Letter from you which was of the 10 of December by M. Pory , but you see that as long as there is one egge left in the nest , I never leave laying , nor should although you had sent none since ; all at last will not amount to so good a testimony as I would fain give how much I am Your affectionate servant and lover , J. Donne . Sir , I write this Letter in no very great degree of a convalescence from such storms of a stomach colick as kept me in a continuall vomiting , so that I know not what I should have been able to doe to dispatch this winde , but that an honest fever came and was my physick : I tell you of it onely lest some report should make it worse , for me thinks that they who love to adde to news should think it a master-piece to be able to say no worse of any ill fortune of mine then it deserves , since commonly it deserves worse then they can say , but they did not , and I am reprieved . I finde dying to be like those facts which denying makes felony : when a sicknesse examines us , and we confess that we are willing to die , we cannot , but those who are — incurre the penalty : and I may die yet , if talking idly be an ill sign . God be with you . To the same . SIR , IT is in our State ever held for a good sign to change Prison , and nella Signoria de mi , I will think it so , that my sicknesse hath given me leave to come to my London-prison . I made no doubt but my entrance-pain ( for it was so rather then a sicknesse , but that my sadnesse putrefied and corrupted it to that name ) affected you also ; for nearer Contracts then generall Christianity , had made us so much towards one , that one part cannot escape the distemper of the other . I was therefore very carefull , as well to slack any sorrow which my danger might occasion in you ; as to give you the comfort of having been heard in your prayers for me , to tell you as soon as my pain remitted what steps I made towards health , which I did last week . This Tuesday morning your man brought me a Letter , which ( if he had not found me at London ) I see he had a hasty commandment to have brought to Micham . S r , though my fortune hath made me such as I am , rather a sicknesse and disease of the world then any part of it , yet I esteemed my self so far from being so to you , as I esteemed you to be far from being so of the world , as to measure men by fortune or events . I am now gone so far towards health , as there is not infirmity enough left in me for an assurance of so much noblenesse and truth , as your last Letter is to work upon , that might cure a greater indisposition then I am now in : And though if I had died , I had not gone without testimonies of such a disposition in you towards the reparation of my fortune , or preservation of my poor reputation ; yet I would live , and be some such thing as you might not be ashamed to love . Your man must send away this hour in which he visits me ; and I have not yet ( for I came last night ) offered to visit my La. Bedford , and therefore have nothing to say which should make me grudge this straitnesse of time . He tels me he sends again upon Thursday , and therefore I will make an end of this Letter , and perfect it then . I doubt my Letters have not come duly to your hand , and that I writing in my dungeon of Michim without dating , have made the Chronologie and sequence of my Letters perplexed to you ; howsoever you shall not be rid of this Ague of my Letters , though perchance the fit change daies . I have received in a narrow compasse three of yours , one with the Catalogue of your Books , another I found here left last Saterday by your man , and this which he brought me this morning Sir , I dare sit no longer in my wastcoat , nor have any thing worth the danger of a relapse to write . I owe you so much of my health , as I would not mingle you in any occasion of repairing it , and therefore here ask leave to kisse your hands , and bid you good morrow and farewell . Your very true friend and servant J Donne . To S r H. G. SIR , IT should be no interruption to your pleasures , to hear me often say that I love you , and that you are as much my meditations as my self : I often compare not you and me , but the sphear in which your resolutions are , and my wheel ; both I hope concentrique to God : for me thinks the new Astronomie is thus appliable well , that we which are a little earth , should rather move towards God , then that he which is fulfilling , and can come no whither , should move to wards us . To your life full of variety , nothing is old , nor new to mine ; and as to that life , all stickings and hesitations seem stupid and stony , so to this , all fluid slipperinesses , and transitory migrations seem giddie and featherie . In that life one is ever in the porch or postern , going in or out , never within his house himself : It is a garment made of remnants , a life raveld out into ends , a line discontinued , and a number of small wretched points , uselesse , because they concurre not : A life built of past and future , not proposing any constant present ; they have more pleasures then we , but not more pleasure ; they joy oftner , we longer ; and no man but of so much understanding as may deliver him from being a fool , would change with a mad-man , which had a better proportion of wit in his often Lucidis . You know , they which dwell farthest from the Sun , if in any convenient distance , have longer daies , better appetites , better digestion , better growth , and longer life : And all these advantages have their mindes who are well removed from the scorchings , and dazlings , and exhalings of the worlds glory : but neither of our lives are in such extremes ; for you living at Court without ambition , which would burn you , or envy , which would devest others , live in the Sun , not in the fire : And I which live in the Country without stupefying , am not in darknesse , but in shadow , which is not no light , but a pallid , waterish , and diluted one . As all shadows are of one colour , if you respect the body from which they are cast ( for our shadows upon clay will be dirty , and in a garden green , and flowery ) so all retirings into a shadowy life are alike from all causes , and alike subject to the barbarousnesse and insipid dulnesse of the Country : onely the emploiments , and that upon which you cast and bestow your pleasure , businesse , or books , gives it the tincture , and beauty . But truly wheresoever we are , if we can but tell our selves truly what and where we would be , we may make any state and place such ; for we are so composed , that if abundance , or glory scorch and melt us , we have an earthly cave , our bodies , to go into by consideration , and cool our selves : and if we be frozen , and contracted with lower and dark fortunes , we have within us a torch , a soul , lighter and warmer then any without : we are therefore our own umbrella's , and our own suns . These , Sir , are the sallads and onions of Micham , sent to you with as wholesome affection as your other friends send Melons and Quelque-choses from Court and London . If I present you not as good diet as they , I would yet say grace to theirs , and bid much good do it you . I send you , with this , a Letter which I sent to the Countesse . It is not my use nor duty to doe so , but for your having of it , there were but two consents , and I am sure you have mine , and you are sure you have hers . I also writ to her La p for the verses she shewed in the garden , which I did not onely to extort them , nor onely to keep my promise of writing , for that I had done in the other Letter , and perchance she hath forgotten the promise ; nor onely because I think my Letters just good enough for a progresse , but because I would write apace to her , whilest it is possible to expresse that which I yet know of her , for by this growth I see how soon she will be ineffable . SIR , THough my friendship be good for nothing else , it may give you the profit of a tentation , or of an affliction : It may excuse your patience ; and though it cannot allure , it shall importune you . Though I know you have many worthy friends of all rankes , yet I adde something , since I which am of none , would fain be your friend too . There is some of the honour and some of the degrees of a Creation , to make a friendship of nothing . Yet , not to annihilate my self utterly ( for though it seem humblenesse , yet it is a work of as much almightinesse , to bring a thing to nothing , as from nothing ) though I be not of the best stuffe for friendship , which men of warm and durable fortunes only are , I cannot say , that I am not of the best fashion , if truth and honesty be that ; which I must ever exercise , towards you , because I learned it of you : for the conversation with worthy men , and of good example , ( though it sow not vertue in us , yet produceth and ripeneth it . Your mans haste , and mine to Micham cuts off this Letter heve , yet , as in littell paterns torn from a whole piece , this may tell you what all I am . Though by taking me before my day ( which I accounted Tuesday ) I make short payment of this duty of Letters , yet I have a little comfort in this , that you see me hereby , willing to pay those debts which I can , before my time . Your affectionate friend J. Donne . First Saturday in March. 1607. You forget to send me the Apology ; and many times , I think it an injury to remember one of a promise , lest it confesse a distrust . But of the book , by occasion of reading the Deans answer to it , I have sometimes some want . To the Countesse of Bedford . Happiest and worthiest Lady , I Do not remember that ever I have seen a petition in verse , I would not therefore be singular , nor adde these to your other papers . I have yet adventured so near as to make a petition for verse , it is for those your Ladiship did me the honour to see in Twicknam garden , except you repent your making ; and having mended your judgement by thinking worse , that is , better , because juster , of their subject . They must needs be an excellent exercise of your wit , which speake so well of so ill : I humbly beg them of your Ladiship , with two such promises , as to any other of your compositions were threatnings : that I will not shew them , and that I will not beleeve them ; and nothing should be so used that comes from your brain or breast . If I should confesse a fault in the boldnesse of asking them , or make a fault by doing it in a longer Letter , your Ladiship might use your style and old fashion of the Court towards me , and pay me with a Pardon . Here therefore I humbly kisse your Ladiships fair learned hands , and wish you good wishes and speedy grants . Your Ladiships servant J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight Sir H. Goodere . BEcause things be conserved by the same means , which established them , I nurse that friendship by Letters , which you begot so : though you have since strengthened it by more solid aliment and real offices . In these Letters from the Country there is this merit , that I do otherwise unwillingly turn mine eye or thoughts from my books , companions in whom there is no falshood nor frowardnesse : which words , I am glad to observe that the holy Authours often joyne as expressers and relatives to one another , because else out of a naturall descent to that unworthy fault of frowardnesse , furthered with that incommodity of a little thinne house ; I should have mistaken it to be a small thing , which now I see equalled with the worst . If you have laid my papers and books by , I pray let this messenger have them , I have determined upon them . If you have not , be content to do it , in the next three or four days . So , Sir , I kisse your hands ; and deliver to you an intire and clear heart ; which shall ever when I am with you be in my face and tongue , and when I am from you , in my Letters , for I will never draw Curtain between you and it . Yours very affectionately J. Donne . From your house at Micham friday morning . When you are sometimes at M. Sackvills , I pray aske if he have this book , Baldvinus de officio pii hominis in controversiis ; it was written at the conference at Poissy , where Beza was , and he answered it ; I long for it . To Sir H. G. SIR , I Hope you are now welcome to London , and well , and well comforted in your Fathers health and love , and well contented that we ask you how you doe , and tell you how we are , which yet I cannot of my self ; If I knew that I were ill , I were well ; for we consist of three parts , a Soul , and Body , and Minde : which I call those thoughts and affections and passions , which neither soul nor body hath alone , but have been begotten by their communication , as Musique results out of our breath and a Cornet . And of all these the diseases are cures , if they be known . Of our souls sicknesses , which are sinnes , the knowledge is , to acknowledge , and that is her Physique , in which we are not dieted by drams and scruples , for we cannot take too much . Of our bodies infirmities , though our knowledge be partly ab extrinseco , from the opinion of the Physitian , and that the subject and matter be flexible , and various ; yet their rules are certain , and if the matter be rightly applyed to the rule , our knowledge thereof is also certain . But of the diseases of the minde , there is no Criterium , no Canon , no rule ; for , our own taste and apprehension and interpretation should be the Judge , and that is the disease it self . Therefore sometimes when I finde my self transported with jollity , and love of company , I hang Leads at my heels ; and reduce to my thoughts my fortunes , my years , the duties of a man , of a friend , of a husband , of a Father , and all the incumbencies of a family : when sadnesse dejects me , either I countermine it with another sadnesse , or I kindle squibs about me again , and flie into sportfulnesse and company : and I finde ever after all , that I am like an exorcist , which had long laboured about one , which at last appears to have the Mother , that I still mistake my disease . And I still vex my self with this , because if I know it not , no body can know it . And I comfort my self , because I see dispassioned men are subject to the like ignorances . For divers mindes out of the same thing often draw contrary conclusions , as Augustine thought devout Anthony to be therefore full of the holy Ghost , because not being able to read , he could say the whole Bible , and interpret it ; and Thyreus the Jesuit for the same reason doth thinke all the Anabaptists to be possessed . And as often out of contrary things men draw one conclusion . As to the Roman Church , magnificence and splendor hath ever been an argument of Gods favour , and poverty & affliction , to the Greek . Out of this variety of mindes it proceeds , that though our souls would goe to one end , Heaven , and all our bodies must go to one end , the earth : yet our third part , the minde , which is our naturall guide here , chooses to every man a severall way : scarce any man likes what another doth , nor advisedly , that which himself . But Sir , I am beyond my purpose ; I mean to write a Letter , and I am fallen into a discourse , and I do not only take you from some businesse , but I make you a new businesse by drawing you into these meditations . In which let my opennesse be an argument of such love as I would fain expresse in some worthier fashion . To Sir G. F. SIR , I Writ to you once this week before ; yet I write again , both because it seems a kinde of resisting of grace , to omit any commodity of sending into England , and because any Pacquet from me into England should go , not only without just fraight , but without ballast , if it had not a letter to you . In Letters that I received from Sir H. Wotton yesterday from Amyens , I had one of the 8 of March from you , and with it one from M rs . Danterey , of the 28 of January : which is a strange disproportion . But Sir , if our Letters come not in due order , and so make not a certain and concurrent chain , yet if they come as Atomes , and so meet at last , by any crooked , and casuall application , they make up , and they nourish bodies of friendship ; and in that fashion , I mean one way or other , first or last , I hope all the Letters which have been addressed to us by one another , are safely arrived , except perchance that pacquet by the Cook be not , of which before this time you are cleare ; for I received ( as I told you ) a Letter by M. Nat. Rich , and if you sent none by him , then it was that Letter , which the Cook tells you he delivered to M. Rich ; which , with all my criticismes , I cannot reconcile ; because in your last Letter , I find mention of things formerly written , which I have not found . However , I am yet in the same perplexity , which I mentioned before ; which is , that I have received no syllable , neither from her self , nor by any other , how my wife hath passed her danger , nor do I know whether I be increased by a childe , or diminished by the losse of a wife . I hear from England of many censures of my book , of M ris . Drury ; if any of those censures do but pardon me my descent in Printing any thing in verse , ( which if they do , they are more charitable then my self ; for I do not pardon my self , but confesse that I did it against my conscience , that is , against my own opinion , that I should not have done so ) I doubt not but they will soon give over that other part of that indictment , which is that I have said so much ; for no body can imagine , that I who never saw her , could have any other purpose in that , then that when I had received so very good testimony of her worthinesse , and was gone down to print verses , it became me to say , not what I was sure was just truth , but the best that I could conceive ; for that had been a new weaknesse in me , to have praised any body in printed verses , that had not been capable of the best praise that I could give . Presently after Easter we shall ( I think ) go to Frankford to be there at the election , where we shall meet Sir H. Wotton and Sir Ro. Rich , and after that we are determined to passe some time , in the Palatinate . I go thither with a great deale of devotion ; for me thinkes it is a new kinde of piety , that as Pilgrims went heretofore to places which had been holy and happy , so I go to a place now , which shall be so , and more , by the presence of the worthiest Princess of the world , if that marriage proceed . I have no greater errand to the place then that at my return into England ; I may be the fitter to stand in her presence , and that after I have seen a rich and abundant Countrey , in his best seasons , I may see that Sun which shall always keep it in that height . Howsoever we stray , if you have leasure to write at any time , adventure by no other way , then M. Bruer , at the Queens Armes , a Mercer , in Cheapside . I shall omit no opportunity , of which I doubt not to finde more then one before we go from Paris . Therefore give me leave to end this , in which if you did not finde the remembrance of my humblest services to my Lady Bedford , your love and faith ought to try all the experiments of pouders , and dryings , and waterings to discover some lines which appeared not ; because it is impossible that a Letter should come from me , with such an ungratefull silence . Your very true poor friend and servant and lover J. Donne . This day begins a History , of which I doubt not but I shall write more to you before I leave this town . Monsieur de Rohan , a person for birth , next heire to the Kingdome of Navar , after the Kings children , ( if the King of Spaine were weary of it ) and for allyance , sonne in law to D. Sally , and for breeding in the wars and estate , the most remarkable man of the Religion , being Governour of S. Jean d' Angeli , one of the most important towns which they of the Religion bold for their security , finding that some distasts between the Lieutenant and the Maior of the town , and him , were dangerously fomented by great persons , stole from Court , rode post to the town and removed these two persons . He sent his secretary , and another dependent of his to give the Queen sasisfaction , who is so far from receiving it , that his messengers are committed to the Bastile , likely to be presently tortured ; all his friends here commanded to their houses , and the Queens companies of light horse sent already thitherward , and foot companies preparing ; which troops being sent against a place , so much concerning those of the Religion to keep , and where they abound in number and strength , cannot chuse but produce effects worthy your hearing in the next Letter . To Sir H. G. SIR , BEcause I am in a place and season where I see every thing bud forth , I must do so too , and vent some of my meditations to you ; the rather because all other buds being yet without taste or virtue , my Letters may be like them . The pleasantnesse of the season displeases me . Every thing refreshes , and I wither , and I grow older and not better , my strength diminishes , and my load growes , and being to passe more and more stormes , I finde that I have not only cast out all my ballast which nature and time gives , Reason and discretion , and so am as empty and light as Vanity can make me ; but I have over fraught my self with Vice , and so am riddingly subject to two contrary wrackes , Sinking and Over-setting , and under the iniquity of such a disease as inforces the patient when he is almost starved , not only to fast , but to purge . For I have much to take in , and much to cast out ; sometimes I thinke it easier to discharge my self of vice then of vanity , as one may sooner carry the fire out of a room then the smoake : and then I see it was a new vanity to think so . And when I think sometimes that vanity , because it is thinne and airie , may be expelled with vertue or businesse , or substantiall vice ; I finde that I give entrance thereby to new vices . Certainly as the earth and water , one sad , the other fluid , make but one bodie : so to aire and Vanity , there is but one Centrum morbi . And that which later Physicians say of our bodies , is fitter for our mindes : for that which they call Destruction , which is a corruption and want of those fundamentall parts whereof we consist , is Vice : and that Collectio stercorum , which is but the excrement of that corruption , is our Vanity and indiscretion : both these have but one root in me , and must be pulled out at once , or never But I am so farre from digging to it , that I know not where it is , for it is not in mine eyes only , but in every sense , nor in my concupiscence only , but in every power and affection . Sir , I was willing to let you see how impotent a man you love , not to dishearten you from doing so still ( for my vices are not infectious , nor wandring , they came not yesterday , nor mean to go away to day : they Inne not , but dwell in me , and see themselves so welcome , and find in me so good bad company of one another , that they will not change , especially to one not apprehensive , nor easily accessible ) but I do it , that your counsell might cure me , and if you deny that , your example shal , for I will as much strive to be like you as I will wish you to continue good . To the Honourable K t S r H. Goodere one of the Gent. of his Majesties privy Chamber . SIR , YOU may remember that long since you delivered M r Fowler possession of me , but the wide distance in which I have lived from Court , makes me reasonably fear , that now he knows not his right and power in me , though he must of necessity have all , to whom you and I joyn in a gift of me , as we did to him , so that perchance he hath a servant of me , which might be passed in a book of concealment . If your leisure suffer it , I pray finde whether I be in him still , and conserve me in his love ; and so perfect your own work , or doe it over again , and restore me to the place , which by your favour I had in him . For M r Powell who serves her Ma ty as Clerk of her counsell , hath told me that M r Fowler hath some purpose to retire himself ; and therefore I would fain for all my love , have so much of his , as to finde him willing when I shall seek him at Court , to let me understand his purpose therein ; for if my means may make me acceptable to the Queen and him , I should be very sorry , he should make so farre steps therein with any other , that I should fail in it , onely for not having spoke to him soon enough . It were an injury to the forwardnesse of your love to adde more ; here therefore I kisse your hands , and commend to you the truth of my love . Your very affectionate servant and lover Jo. Donne . From my lodging in the Strand , whither I shall return on Munday , 13 June 1607. To S r H. G. SIR , YOU husband my time thriftily , when you command me to write by such a messenger , as can tell you more then I can write , for so he doth not onely carry the Letter , but is the Letter . But that the naming of some things , may give you occasion to ask him farther , and him to open himself unto you , give me leave to tell you , that the now Spa. Embassadour proceeds in the old pace , the King hath departed from his ordinary way so farre , as to appoint 9 of the Councell to treat with him ; but when they came to any approaches , he answered , that he brought onely Commission to propose certain things , which he was ready to doe , but he had no instructions to treat , but expected them upon an other return from his Master . So that there is no treaty for the marriage begun yet : for I know you have heard Olivarez his free acknowledgement , that til the Prince came , there was no thoght of it . The King in his gests of this progress , hath determined it , not as heretofore , at Windsor , but at Farnham during pleasure : so he is within a journey of Southampton ; and even that circumstance addes to some other reasons , that he expects the Prince this Summer , and that Sir W. Crofts , in his last dispatches , enlarged the Prince in his liberty , from his Father , to come away , if he would . Amongst all the irregularities of this age , to me this is as strange as any , That this year there is no peace , and yet no sword drawn in the world ; & it is a lost conjecture to think which way any of the Armies will bend . Here it is imagined , that Yukendorfe and Gabor ( for , for any concurrence of love , it is but a dream ) may so farre distresse Bohemia , as that Tilly must be recalled thither ; and that if he be , Brunswikes way is open into Baviere , where he may recompense great losses , whilest Mansfield and Gonzales , and his Excellency and Spinola , keepthe ballance even in their parts , by looking upon another . This noble friend of yours is in his last minute , in this Town ; and I am going into the Coach with my Lo to Hanworth . If I might have forborn the sealing the rest till my return from thence , you might have heard something more from . Your very true poor friend and humble servant in Chr. Jes. J. Donne . No straitnesse makes me forget my service to your daughters : If my Bell were tolling , I should pray for them , and though my Letter be sealing , I leave not out my wishes , that their fortunes may second their goodnesse . Amen . To Sir H. G. SIR , THis Tuesday morning , which hath brought me to London , presents me with all your Letters . Me thought it was a rent day , I mean such as yours , and not as mine ; and yet such too , when I considered how much I ought you for them , how good a mother , how fertill and abundant the understanding is , if she have a good father ; and how well friendship performs that office . For that which is denied in other generations is done in this of yours : for here is superfetation , childe upon childe , and that which is more strange , twins at a latter conception . If in my second religion , friendship , I had a conscience , either errantem to mistake good and bad and indifferent , or opinantem to be ravished by others opinions or examples , or dubiam to adhere to neither part , or scrupulosam to encline to one , but upon reasons light in themselves , or indiscussed in me , ( which are almost all the diseases of conscience ) I might mistake your often , long , and busie Letters , and fear you did but intreat me to have mercy upon you and spare you ; for you know our Court took the resolution , that it was the best way to dispatch the French Prince back again quickly , to receive him solemnly , ceremoniously , and expensively , when he hoped a domestique and durable entertainment . I never meant to excell you in weight nor price , but in number and bulk I thought I might , because he may cast up a greater summe who hath but forty small monies , then he with twenty Portuguesses . The memory of friends , ( I mean onely for Letters ) neither enters ordinarily into busied men , because they are ever emploied within , nor into men of pleasure , because they are never at home . For these wishes therefore which you won out of your pleasure and recreation , you were as excusable to me if you writ seldome , as Sir H. Wotton is , under the oppression of businesse , or the necessity of seeming so ; or more then he , because I hope you have both pleasure and businesse : onely to me , who have neither , this omission were sinne ; for though writing be not of the precepts of friendship , but of the counsels , yet , as in some cases to some men counsels become precepts , and though not immediately from God , yet very roundly and quickly from his Church , ( as selling and dividing goods in the first time , continence in the Romane Church , and order and decencie in ours ) so to me who can do nothing else , it seems to binde my conscience to write ; and it is sinne to doe against the conscience , though that erre . Yet no mans Letters might be better wanted then mine , since my whole Letter is nothing else but a confession that I should and would write . I owed you a Letter in verse before by mine own promise , and now that you think that you have hedged in that debt by a greater by your Letter in verse , I think it now most seasonable and fashionable for me to break . At least , to write presently , were to accuse my self of not having read yours so often as such a Letter deserves from you to me . To make my debt greater ( for such is the desire of all , who cannot or mean not to pay ) I pray read these two problemes : for such light flashes as these have been my hawkings in my sorry journies . I accompany them with another ragge of verses , worthy of that name for the smalnesse , and age , for it hath long lien among my other papers , and laughs at them that have adventured to you : for I think till now you saw it not , and neither you , nor it should repent it . Sir , if I were any thing , my love to you might multiply it , and dignifie it : But infinite nothings are but one such ; yet since even Chymera's have some name and titles , I am also Yours . To your selfe . SIR , IF this Letter finde you in a progresse , or at Bath , or at any place of equall leasure to our Spá , you will perchance descend to reade so low meditations as these . Nothing in my L. of Salisburies death exercised my poor considerations so much , as the multitude of libells . It was easily discerned , some years before his death , that he was at a defensive war , both for his honour and health , and ( as we then thought ) for his estate : and I thought , that had removed much of the envy . Besides , I have just reasons to think , that in the chiefest businesses between the Nations , he was a very good patriot . But I meant to speake of nothing but the libells , of which , all which are brought into these parts , are so tastelesse and flat , that I protest to you , I think they were made by his friends . It is not the first time that our age hath seen that art practised , That when there are witty and sharp libels made which not onely for the liberty of speaking , but for the elegancie , and composition , would take deep root , and make durable impressions in the memory , no other way hath been thought so fit to suppresse them , as to divulge some course , and railing one : for when the noise is risen , that libels are abroad , mens curiositie must be served with something : and it is better for the honour of the person traduced , that some blunt downright railings be vented , of which every body is soon weary , then other pieces , which entertain us long with a delight , and love to the things themselves . I doubt not but he smoothered some libels against him in his life time . But I would all these ( or better ) had been made then , for they might then have wrought upon him ; and they might have testified that the Author had meant to mend him , but now they can have no honest pretence . I dare say to you , where I am not easily misinterpreted , that there may be cases , where one may do his Countrey good service , by libelling against a live man. For , where a man is either too great , or his Vices too generall , to be brought under a judiciary accusation , there is no way , but this extraordinary accusing , which we call Libelling And I have heard that nothing hath soupled and allayed the D. of Lerma in his violent greatnesse , so much as the often libels made upon him . But after death , it is , in all cases , unexcusable . I know that Lucifer , and one or two more of the Fathers who writ libellous books against the Emperours of their times , are excused by our writers , because they writ not in the lives of those Emperours . I am glad for them that they writ not in their lives , for that must have occasioned tumult , and contempt , against so high and Soveraign persons . But that doth not enough excuse them to me , for writing so after their death ; for that was ignoble , and uselesse , though they did a little escape the nature of libels , by being subscribed and avowed : which excuse would not have served in the Star-chamber , where sealed Letters have been judged Libels ; but these of which we speake at this present , are capable of no excuse , no amolishment , and therefore I cry you mercy , and my self too , for disliking them , with so much diligence , for they deserve not that . But Sir , you see by this , and by my Letter of last week , from hence the peremptory barrennesse of this place , from whence we can write nothing into England , but of that which comes from thence . Till the Lady Worster came hither , I had never heard any thing to make me imagine that Sir Rob. Rich was in England ; the first hour that I had knowledge of it , I kisse his hands by this Letter . I make account to be in London , transitorily , about the end of August . You shall do me much favour , if I may finde a Letter from you ( if you shall not then be there ) at the Lady Bartlets : I shall come home in much ignorance , nor would I discern home by a better light , or any other then you . I can glory of nothing in this voyage , but that I have afflicted my Lady Bedford with few Letters . I protest earnestly to you , it troubles me much more to dispatch a pacquet into England , without a Letter to her , then it would to put in three . But I have been heretofore too immodest towards her , and I suffer this Purgatory for it . We make account to leave this place within 8 or 10 days , and hence to make our best haste to the Count Maurice , where we think to finde again the young Palatine : all this I tell you only because when you know , that we shall run too fast to write any more Letters , you may easily pardon the importunities and impertinencies of this , and cast into no lower place of your love Your very true friend and servant J. Donne . Spâ , 26 July here 1612. To my Lord G. H. SIR , I Am near the execution of that purpose for France ; though I may have other ends , yet if it do but keep me awake , it recompenses me well . I am now in the afternoon of my life , and then it is unwholesome to sleep . It is ill to look back , or give over in a course ; but worse never to set out . I speake to you at this time of departing , as I should do at my last upon my death-bed ; and I desire to deliver into your hands a heart and affections , as innocent towards you , as I shall to deliver my soul into Gods hands then . I say not this out of diffidence , as though you doubted it , or that this should look like such an excuse , as implyed an accusation ; but because my fortune hath burdened you so , as I could not rectifie it before my going , my conscience and interpretation ( severer I hope then yours towards my self ) calls that a kinde of demerit , but God who hath not only afforded us a way to be delivered from our great many debts , contracted by our Executorship to Adam , but also another for our particular debts after , hath not left poor men unprovided , for discharge of morall and civill debts ; in which , acknowledgement , and thankfulnesse is the same , as repentance and contrition is in spiritual debts : and though the value and dignity of all these be not perchance in the things , but in the acceptation , yet I cannot doubt of it , either in God , or you . But Sir , because there is some degree of thankfulnesse in asking more ( for that confesses all former obligations , and a desire to be still in the same dependency ) I must intreat you to continue that wherein you have most expressed your love to me , which is , to maintain me in the same room in my Lady Bedfords opinion , in the which you placed me . I prosesse to you that I am too much bound to her , for expressing every way her care of my fortune , that I am weary before she is ; and out of a loathnesse , that so good works should be bestowed upon so illstuffe , or that somuchill fortune should be mingled with hers , as that she should misse any thing that she desired , though it were but for me ; I am willing to depart from farther exercising her indevours in that kinde . I shall be bold to deliver my poor Letters to her Ladiships hands , through yours , whilest I am abroad ' though I shall ever account my self at home , whilest I am in your memory . Your affectionate servant and lover J. Donne . To Sir H. G. SIR , NAture hath made all bodies alike , by mingling and kneading up the same elements in every one . And amongst men , the other nature , Custome , hath made every minde like some other ; we are patterns , or copies , we informe , or imitate . But as he hath not presently attained to write a good hand , which hath equalled one excellent Master in his A , another in his B , much lesse he which hath sought all the excellent Masters , and imployed all his time to exceed in one Letter , because not so much an excellency of any , nor every one , as an evennesse and proportion , and respect to one another gives the perfection : so is no man vertuous by particular example . Not he that doth all actions to the pattern of the most valiant , or liberall , which Histories afford : nor he which chuses from every one their best actions , and thereupon doth something like those . Perchance such may be in via perficiendorum , which Divines allow to Monasticall life , but not perfectorum , which by them is only due to Prelacy . For vertue is even , and continuall , and the same , and can therefore break no where , nor admit ends , nor beginnings : it is not only not broken , but not tyed together . He is not vertuous , out of whose actions you can pick an excellent one . Vice and her fruits may be feen , because they are thick bodies , but not vertue , which is all light ; and vices have swellings and fits , and noise , because being extreams , they dwell far asunder , and they maintain both a forein war against vertue , and a civill against one another , and affect Soveraignty , as vertue doth society . The later Physitians say , that when our naturall inborn preservative is corrupted or wasted , and must be restored by a like extracted from other bodies ; the chief care is that the Mummy have in it no excelling quality , but an equally digested temper : And such is true vertue . But men who have preferred money before all , think they deal honourably with vertue , if they compare her with money : And think that as money is not called base , till the allay exceed the pure ; so they are vertuous enough , if they have enough to make their actionscurrant , which is , if either they get praise , or ( in a lower abasing ) if they incurre not infamy or penalty . But you know who said , Augusta innocentia est ad legem bonum esse : which rule being given for positive Laws , severe mistakers apply even to Gods Law , and ( perchance against his Commandment ) binde themselves to his Counsails , beyond his Laws . But they are worse , that thinke that because some men formerly wastfull , live better with half their rents then they did with all , being now advantaged with discretion and experience , therefore our times need lesse moral vertue then the first , because we have Christianity , which is the use and application of all vertue : as though our religion were but an art of thrift , to make a little vertue go far . For as plentifull springs are fittest , and best become large Aqueducts , so doth much vertue such asteward and officer as a Christian. But I must not give you a Homily for a Letter . I said a great while since , that custome made men like ; we who have been accustomed to one another are like in this , that we love not businesse : this therefore shall not be to you nor me a busie Letter . I end with a probleme , whose errand is , to aske for his fellowes . I pray before you ingulfe your self in the progresse , leave them for me , and such other of my papers as you will lend me till you return . And besides this Allegoricall lending , lend me truely your counsails , and love God and me , whilest I love him and you . To my very true and very good friend Sir Henry Goodere . SIR , AT some later reading , I was more affected with that part of your Letter , which is of the book , and the namelesse Letters , then at first . I am not sorry , for that affection were for a jealousie or suspicion of a flexibilty in you . But I am angry , that any should think , you had in your Religion peccant humours , defective , or abundant , or that such a booke , ( if I mistake it not ) should be able to work upon you ; my comfort is , that their judgment is too weak to endanger you , since by this it confesses , that it mistakes you , in thinking you irresolved or various : yet let me be bold to fear , that that sound true opinion , that in all Christian professions there is way to salvation ( which I think you think ) may have been so incommodiously or intempestively sometimes uttered by you ; or else your having friends equally near you of all the impressions of Religion , may have testified such an indifferency , as hath occasioned some to further such inclinations , as they have mistaken to be in you . This I have feared , because hertofore the inobedient Puritans , and now the over-obedient Papists attempt you . It hath hurt very many , not in their conscience , nor ends , but in their reputation , and ways , that others have thought them fit to be wrought upon . As some bodies are as wholesomly nourished as ours , with Akornes , and endure nakednesse , both which would be dangerous to us , if we for them should leave our former habits , though theirs were the Primitive diet and custome : so are many souls well fed with such formes , and dressings of Religion , as would distemper and misbecome us , and make us corrupt towards God , if any humane circumstance moved it , and in the opinion of men , though none . You shall seldome see a Coyne , upon which the stamp were removed , though to imprint it better , but it looks awry and squint . And so , for the most part , do mindes which have received divers impressions . I will not , nor need to you , compare the Religions . The channels of Gods mercies run through both fields ; and they are sister teats of his graces , yet both diseased and infected , but not both alike . And I think , that as Copernicisme in the Mathematiques hath carried earth farther up , from the stupid Center ; and yet not honoured it , nor advantaged it , because for the necessity of appearances , it hath carried heaven so much higher from it : so the Roman profession seems to exhale , and refine our wills from earthly Drugs , and Lees , more then the Reformed , and so seems to bring us nearer heaven ; but then that carries heaven farther from us , by making us pass so many Courts , and Offices of Saints in this life , in all our petitions , and lying in a painfull prison in the next , during the pleasure , not of him to whom we go , and who must be our Judge , but of them from whom we come , who know not our case . Sir , as I said last time , labour to keep your alacrity and dignity , in an even temper : for in a dark sadnesse , indifferent things seem abominable , or necessary , being neither ; as trees , and sheep to melancholique night-walkers have unproper shapes . And when you descend to satisfie all men in your own religion , or to excuse others to al ; you prostitute your self and your understanding , though not a prey , yet a mark , and a hope , and a subject , for every sophister in Religion to work on . For the other part of your Letter , spent in the praise of the Countesse , I am always very apt to beleeve it of her , and can never beleeve it so well , and so reasonably , as now , when it is averred by you ; but for the expressing it to her , in that sort as you seem to counsaile , I have these two reasons to decline it . That that knowledge which she hath of me , was in the beginning of a graver course , then of a Poet , into which ( that I may also keep my dignity ) I would not seem to relapse . The Spanish proverb informes me , that he is a fool which cannot make one Sonnet , and he is mad which makes two . The other stronger reason , is my integrity to the other Countesse , of whose worthinesse though I swallowed your opinion at first upon your words , yet I have had since an explicit faith , and now a knowledge : and for her delight ( since she descends to them ) I had reserved not only all the verses , which I should make , but all the thoughts of womens worthinesse . But because I hope she will not disdain , that I should write well of her Picture , I have obeyed you thus far , as to write : but intreat you by your friendship , that by this occasion of versifying , I be not traduced , nor esteemed light in that Tribe , and that house where I have lived . If those reasons which moved you to bid me write be not constant in you still , or if you meant not that I should write verses ; or if these verses be too bad , or too good , over or under her understanding , and not fit ; I pray receive them , as a companion and supplement of this Letter to you ; and as such a token as I use to send , which use , because I wish rather they should serve ( except you wish otherwise ) I send no other ; but after I have told you , that here at a Christning at Peckam , you are remembred by divers of ours , and I commanded to tell you so , I kisse your hands , and so seal to you my pure love , which I would not refuse to do by any labour or danger . Your very true friend and servant J. Donne . To S r G.M. IF you were here , you would not think me importune , if I did you good morrow every day ; and such a patience will excuse my often ' Letters . No other kinde of conveyance is better for knowledge , or love : What treasures of Morall knowledge are in Senecaes Letters to onely one Lucilius ? and what of Naturall in Plinies ? how much of the storie of the time , is in Ciceroes Letters ? And how all of these times , in the Jesuites Eastern and Western Epistles ? where can we finde so perfect a Character of Phalaris , as in his own Letters , which are almost so many writs of Execution ? Or of Brutus , as in his privie seals for monie ? The Evangiles and Acts , teach us what to beleeve , but the Epistles of the Apostles what to do . And those who have endevoured to dignifie Seneca above his worth , have no way fitter , then to imagine Letters between him and S. Paul. As they think also that they have expressed an excellent person , in that Letter which they obtrude , from our B. Saviour to King Agabarus . The Italians , which are most discursive , and think the world owes them all wisdome , abound so much in this kinde of expressing , that Michel Montaige saies , he hath seen , ( as I remember ) 400 volumes of Italian Letters . But it is the other capacity which must make mine acceptable , that they are also the best conveyers of love . But , though all knowledge be in those Authors already , yet , as some poisons , and some medicines , hurt not , nor profit , except the creature in which they reside , contribute their lively activitie , and vigor ; so , much of the knowledge buried in Books perisheth , and becomes ineffectuall , if it be not applied , and refreshed by a companion , or friend . Much of their goodnesse , hath the same period , which some Physicians of Italy have observed to be in the biting of their Tarentola , that it affects no longer , then the flie lives . For with how much desire we read the papers of any living now , ( especially friends ) which we would scarce allow a boxe in our cabinet , or shelf in our Library , if they were dead ? And we do justly in it , for the writings and words of men present , we may examine , controll , and expostulate , and receive satisfaction from the authors ; but the other we must beleeve , or discredit ; they present no mean. Since then at this time , I am upon the stage , you may be content to hear me . And now that perchance I have brought you to it , ( as Thom. Badger did the King ) now I have nothing to say . And it is well , for the Letter is already long enough , else let this probleme supply , which was occasioned by you , of women wearing stones ; which , it seems , you were afraid women should read , because you avert them at the beginning , with a protestation of cleanlinesse . Martiall found no way fitter to draw the Romane Matrons to read one of his Books , which he thinks most morall and cleanly , then to counsell them by the first Epigram to skip the Book , because it was obscene . But either you write not at all for women , or for those of sincerer palates . Though their unworthinesse , and your own ease be advocates for me with you , yet I must adde my entreaty , that you let goe no copy of my Problems , till I review them . If it be too late , at least be able to tell me who hath them . Yours , J. Donne . To S r H. G. I Send not my Letters as tribute , nor interest , not recompense , nor for commerce , nor as testimonials of my love , nor provokers of yours , nor to justifie my custome of writing , nor for a vent and utterance of my meditations ; for my Letters are either above or under all such offices ; yet I write very affectionately , and I chide and accuse my self of diminishing that affection which sends them , when I ask my self why : onely I am sure that I desire that you might have in your hands Letters of mine of all kindes , as conveyances and deliverers of me to you , whether you accept me as a friend , or as a patient , or as a penitent , or as a beadsman , for I decline no jurisdiction , or refuse any tenure . I would not open any doore upon you , but look in when you open it . Angels have not , nor affect not other knowledge of one another , then they list to reveal to one another . It is then in this onely , that friends are Angels , that they are capable and fit for such revelations when they are offered . If at any time I seem to studie you more inquisitively , it is for no other end but to know how to present you to God in my prayers , and what to ask of him for you ; for even that holy exercise may not be done inopportunely , no nor importunely . I finde little errour in that Grecians counsell , who saies , If thou ask any thing of God , offer no sacrifice , nor ask elegantly , nor vehemently , but remember that thou wouldest not give to such an asker : Nor in his other Countriman , who affirms sacrifice of blood to be so unproportionable to God , that perfumes , though much more spirituall , are too grosse . Yea words which are our subtillest and delicatest outward creatures , being composed of thoughts and breath , are so muddie , so thick , that our thoughts themselves are so , because ( except at the first rising ) they are ever leavened with passions and affections : And that advantage of nearer familiarity with God , which the act of incarnation gave us , is grounded upon Gods assuming us , not our going to him . And , our accesses to his presence are but his descents into us ; and when we get any thing by prayer , he gave us before hand the thing and the petition . For , I scarce think any ineffectuall prayer free from both sin , and the punishment of sin : yet as God seposed a seventh of our time for his exterior worship , and as his Christian Church early presented him a type of the whole year in a Lent , and after imposed the obligation of canonique hours , constituting thereby morall Sabbaths every day ; I am farre from dehorting those fixed devotions : But I had rather it were bestowed upon thanksgiving then petition , upon praise then prayer ; not that God is indeared by that , or wearied by this ; all is one in the receiver , but not in the sender : and thanks doth both offices ; for , nothing doth so innocently provoke new graces , as gratitude . I would also rather make short prayers then extend them , though God can neither be surprised , nor besieged : for , long prayers have more of the man , as ambition of eloquence , and a complacencie in the work , and more of the Devil by often distractions : for , after in the beginning we have well intreated God to hearken , we speak no more to him . Even this Letter is some example of such infirmitie , which being intended for a Letter , is extended and strayed into a Homilie . And whatsoever is not what it was purposed , is worse , therefore it shall at last end like a Letter by assuring you I am To your selfe . SIR , SIr Germander Pool , your noble friend and fellow in Armes , hath been at this house . I finde by their diligent inquiring from me , that he hath assured them that he hath much advanced your proceeding , by his resignation ; but cooled them again with this , that the L. Spencer pretends in his room . I never feared his , nor any mans diligence in that ; I feared onely your remisnesse , because you have a fortune that can endure , and a nature that can almost be content to misse . But I had rather you exercised your Philosophy and evennesse in some things else . He doth not nothing which falls cleanly and harmelesly ; but he wrastles better which stands . I know you can easily forgive your self any negligences and slacknesses , but I am glad that you are ingaged to so many friends , who either by your self , or fame have knowledge of it . In all the rest of them there is a worthinesse , and in me a love which deserves to be satisfied . In this therefore , as you are forward in all things else , be content to do more for your friends then you would for your self ; endevour it , that is effect it . Your very true friend and lover J. Donne . Tuesday . To Sir H. G. SIR , IN the History or style of friendship , which is best written both in deeds and words , a Letter which is of a mixed nature , and hath something of both , is a mixed Parenthesis : It may be left out , yet it contributes , though not to the being , yet to the verdure , and freshnesse thereof . Letters have truly the same office , as oaths . As these amongst light and empty men , are but fillings , and pauses , and interjections ; but with weightier , they are sad attestations : So are Letters to some complement , and obligation to others . For mine , as I never authorized my servant to lie in my behalfe , ( for if it were officious in him , it might be worse in me ) so I allow my Letters much lesse that civill dishonesty , both because they go from me more considerately , and because they are permanent ; for in them I may speak to you in your chamber a year hence before I know not whom , and not hear my self . They shall therefore ever keep the sincerity and intemeratenesse of the fountain , whence they are derived . And as wheresoever these leaves fall , the root is in my heart , so shall they , as that sucks good affections towards you there , have ever true impressions thereof . Thus much information is in very leaves , that they can tell what the tree is , and these can tell you I am a friend , and an honest man. Of what generall use , the fruit should speake , and I have none : and of what particular profit to you , your application and experimenting should tell you , and you can make none of such a nothing ; yet even of barren Sycamores , such as I , there were use , if either any light flashings , or scorching vehemencies , or sudden showres made you need so shadowy an example or remembrancer . But ( Sir ) your fortune and minde do you this happy injury , that they make all kinde of fruits uselesse unto you ; Therefore I have placed my love wisely where I need communicate nothing . All this , though perchance you read it not till Michaelmas , was told you at Micham , 15. August . 1607. To my most worthy friend Sir Henry Goodere . SIR , BEcause evennesse conduces as much to strength and firmnesse as greatnesse doth , I would not discontinue my course of writing . It is a sacrifice , which though friends need not , friendship doth ; which hath in it so much divinity , that as we must be ever equally disposed inwardly so to doe or suffer for it , so we must sepose some certain times for the outward service thereof , though it be but formall and testimoniall : that time to met towards you is Tuesday , and my Temple , the Rose in Smith-field . If I were by your appointment your Referendarie for news , I should write but short Letters , because the times are barren . The low Countries , which used to be the Mart of news for this season , suffering also , or rather enjoying a vacation . Since therefore I am but mine own Secretary ( and what 's that ? ) I were excusable if I writ nothing , since I am so : Besides that , your much knowledge brings you this disadvantage , that as stomachs accustomed to delicacies , finde nothing new or pleasing to them when they are sick ; so you can hear nothing from me ( though the Countrey perchance make you hungry ) which you know not . Therefore in stead of a Letter to you , I send you one to another , to the best Lady , who did me the honour to acknowledge the receit of one of mine , by one of hers ; and who only hath power to cast the fetters of verse upon my free meditations : It should give you some delight , and some comfort , because you are the first which see it , and it is the last which you shall see of this kinde from me . Your very affectionate lover and servant J. Donne . Micham the 14 August , To Sir I. H. SIR , I Would not omit this , not Commodity , but Advantage of writing to you . This emptinesse in London , dignifies any Letter from hence , as in the seasons , earlinesse and latenesse , makes the sowrenesse , and after the sweetnesse of fruits acceptable and gracious . We often excuse and advance mean Authors , by the age in which they lived , so will your love do this Letter ; and you will tell your self , that if he which writ it knew wherein he might expresse his affection , or any thing which might have made his Letter welcommer , he would have done it . As it is , you may accept it so , as we do many China manufactures , of which when we know no use , yet we satisfie our curiosity in considering them , because we knew not how , nor of what matter they were made . Near great woods and quarries it is no wonder to see faire houses , but in Holland which wants both , it is . So were it for me who am as farre removed from Court , and knowledge of forein passages , as this City is now from the face and furniture of a City , to build up a long Letter and to write of my self , were but to inclose a poor handfull of straw for a token in a Letter : yet I will tell you , that I am at London onely to provide for Monday , when I shall use that favour which my Lady Bedford hath afforded me , of giving her name to my daughter ; which I mention to you , as well to shew that I covet any occasion of a gratefull speaking of her favours , as that , because I have thought the day is likely to bring you to London , I might tell you , that my poor house is in your way and you shall there finde such company , as ( I think ) you will not be loth to accompany to London . Your very true friend J. Donne . 6 Aug. 1608. To Sir H. Wootton . SIR , THat which is at first but a visitation , and a civill office , comes quickly to be a haunting , and an uncivill importunity : my often writing might be subject to such a misinterpretation , if it were not to you , who as you know that the affection which suggests and dictates them , is ever one , and continuall , and uninterrupted ; may be pleased to think my Letters so too , and that all the pieces make but one long Letter , and so I know you would not grudge to read any intire book of mine , at that pace , as you do my Letters , which is a leafe a week : especially such Letters as mine , which ( perchance out of the dulnesse of the place ) are so empty of any relations , as that they oppresse not your meditations , nor discourse , nor memory . You know that for aire we are sure we apprehend and enjoy it , but when this aire is rarified into fire , we begin to dispute whether it be an element , or no : so when Letters have a convenient handsome body of news , they are Letters ; but when they are spun out of nothing , they are nothing , or but apparitions , and ghosts , with such hollow sounds , as he that hears them , knows not what they said . You ( I think ) and I am much of one sect in the Philosophy of love ; which though it be directed upon the minde , doth inhere in the body , and find piety entertainment there : so have Letters for their principall office , to be seals and testimonies of mutuall affection , but the materialls and fuell of them should be a confident and mutuall communicating of those things which we know . How shall I then who know nothing write Letters ? Sir , I learn knowledge enough out of yours to me . I learn that there is truth and sirmnesse and an earnestness of doing good alive in the world ; and therefore , since there is so good company in it , I have not so much desire to go out of it , as I had , if my fortune would afford me any room in it . You know I have been no coward , nor unindustrious in attempting that ; nor will I give it over yet . If at last , I must confesse , that I dyed ten years ago , yet as the Primitive Church admitted some of the Jews Ceremonies , not for perpetuall use , but because they would bury the Synagogue honourably , though I dyed at a blow then when my courses were diverted , yet it wilplease me a little to have had a long funerall , and to have kept my self so long above ground without putrefaction . But this is melancholique discourse ; To change therefore from this Metaphoricall death to the true , and that with a little more relish of mirth , let me tell you the good nature of the executioner of Paris : who when Vatan was beheaded , ( who dying in the profession of the Religion , had made his peace with God in the prison , and so said nothing at the place of execution ) swore he had rather execute forty Huguenots , then one Catholique , because the Huguenot used so few words , and troubled him so little , in respect of the dilatory ceremonies of the others , in dying . Cotton the great Court Jesuite hath so importuned the Q. to give some modifications to the late interlocutory arrest against the Jesuits , that in his presence , the C. Soisons , who had been present in the Court at the time of the arrest , and Servin the Kings Advocate , who urged it , and the Premier president , were sent for : They came so well provided with their books , out of which they assigned to the Q. so many , so evident places of seditious doctrine , that the Q. was well satisfied , that it was fit by all means to provide against the teaching of the like doctrine in France . The D. of Espernon is come to Paris , with ( they say ) 600 horse in his train ; all which company , came with him into the Court : which is an insolency remarkable here . They say that scarce any of the Princes appear in the streets , but with very great trains . No one enemy could wast the treasures of France so much , as so many friends do : for the Q. dares scarce deny any , that so she may have the better leave to make haste to advance her Marquis of Ancre , of whose greatnesse , for matter of command , or danger , they have no great fear , he being no very capable nor stirring man : and then for his drawing of great benefits from the Q. they make that use of it , that their suits passe with lesse opposition . I beleeve the treasure is scattered , because I see the future receipt charged with so very many and great pensions . The Q. hath adventured a little to stop this rage of the Princes importunity , by denying a late suit of Soissons : which though the other Princes grudge not that Soisson should faile , for he hath drawn infinite sums already , yet they resent it somewhat tenderly , that any of them should be denyed , when the Marquis obtains . That which was much observed in the Kings more childish age , when I was last here , by those whom his father appointed to judge , by an assiduous observation , his naturall inclination , is more and more confirmed , that his inclinations are cruell , and tyrannous ; and when he is any way affected , his stammering is so extreme , as he can utter nothing . They cannot draw him to look upon a son of the Marquis , whom they have put into his service . And he was so extremely affectionate towards the younger son of Beaufort , that they have removed him to a charge which he hath , as he is made Prieur of Malta ; but yet there passe such Letters between them , by stealth and practise , as ( though it be between children ) it is become a matter of State , and much diligence used to prevent the Letters . For the young Marquis of Vervueil , the K. speaks often of transplanting him into the Church , and once this Christmas delighted himself to see his young brother in a Cardinalls habit . Sir , it is time to take up , for I know , that any thing , from this place , as soon as it is certain , is stale . I have been a great while more mannerly towards my Lady Bedford , then to trouble her with any of mine own verses , but having found these French verses accompanied with a great deal of reputation here , I could not forbear to aske her leave to send them . I writ to you by M r. Pory the 17 of Jan. here , and he carried that Letter to Paris , to gather news , like a snow-ball . He told me that Pindar is gone to Constantinople with Commission to remove and succeed Glover : I am afraid you have neglected that businesse . Continue me in M. Martins good opinion : I know I shall never fall from it , by any demerit of mine , and I know I need not fear it , out of any slacknesse or slipperinesse in him , but much businesse may strangle me in him . When it shall not trouble you to write to me , I pray do me the favour to tell me , how many you have received from me , for I have now much just reason to imagine , that some of my Pacquets have had more honour then I wished them : which is to be delivered into the hands of greater personages , then I addressed them unto . Hold me still in your own love , and proceed in that noble testimony of it , of which your Letter by M. Pory spoke , ( which is the only Letter that I have received , since I came away ) and beleeve me that I shall ever with much affection , and much devotion joine both your fortune and your last best happinesse , with the desire of mine own in all my civill , and divine wishes , as the only retribution in the power of Your affectionate servant Jo. Donne . To the Honorable Knight Sir H. Goodere . SIR , IF I would go out of my way for excuses , or if I did not go out of my way from them ; I might avoid writing now because I cannot chuse but know , that you have in this town abler servants , and better understanding the persons and passages of this Court. But my hope is not in the application of other mens merits , to me however abundant . Besides , this town hath since our comming hither , afforded enough for all to say . That which was done here the 25 of March , and which was so long called a publication of the marriages , was no otherwise publique then that the Spa. Ambassador , having that day an audience delivered to the Queen that his Master was well pleased with all those particulars which had been formerly treated . And the French Ambassador in Spain is said to have had instruction , to do the same office in that Court , the same day . Since that , that is to say , these 4 last days , it hath been solemnized with more outward bravery then this Court is remembred to have appeared in . The main bravery was the number of horses which were above 800 Caparazond . Before the daies , the town was full of the 5 Challengers cartells , full of Rodomontades : but in the execution , there were no personall reencounters , nor other triall of any ability , then running at the Quintain , and the Ring . Other particulars of this , you cannot chuse but hear too much , since at this time there cometoyouso many French men . But lest you should beleeve too much , I presentyou these 2 precautions , that for their Gendarmery , there was no other trial then I told you ; & for their bravery , no true stuffe . You must of necessity have heard often of a Book written against the Popes jurisdiction , about three moneths since , by one Richer , a D r and Syndique of the Sorbonists , which Book hath now been censured by an assembly of the Clergie of this Archbishoprick , promoved with so much diligence by the Cardinall Peroun , that for this businesse he hath intermitted his replie to the Kings answer , which now he retires to intend seriously : I have not yet had the honour to kisse his Graces hand , though I have received some half-invitations to do it . Richer was first accused to the Parliament , but when it was there required of his delators to insist upon some propositions in his Book , which were either against Scripture , or the Gallican Church , they desisted in that pursuit . But in the censure which the Clergie hath made , though it be full of modifications and reservations of the rights of the King , and the Gallican Churches , there is this iniquitie , that being to be published by commandement of the Assembly , in all the Churches of Paris , which is within that Diocese , and almost all the Curates of the Parishes of Paris being Sorbonists , there is by this means a strong party of the Sorbonists themselves raised against Richer ; yet against this censure , and against three or four which have opposed Richer in print , he meditates an answer . Before it should come forth I desired to speak with him , for I had said to some of the Sorbonist of his party , that there was no proposition in his Book , which I could not shew in Catholique authors of 300 years : I had from him an assignation to meet , and at the hour he sent me his excuse , which was , that he had been traduced to have had conference with the Ambassadors of England , and the States , and with the D. of Bovillon , and that he had accepted a pension of the King of England ; and with all , that it had been very well testified to him that day , that the Jesuits had offered to corrupt men with rewards to kill him . Which I doubt not but he apprehended for true , because a messenger whom I sent to fixe another time of meeting with him , found him in an extreme trembling , and irresolutions : so that I had no more , but an intreaty to forbear comming to his house , or drawing him out of it , till it might be without danger or observation . They of the Religion held a Synod at this time in this Town , in which the principall businesse is to rectifie , or at least to mature , against their Provinciall Synod , which shall be held in May , certain opinions of Tilenus a Divine of Sedan , with which the Churches of France are scandalized . The chief point is , Whether our salvation be to be attributed to the passive merit of Christ , which is his death , or to his active also , which is his fulfilling of the Law. But I doubt not but that will be well composed , if Tilenus who is here in person with two other assistants , bring any disposition to submit himself to the Synod , and not onely to dispute . I doe ( I thank God ) naturally and heartily abhorre all schism in Religion so much , as , I protest , I am sorry to finde this appearance of schism amongst our adversaries the Sorbonists ; for I had rather they had held together , to have made a head against the usurpations of the Ro. Church , then that their disuniting should so enfeeble them , as that the Parliament should be left alone to stand against those tyrannies . Sir , you will pardon my extravagancies in these relations . I look upon nothing so intentively as these things , nor fals there any thing within my knowledge , which I would conceal from you . Though it concern not you to know it , yet me thinks it concerns me to tell it . That Cook of which you writ to me , is come hither , and hath brought me other Letters , but not those of which you writ to me , which pacquet , he saies , you received again of him ; whether by his falshood , or by your diligence in seeking a worthier messenger , I know not ; but I am sure I never lost any thing with more sorrow , because I am thereby left still in uncertainties , and irresolutions , of that which I desire much to know in womens businesses . If you write this way any more , chuse no other means , then by M r Bruer at the Queens Arms a Mercer in Cheapside : he shall alwaies know where we are , and we are yet in a purpose to go from hence within a fortnight , and dispose our selves to be at Frankford the 25 of May , when the election of the Emperor shall be there . Though I be meerly passive in all this pilgrimage , yet I shall be willing to advance that design ; because upon my promise that I would doe so , Sir Rob. Rich gave me his , that he would divert from his way to Italy so much , as to be there then . When I came to this Town I found M r Matthew , diligent to finde a means to write to you ; so that at this time , when there go so many , I cannot doubt but he provides himself , therefore I did not ask his commandement , nor offer him the service of this Pacquet . Sir , you are not evener to your self , in your most generall wishes of your own good , then I am in my particular , of which none rises in me , that is not bent upon your enjoying of peace and reposednesse in your fortunes , in your affections , and in your conscience ; more then which I know not how to wish to Your very affectionate servant and lover J. Donne . Paris the 9 Apr. 1612. here . To Sir H. Wotton . Octob. the 4 th 1622. almost ad midnight . SIR , ALL our moralities are but our out-works , our Christianity is our Citadel ; a man who considers duty but the dignity of his being a man , is not easily beat from his outworks , but from his Christianity never ; and therefore I dare trust you , who contemplates them both . Every distemper of the body now , is complicated with the spleen , and when we were young men we scarce ever heard of the spleen . In our declinations now , every accident is accompanied with heavy clouds of melancholy ; and in our youth we never admitted any . It is the spleen of the minde , and we are affected with vapors from thence ; yet truly , even this sadnesse that overtakes us , and this yeelding to the sadnesse , is not so vehement a poison ( though it be no Physick neither ) as those false waies , in which we sought our comforts in our looser daies . You are able to make rules to your self , and our B. Saviour continue to you an ability to keep within those rules . And this particular occasion of your present sadnesse must be helped by the rule , for , for examples you will scarce finde any , scarce any that is not encombred and distressed in his fortunes . I had locked my self , sealed and secured my self against all possibilities of falling into new debts , and in good faith , this year hath thrown me 400 l lower then when I entred this house . I am a Father as well as you , and of children ( I humbly thank God ) of as good dispositions ; and in saying so , I make account that I have taken my comparison as high as I could goe ; for in good faith , I beleeve yours to be so : but as those my daughters ( who are capable of such considerations ) cannot but see my desire to accommodate them in this world , so I think they will not murmure if heaven must be their Nunnery , and they associated to the B. virgins there : I know they would be content to passe their lives in a Prison , rather then I should macerate my self for them , much more to suffer the mediocrity of my house , and my means , though that cannot preferre them : yours are such too , and it need not that patience , for your fortune doth not so farre exercise their patience . But to leave all in Gods hands , from whose hands nothing can be wrung by whining but by praying , nor by praying without the Fiat voluntas tua . Sir , you are used to my hand , and , I think have leisure to spend some time in picking out sense , in ragges ; else I had written lesse , and in longer time . Here is room for an Amen ; the prayer — so I am going to my bedside to make for all you and all yours , with Your true friend and servant in Chr. Jesus J. Donne . A. V. Merced . SIR , I Write not to you out of my poor Library , where to cast mine eye upon good Authors kindles or refreshes sometimes meditations not unfit to communicate to near friends ; nor from the high way , where I am contracted , and inverted into my self ; which are my two ordinary forges of Letters to you . But I write from the fire side in my Parler , and in the noise of three gamesome children ; and by the side of her , whom because I have transplanted into a wretched fortune , I must labour to disguise that from her by all such honest devices , as giving her my company , and discourse , therefore I steal from her , all the time which I give this Letter , and it is therefore that I take so short a list , and gallop so fast over it , I have not been out of my house since I received your pacquet . As I have much quenched my senses , and disused my body from pleasure , and so tried how I can indure to be mine own grave , so I try now how I can suffer a prison . And since it is but to build one wall more about our soul , she is still in her own Center , how many circumferences soever fortune or our own perversnesse cast about her . I would I could as well intreat her to go out , as she knows whither to go . But if I melt into a melancholy whilest I write , I shall be taken in the manner : and I sit by one too tender towards these impressions , and it is so much our duty , to avoid all occasions of giving them sad apprehensions , as S. Hierome accuses Adam of no other fault in eating the Apple , but that he did it Ne contristaretu● delicias suas . I am not carefull what I write , because the inclosed Letters may dignifie this ill favoured bark , and they need not grudge so course a countenance , because they are now to accompany themselves , my man fetched them , and therefore I can say no more of them then themselves say , M ris Meauly intreated me by her Letter to hasten hers ; as I think , for by my troth I cannot read it . My Lady was dispatching in so much haste for Twicknam , as she gave no word to a Letter which I sent with yours ; of Sir Tho. Bartlet , I can say nothing , nor of the plague , though your Letter bid me : but that he diminishes , the other increases , but in what proportion I am not clear . To them at Hammersmith , and M ris Herbert I will do your command . If I have been good in hope , or can promise any little offices in the future probably , it is comfortable , for I am the worst present man in the world ; yet the instant , though it be nothing , joynes times together , and therefore this unprofitableness , since I have been , and will still indevour to be so , shall not interrupt me now from being Your servant and lover J. Donne . To the best Knight Sir H. Wootton . SIR , VVHen I saw your good Countesse last , she let me think that her message by her foot-man would hasten you up . And it furthered that opinion in me , when I knew how near M. Mathews day of departing this kingdome was . To counterpoyse both these , I have a little Letter from you brought to me to Micham yesterday , but left at my lodging two days sooner : and because that speaks nothing of your return , I am content to be perplexed in it : and as in all other , so in this perplexity to do that which is safest . To me it is safest to write , because it performes a duty , and leaves my conscience well : and though it seem not safest for the Letter , which may perish , yet I remember , that in the Crociate for the warres in the Holy Land , and so in all Pilgrimages enterprised in devotion , he which dies in the way , enjoyes all the benefit and indulgences which the end did afford . Howsoever , all that can encrease the danger of your Letter , encrease my merit ; for , as where they immolate men , it is a a scanter devotion , to sacrifice one of many slaves or of many children , or an onely child , then to beget and bring up one purposely to sacrifice it , so if I ordain this Letter purposely for destruction , it is the largest expressing of that kinde of piety , and I am easie to beleeve ( because I wish it ) your hast hither : Not that I can fear any slacknesse in that business which drew you down , because your fortune and honour are a paire of good spurs to it ; but here also you have both true businesse and many Quasi negotia , which go two and two to a businesse ; which are visitations , and such , as though they be not full businesses , yet are so near them that they serve as for excuses , in omissions of the other . As when abjurations was in use in this land , the State and law was satisfied if the abjuror came to the sea side , and waded into the sea , when windes and tydes resisted , so we think our selves justly excusable to our friends and our selves , if when we should do businesse , we come to the place of businesse , as Courts and the houses of great Princes and officers . I do not so much intimate your infirmity in this , as frankly confesse mine own . The master of Latine language says , Oculi & aures aliorum te speculantur & custodiunt . So those two words are synonimous , & only the observation of others upon me , is my preservation from extream idlenesse , else I professe , that I hate businesse so much , as I am sometimes glad to remember , that the Roman Church reads that verse A negotio perambulante in tenebris , which we reade from the pestilence walking by night , so equall to me do the plague and businesse deserve avoiding , but you will neither beleeve that I abhor businesse , if I inlarge this Letter , nor that I would afford you that ease which I affect , Therefore returne to your pleasures . Your unprofitablest friend Jo. Donne . March 14. 1607. It is my third Letter : which I tell you , because I found not M r. Rogers , but left the Letter which I sent last , with a stranger at Cliffords Inne . To Sir H. G. SIR , THis 14 of November last I received yours of the 9 , as I was in the street going to sup with my Lady Bedford , I found all that company forepossessed with a wonder why you came not last saturday . I perceive , that as your intermitting your Letters to me , gave me reason to hope for you , so some more direct addresse or conscience of your businesse here , had imprinted in them an assurance of your comming , this Letter shall but talke , not discourse ; it shall but gossip , not consider , nor consult , so it is made halfe with a prejudice of being lost by the way . The King is gone this day for Royston : and hath left with the Queen a commandment to meditate upon a Masque for Christmas , so that they grow serious about that already ; that will hasten my Lady Bedfords journey , who goes within ten days from hence to her Lord , but by reason of this , can make no long stay there . Justinian the Venetian is gone hence , and one Carraw come in his place : that State hath taken a fresh offence at a Friar , who refused to absolve a Gentleman , because he would not expresse in confession what books of Father Paul , and such , he knew to be in the hands of any others ; the State commanded him out of that territory in three hours warning , and he hath now submitted himself , and is returned as prisoner for Mantua , and so remains as yet . Sir H. Wootton who writ hither , addes also that upon his knowledge there are 14000 as good Protestants as he in that State. The Duke Joyeuse is dead , in Primont , returning from Rome , where M. Mole who went with the L. Rosse , is taken into the Inquisition , and I see small hope of his recovery ( for he had in some translations of Plessis books talked of Babylon and Antichrist . Except it fall out that one Strange a Jesuit in the Tower , may be accepted for him . To come a little nearer my self , Sir Geffery Fenton one of his Majesties Secretaries in Ireland is dead ; and I have made some offer for the place , in preservation whereof , as I have had occasion to imploy all my friends , so I have not found in them all ( except Bedford ) more hast and words ( for when those two are together , there is much comfort even in the least ) then in the L. Hay . In good faith he promised so roundly , so abundantly , so profusely , as I suspected him , but performed what ever he undertook , ( and my requests were the measures of his undertakings ) so readily and truly , that his complements became obligations , and having spoke like a Courtier , did like a friend . This I tell you , because being farre under any ability of expressing my thankfulnesse to him by any proportionall service , I do , as much as I can , thank him by thanking of you , who begot , or nursed these good impressions of me in him . Sir , as my discretion would do , my fortune doth bring all my debts into one hand , for I owe you what ever Court friends do for me , yea , whatsoever I do for my self , because you almost importune me , to awake and stare the Court in the face . I know not yet what conjecture to make of the event . But I am content to go forward a little more in the madnesse of missing rather then not pretend ; and rather wear out , then rust . It is extreme late ; and as this Letter is nothing , so if ever it come to you , you will know it without a name , and therefore I may end it here . To the Honourable Knight Sir H. Goodere . SIR , THough you escape my lifting up of your latch by removing , you cannot my Letters ; yet of this Letter I do not much accuse my self , for I serve your Commandment in it , for it is only to convey to you this paper opposed to those , with which you trusted me . It is ( I cannot say the waightyest , but truly ) the saddest lucubration and nights passage that ever I had . For it exercised those hours , which , with extreme danger of her , whom I should hardly have abstained from recompensing for her company in this world , with accompanying her out of it , encreased my poor family with a son . Though her anguish , and my fears , and hopes , seem divers and wild distractions from this small businesse of your papers , yet because they all narrowed themselves , and met in Via regia , which is the consideration of our selves , and God , I thought it time not unfit for this dispatch . Thus much more then needed I have told you , whilest my fire was lighting at Tricombs 10 a clock . Yours ever intirely J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight H. G. SIR , YOur Son left here a Letter for me , from you . But I neither discern by it that you have received any of mine lately ; which have been many , and large , and too confident to be lost , especially since , ( as I remember ) they always conveyed others to that good Lady ; neither do I know where to finde , by any diligence , your sons lodging . But I hope he will apprehend that impossibility in me , and finde me here , where he shall also finde as much readinesse to serve him , as at Polesworth . This Letter of yours makes me perceive , that that Lady hath expressed her purpose to you in particular , for the next term . Accordingly , I make my promises : for since one that meant but to flatter , told an Emperour , that his benefits were to be reckoned from the day of the promise , because he never failed , it were an injury from me to the constancy of that noble Lady , if I should not , assoon as she promises , do some act of assurance of the performance ; which I have done , as I say , in fixing times to my creditors ; for by the end of next terme , I will make an end with the world , by Gods grace . I lack you here , for my L. of Dorset , he might make a cheap bargain with me now , and disingage his honour , which in good faith , is a little bound , because he admitted so many witnesses of his large disposition towards me . They are preparing for a Masque of Gentlemen : in which M. Villars is , and M. Karre , whom I told you before my L. Chamberlain had brought into the bed-chamber . I pray , if you make not so thick goings as you used , send this Letter to that good woman , for it is not only mine . If I could stay this Letter an hour , I should send you something of Savoy , for Sir Rob. Rich , who is now come from Court , hath laid a commandment upon me by message to waite upon him ; and I know his busines , because he never sought me , but in one kinde . But the importuny of the houre excuses me , and delivers you from further trouble from Your very true friend and servant J. Donne . 13 Decemb. To Sir H. G. SIR , I Love to give you advantages upon me , therefore I put my self in need of another pardon from you , by not comming to you ; yet I am scarce guilty enough to spend much of your vertue from you , because I knew not of your being come till this your Letter told me so , in the midst of dinner at Peckham , this Monday . Sir , I am very truly yours ; if you have overvalued me in any capacity , I will do what I can to overtake your hopes of me . I wish my self whatsoever you wish me ; and so I do , what ever you wish your self . I am prisoner and close ; else I had not needed this pardon , for I long much , and much more by occasion of your Letter , to see you : when you finde that good Lady emptiest of businesse and pleasure , present my humble thanks ; you can do me no favour , which I need not , nor any , which I cannot have some hope to deserve , but this ; for I have made her opinion of me , the ballance by which I weigh my self . I will come soon enough to deliver my thanks to Sir J. Harr. for your ease , whom I know I have pained with an ilfavoured Letter , but my heart hath one style , and character ; and is yours in wishing , and in thankfulnesse . J. Donne . Peckham Monday afternoon . To the Honourable Sir R. D. SIR , I Gave no answer to the Letter I received from you upon Tuesday , both because I had in it no other commandment by it but to deliver your Letter therein , which I did , and because that Letter found me under very much sadnesse , which ( according to the proportion of ills that fall upon me ) is since also increased , so that I had not written now , if I had been sure to have been better able to write next week , which I have not much appearance of : yet there was committed to my disposition ( that is , left at my house in my absence ) a Letter from Sir W. Lover , but it was some hours after all possibility of sending it by the carrier , so that M r. W. Stanhope giving me the honour of a visite at that time , and being instantly to depart , for your parts , did me the favour to undertake the delivery of it to you . With me , Sir , it is thus , there is not one person ( besides my self ) in my house well . I have already lost half a child , and with that mischance of hers , my wife fallen into an indisposition , which would afflict her much , but that the sicknesse of her children stupefies her : of one of which , in good faith , I have not much hope . This meets a fortune so ill provided for physique and such relief , that if God should ease us with burialls , I know not well how to performe even that . I flatter my self in this , that I am dying too : nor can I truly dye faster , by any waste , then by losse of children . But Sir , I will mingle no more of my sadness to you , but wil a little recompense it , by telling you that my L. Harrington , of whom a few days since they were doubtfull , is so well recovered that now they know all his disease to be the Pox , and Measels mingled . This I heard yesterday : for I have not been there yet . I came as near importunity as I could , for an answer from Essex house , but this was all , that he should see you shortly himselfe . Your servant J. Donne . I cannot tell you so much , as you tell me , of anything from my Lord of Som. since the Epithalamion , for I heard nothing . To the Honour able Knight Sir H. Goodere . SIR , I Have but one excuse for not sending you the Sermon that you do me the honour to command , and I foresee , that before I take my hand from this paper , I shall lose the benefit of that excuse ; it is , that for more then twenty days , I have been travelled with a pain , in my right wrist , so like the Gout , as makes me unable to write . The writing of this Letter will implore a commentary for that , that I cannot write legibly ; for that I cannot write much , this Letter will testifie against me . Sir , I befeech you , at first , tell your company , that I decline not the service out of sullennesse nor lazinesse , nor that any fortune damps me so much , as that I am not sensible of the honour of their commanding it , but a meer inexperience whether I be able to write eight hours or no ; but I will try next week , and either do it , for their service , or sink in their service . This is Thursday : and upon Tuesday my Lady Bedford came to this town : this afernoon I presented my service to her , by M ris Withrington : and so asked leave to have waited upon them at supper : but my messenger found them ready to go into their Coach : so that a third Letter which I received from M ris Dadley , referring me to M ris Withringtons relation of all that State , I lose it till their return to this town . To clear you in that wherein I see by your Letter that I had not well expressed my self in mine , Sir Ed. Herbert writ to Sir Ed. Sackvil , not to presse the King to fix any certain time of sending him , till he was come over , and had spoken with the King : Sir Ed. Sackvil collects upon that , that Sir Ed. H. meanes to go again ; I think it is only , that he would have his honour so saved , as not to seem to be recalled , by having a successor , before he had emptied the place . We hear nothing from my Lord of Doncaster ; nor have we any way to send to him . I have not seen my Lady Doncaster , for she crost to Penhurst , and from thence to Petworth , my Lady Isabella came to this Town ; where , before her comming , a Letter attended her from my Lady of Tichfield : and thither she went , with their servants , who staid her comming . Hither came lately Letters with goodspeed from Vienna , in which there is no mention of any such defeat , as in rumour C. Mansfeld hath been said to have given to the D. of Bavyer : but their forces were then within such distance , as may have procured something before this time . Those which watched advantages in the Court of the Emperour , have made that use of C. Mansfelds proceedings , as that my Lord Digby complains , that there by , the forwardnesse in which his negotiation was , is somewhat retarded . He proceeds from thence into Spain . The D. of Bavyer hath presented the Emperour an account of 1200 ml . sterling in that warre , to be reimbursed : and finding the Palatinate to be in treaty , hath required a great part of Austria for his security , and they say , it is so transacted ; which is a good signe of a possibility in the restitution of the Palatinate . For any thing I discern , their fears are much greater from Hungary , then from Bohemia ; and the losse of Canon , in a great proportion , and other things , at the death of Bucquoy , was much greater , then they suffered to be published . We here Spinola is passed over at Rhenebery ; if it be so , they are no longer distracted , whether he would bend upon Juliers , or the Palatinate . I know not what you hear from your noble son in law , who sees those things clearly in himself , and in a near distance ; but I hear here , that the King hath much lost the affection of the English in those parts . Whether it proceed from any sowrenesse in him , or that they be otherwise taken off , from applying themselves to him , I know not . My Lord of S. Albons hath found so much favour as that a pension of 2000 l. will be given him ; he desires that he might have it for years , that so he might transferre it upon his creditors ; or that in place of it he might have 8000 l. for he hath found a disposition in his creditors ( to whom I hear he hath paid 3000 l. since by retyring ) to accept 8000 l. for all his debts , which are three times as much . I have been some times with my L. of Canterbury , since by accident , to give you his own words . I see him retain his former cheerfulnesse here and at Croydon , but I do not hear from Court , that he hath any ground for such a confidence , but that his case may need favour , and not have it . That place , and Bedington , and Chelsey , and Highgate , where that very good man my Lord Hobard is , and Hackney , with the M. of the Rolls , and my familiar Peckham , are my circumferrence . No place so eccentrique to me , as that I lye just at London ; and with those fragmentary recreations I must make shift to recompense the missing of that contentment which your favour opens to me , and my desire provokes me to , the kissing of your hands at Polesworth . My daughter Constance is at this time with me ; for the emptinesse of the town , hath made me , who otherwise live upon the almes of others , a houskeeper , for a moneth ; and so she is my servant below stairs , and my companion above : she was at the table with me , when your Letter was brought , and I pay her a piece of her petition in doing her this office , to present her service to my Lady Nethersoles , and her very good sister . But that she is gone to bed two hours before I writ this , she should have signed , with such a hand as your daughter Mary did to me , that which I testifie for her , that she is as affectionate a servant to them all , as their goodnesse hath created any where . Sir , I shall recompense my tediousnesse , in closing mine eyes with a prayer for yours , as for mine own happinesse , for I am almost in bed ; if it were my last bed , and I upon my last businesse there , I should not omit to joyn you with Your very humble and very thankfull servant in Christ Jesus J. Donne . Aug. 30. 1611. To his honourable friend S r H. G. SIR , TO you that are not easily scandalized , and in whom , I hope , neither my Religion nor Morality can suffer , I dare write my opinion of that Book in whose bowels you left me . It hath refreshed , and given new justice to my ordinary complaint , That the Divines of these times , are become meer Advocates , as though Religion were a temporall inheritance ; they plead for it with all sophistications , and illusions , and forgeries : And herein are they likest Advocates , that though they be feed by the way , with Dignities , and other recompenses , yet that for which they plead is none of theirs . They write for Religion , without it . In the main point in question , I think truly there is a perplexity ( as farre as I see yet ) and both sides may be in justice , and innocence ; and the wounds which they inflict upon the adverse part , are all se defendendo : for , clearly , our State cannot be safe without the Oath ; since they professe , that Clergie-men , though Traitors , are no Subjects , and that all the rest may be none to morrow . And , as clearly , the Supremacy which the Ro. Church pretend , were diminished , if it were limited ; and will as ill a bide that , or disputation , as the Prerogative of temporall Kings , who being the onely judges of their prerogative , why may not Roman Bishops , ( so enlightned as they are presumed by them ) be good witnesses of their own supremacie , which is now so much impugned ? But for this particular Author , I looked for more prudence , and humane wisdome in him , in avoiding all miscitings , or mis-interpretings , because at this time , the watch is set , and every bodies hammer is upon that anvill ; and to dare offend in that kinde now , is , for a theef to leave the covert , and meet a strong hue and cry in the teeth : and yet truly this man is extremely obnoxious in that kinde ; for , though he have answered many things fully , ( as no book ever gave more advantage then that which he undertook ) and abound in delicate applications , and ornaments , from the divine and prophane authors , yet being chiefly conversant about two points , he prevaricates in both . For , for the matter , which is the first , he referres it intirely , and namely , to that which D. Morton hath said therein before , and so leaves it roundly : And for the person ( which is the second ) upon whom he amasses as many opprobries , as any other could deserve , he pronounceth , that he will account any answer from his adversary , slaunder , except he do ( as he hath done ) draw whatsoever he saith of him , from Authors of the same Religion , and in print : And so , he having made use of all the Quodlibetaries , imputations against the other , cannot be obnoxious himself in that kinde , and so hath provided safely . It were no service to you , to send you my notes upon the Book , because they are sandy , and incoherent ragges , for my memory , not for your judgement ; and to extend them to an easinesse , and perspicuity , would make them a Pamphlet , not a Letter . I will therefore deferre them till I see you ; and in the mean time , I will adventure to say to you , without inserting one unnecessary word , that the Book is full of falsifications in words , and in sense , and of falshoods in matter of fact , and of inconsequent and unscholarlike arguings , and of relinquishing the King , in many points of defence , and of contradiction of himself , and of dangerous and suspected Doctrine in Divinitie , and of silly ridiculous triflings , and of extreme flatteries , and of neglecting better and more obvious answers , and of letting slip some enormous advantages which the other gave , and he spies not . I know ( as I begun ) I speak to you who cannot be scandalized , and that neither measure Religion ( as it is now called ) by Unitie , nor suspect Unity , for these interruptions . Sir , not onely a Mathematique point , which is the most indivisible and unique thing which art can present , flowes into every line which is derived from the Center , but our soul which is but one , hath swallowed up a Negative , and feeling soul ; which was in the body before it came , and exercises those faculties yet ; and God himselfe , who only is one , seems to have been eternally delighted , with a disunion of persons . They whose active function it is , must endevour this unity in Religion : and and we at our lay Altars ( which are our tables , or bedside , or stools , wheresoever we dare prostrate our selves to God in prayer ) must beg it of him : but we must take heed of making misconclusions upon the want of it : for , whether the Maior and Aldermen fall out , ( as with us and the Puritans ; Bishops against Priests ) or the Commoners voyces differ who is Maior , and who Aldermen , or what their Jurifdiction , ( as with the Bishop of Rome , or whosoever ) yet it is still one Corporation . Your very affectionate servant and lover J. Donne . Micham , Thursday late . Never leave the remembrance of my poor service unmentioned when you see the good Lady . Tos T. H. SIR , THis evening , which is 5 o October , I finde your Letter of Michaelmas day , and though I see by it , that it is a return of a Letter , not of the last weeks , and thereupon make account , that my last weeks Letter hath satisfied you in some things which this Letter commands , concerning Pauls , yet for other things I would give you a drowsie relation , for it is that time of night , though I called it evening . At the Kings going from hence , upon Munday last , we made account to have seen Sir John Sutclin Secretary , and Sir Rob. Weston Chancellor of the Exchequer , but they are not done , but both are fixed : my L. Cranfield received his staffe , with these two suits obtained from the King , That all Assignations might be transferred into the Exchequer , and so no paiments charged upon the Customes , nor Receivers , nor the Court of Wards , &c. And that for a time there might be a damp cast upon Pensions , till they might be considered . In the Low Countries the Armies stirre not . In the Palatinate Sir H. Vere attempting the regaining of Stenie Castle , was surprised with the Enemy in so much strength , that they write it over for a Master-piece , that he was able to make a retreat to Manheme : so that now the Enemy is got on that side the River which Heydelberg is on , and I know nothing that can stand in his way . My L. Digby comes from Vienna , before he goes into Spain , by Count Mansfield , by the Palatinate , by Paris ; and therefore upon his comming , I shall be able to say something to you . In Sir John Sutclin I presume you see an end of Sir Ro. Naunton , and we see an end of M r Tho. Murray too ; I beleeve he comes no more to the Prince . For the triall of my L. of Canterburies irregularity , there is a Commission to sixe Bishops , London , Winchester , Rochester , and three onely elect , Lincoln , S. Davids , and Exeter : two Judges , L. Hobard , and Dodridge ; two Civilians , Sir H. Martin , and D. Steward . The consecration of these elect Bishops , and consequently , my being Dean , must attend the issue of this Commission . Sir Tho. Roe is gone . The Proclamations of putting off the Parliament , till February , are like to out-run this Letter . It is very late ; and it is one act , to say Grace after Supper , and to commend my self into the hands of my blessed Saviour , in my bed , and so close this Letter , and mine eies , with the same blessing upon all your family . Amen . Your poor servant in Chr. fes . J. Donne . To Sir H. G. SIR , I Receive this 14 your Letter of the 10. yet I am not come to an understanding how these Carriers keep daies : for I would fain think that the Letters which I sent upon Thursday last might have given you such an account of the state of my family , that you needed not have asked by this . But Sir , it hath pleased God to adde thus much to my affliction , that my wife hath now confessed her self to be extremely sick ; she hath held out thus long to assist me , but is now overturn'd , & here we be in two beds , or graves ; so that God hath marked out a great many of us , but taken none yet . I have passed ten daies without taking any thing ; so that I think no man can live more thriftily . I have purged and vexed my body much since I writ to you , and this day I have missed my fit : and this is the first time , that I could discern any intermission . This is enough , the rest I will spend upon the parts of your Letter : Your Letter at Pauls is delivered . In the History of that remove , this onely perchance may be news to you , that M r Alabaster hath got of the King the Deans best Living worth above 300 l , which the Dean had good hope to have held a while . Of that which you writ concerning a Book of the Nullity , I have heard no syllable any other way . If you have received it by good hands , I beleeve it with you : otherwise the report is naturally very incredible . Though the answering of it be a work for some , both of better abilities really , and in common reputation also , yet I was like enough to have had some knowledge thereof . You mention again some thing which it seems you are not willing I should understand of my Lady Huntington : some of your former Letters , have spoken of some other former Letters , ( which I never saw ) which speak of the matter as of a history and thing done ; and these later Letters speak of it Prophetically , as of a future contingent . I am glad the often remembrance of it , gives me often occasion of thankfulnesse to her , for retaining me in her memory , and of professing my self in my end , and ways , her most humble servant . For your Parliament businesse , I should be very sorry , if you came not up , because I presume you had seposed many businesses , to have been done at that time ; but in the ways wherein you have gone , I protest I am diffident . For first , for that L. whom you solicited by Letters through me , I tell you with the whispering of a secret , but the confidence of a friend , that you will be deceived whensoever you think that he should take any delight in doing you a courtesie . And I am afraid , the true heartinesse of the other noble Gentleman M. Howard , will be of small use in this perticular , if he have but solicited my L. his father to reserve a blanke for his friend , for my L. hath suffered more denialls , even in places where he sent names , then could have been feared . Besides M. How. hath not written to his father therein , but to M. Woodward , who perceiving those Letters to be written , before his purpose of being Knight for the shire , thinkes these Letters extinguished . You made me offer so long since of a place ( it was when you writ into the west ) yet I could think it no merit to have offered you one since , otherwise it hath been since in my power , for since the M r. of the Rolls provided me one , Sir Ed. Herbert , who makes haste away , made me a present of his ; and I have had a third offer . The businesse of your last weeks Letter concerning the widow , is not a subject for a feverous mans consideration . Therefore I only send you back those Letters which you sent ; and aske you leave to make this which I am fain to call my good day , so much truly good , as to spend the rest of it with D. Layfield , who is , upon my summons , at this hour come to me My Physicians have made me afraid , that this disease will work into my head , and so put me into lightnesses , therefore I am desirous that I be understood before any such danger overtake me . Your true poor servant J. Donne . 14. March. To the Honourable Knight Sir H. G. SIR , AFter I have told you , that the Lady Hay dyed last Tuesday , and that to her end she was anguished with the memory of the execution of that fellow which attempted her in the coach . I have told you all which hath fallen out here . Except between you and me that may be worth the telling , that my L. Chancellor gave me so noble and so ready a dispatch ; accompanied with so fatherly advise , and remorse for my fortunes , that I am now , like an Alchymist , delighted with discoveries by the way , though I attain not mine end . It spent me so little time after your going , that , although you speak in your Letter of good dispatchin your going , yet I might have overtaken you . And though perchāce if I had gone , it might have been inconvenient for me , to have put my self into my L. Chamberlains presence , if that sicknesse be earnest at Ashby , and so I should nothing have advanced my businesse , yet I should have come to that noble Lady with better confidence , and more assurance of a pardon , when I had brought a conscience , that I came despoiled of all other respects , only to kisse her hands , in whose protection I am , since I have , nor desire other station , then a place in her good opinion . I took so good contentment in the fashion which my L. Chancellor used towards me , that out of a voluptuous loathnesse to let that taste go out of my mouth , I forbear to make any further tryall in that businesse till the King come into these quarters . So that , Sir , I am here in place to serve you , if either I be capable of your commandements , or this town give any thing worth the writing . As often as you see your noble friend , and her good sister , allow my name a room in your discourse , it is a short one , and you will soon have done . But tell them not my desire to do them service , for then you engage your self in a longer discourse , then I am worthy . Only in pursuit of your commandment I sent the Paquet to the Post , for in mine own understanding , there should appear small hope of arriving by that way , except you know otherwise that the LL. mean to make some stay in their return , in those parts : but the Letter is brought back again , for the Post went away yesterday , and they knew of no occasion of sending till next week . Therefore except I can inform my self of some good means , I will retain it , till I have a fresh commandment from you . I see M. Taverner still in this town , the Lady Carey went from hence but yesterday . I am in some perplexity what to doe with this pacquet , till some good fortune , or your Letters clear me . Your humble servant J. Donne . Aug. 19. To Sir H. Goodere at Polesworth . SIR , IT is true that M. Gherard told you , I had that commandment from the King signified to me by my L. and am still under it , and we are within fourteen days of our time for going . I leave a scattered flock of wretched children , and I carry an infirme and valetudinary body , and I goe into the mouth of such adversaries , as I cannot blame for hating me , the Jesuits , and yet I go . Though this be no service to my Lord : yet I shall never come nearer doing him a service , nor do any thing liker a service then this . Yesterday we had news by Sir Nowell Carou , from Paris , that the D. of Savoy was elected King of Bohemia ; which would cut off a great part of the occasion of our going : but it is not much credible in it self , nor at all beleeved here , because it is not signified from Savoy , nor Heidelberg . Since M. Gher . continues your Gazittier , I need tell you nothing of the Q. of Frances estate . For your commandment in memory of M. Martin , I should not have sate so many processes , if I could incline my thoughts that way . It is not lazinesse , it is not gravity , nor coldnesse towards his memory , or your service ; for I have thought of it oftner , and longer , then I was wont to do in such things , and nothing is done . Your last pacquet , in which your daughter and I were joynt-commissioners , was brought to me , because she was at Hampton , with the Queens body : but I sent her part to her , and my La. Uvedalls to her , who presents her service to you by me now , and says she will write next week , and so will I too , by Gods grace . You forget me absolutely and intirely , whensoever you forget me to that noble Countesse . God blesse you in all , Amen . Your true servant in Jes. Chr. J. Donne . 9 Martii . To the best Knight Sir H. G. SIR , AT your conveniency , I pray send my Lady Bedford this inclosed , but be pleased to put your self to some inconvenience , ( if it be so ) to kisse my Lady Ruthins hands in my name , and to present my very humble service to her , and tell her , that no ill conscience of having deserved her , but only an obedience to her commandments , keeps me from saying to her self thus much ; that this day I received a letter from my L. of Kent , written yesterday at Wrest : in that his Lordships sends me word , that that favour which he hath formerly done me , in giving me Blouham , is now likely to fall upon me , because the Incumbent is dangerously ill : and because this is the season in which he removes from Wrest thither , he desires ( for I give you his own word ) that he may be accommodate there , ( if it fall now ) as heretofore . Out of my absolute and intire readiness to serve that family , I sent back his messenger with this answer , that I esteemed it a great part of my good fortune , that I should become worthy to be commanded by him . If my Lady will be pleased to direct me in what particular manner I may best serve her purposes , I shall gladly waite upon her at any time , to receive her command with as much devotion and thankfulnesse as I received the benefit . I beseech you make her beleeve it , as in any place you beleeve Your poor servant in Chr. Jes. J. Donne . 26 Febr. 1621. To my best of friends Sir H. G. SIR , I Heard not from you this week ; therefore I write more willingly , because it hath in it so much more merit . And I might do it very cheaply , since to convey to you this Letter , which mine hath the honour to bring , any little Letter would serve , and be acceptable for that . Because it came not last week , I went now to solicite it , and she sent it me next day with some thankes , and some excuse that she knew not me , when I was with her . You know , I do not easily put my self into those hazards , nor do much brag of my valor now , otherwise then I purposed it for a service to you . The newest thing that I know in the world , is my new son : whose mothers being well takes off from me any new waightupon my fortune . I hear in Newgate , that M. Mathew is dead . The Catholiques beleeve it there : perchance out of a custome of credulity . But the report , is close prisoner ; for I never met it abroad . This is my third letter , all which I sent by Spelty whom my boy found at Abington house . I have now two of the best happinesses which could befall me , upon me ; which are , to be a widower and my wife alive , which may make you know , that it is but for your ease , that this letter is no longer , in this leasure in which ( having nothing else to write ) I might vary a thousand ways that I am Your very affectionate servant J. Donne . Monday at night . To my worthy friend G. K. SIR , I Receive this heare that I begin this return , your Letter by a servant of Sir G. Greseley , by whom also I hasten this dispatch . This needs no enlargement since it hath the honour to convey one from M. Gherard . But though by telling me , it was a bold letter , I had leave to open it , and that I have a little itch to make some animadversions & Criticismes upon it ( as that there is a ciphar too much in the sum of the Kings debts , and such like ) yet since my eyes do easily fall back to their distemper , and that I am this night to sup at Sir A● . Ingrams , I had rather forfeit their little strength at his supper , then with writing such impertinencies : the best spending them , is upon the rest of your Letter , to which , Sir , I can only say in generall , that some appearances have been here , of some treatise concerning this Nullity , which are said to proceed from Geneva ; but are beleeved to have been done within doors , by encouragements of some whose names I will not commit to this letter . My poor study having lyen that way , it may prove possible , that my weak assistance may be of use in this matter , in a more serious fashion , then an Epithalamion . This made me therefore abstinent in that kinde ; yet by my troth , I think I shall not scape . I deprehend in my self more then an alacrity , a vehemency to do service to that company ; and so , I may finde reason to make rime . If it be done , I see not how I can admit that circuit of sending them to you , to be sent hither ; that seems a kinde of praying to Saints , to whom God must tell first , that such a man prays to them to pray to him . So that I shall lose the honour of that conveyance ; but , for recompense , you shall scape the danger of approving it . My next Letter shall say more of this . This shall end with delivering you the remembrance of my Lady Bartlet , who is present at the sealing hereof , Your very true and affectionate servant J. Donne . Jan. 19. Which name when there is any empty corner in your discourse with that noble Lady at Ashby , I humbly beseech you to present to her as one more devoted to her service then perchance you will say . To Sir G. B. SIR , BEtween the time of making up my other Letters , and the hour that your man limited me to call for them , came to my house an other pacquet directed to him : for by this time , the carrier is as wise , as his horse , to go to the house that he hath used to go . I found liberty in the superscription to open , and so I did ; but for that part which concerns him , I must attend his comming hither , for I know not where to seek him ; and besides , I have enough to say for that part which concerns my self . Sir , even in the Letter it self to me , I deprehend much inclination , to chide me : and it is but out of your habit of good language that you spare me . So little occasion as that postscript of mine , could not bring you so near to it , if nothing else were mistaken , which ( so God help me ) was so little , that I remember not what it was , and I would no more hear again what I write in an officious Letter , then what I said at a drunken supper . I had no purpose to exercise your diligence in presenting my name to that Lady , but either I did , or should have said , that I writ onely to fill up any empty corner in your discourse . So , Sir , the reading of the Letter , was a kinde of travell to me , but when I came to the paper inclosed , I was brought to bed of a monster . To expresse my self vehemently quickly , I must say , that I can scarce think , that you have read M. Gherards letter rightly , therefore I send you back your own again . I will not protest against my beingsuch a knave , for no man shall have that from me , if he expect it : but I will protest against my being such a fool , as to depose any thing in him with hope of locking it up , and against that lownesse , of seeking reputation by so poor a way . I am not so sorry , that I am a narrow man , as that for all the narrownesse , you have not seen through me yet , nor known me perfectly ; for I might think by this , ( if I had not other testimony ) that I have been little in your contemplation . Sixteen letters from M. Gherard , could not ( I think ) perswade a Middlesex Jury of so much dishonesty in Your true servant J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight Sir G. P. SIR , I Would have intermitted this week without writing , if I had not found the name of my Lady Huntington in your Letter . The devotion which I owe , and ( in good faith ) pay in my best prayers for her good , in all kinde awakens me to present my humble thanks for this , that her Ladiship retains my name in her memory : she never laid obligation upon any man , readier to expresse his acknowledgement of them , to any servant of her servants ; I am bound to say much of this , for your indemnity ; because though I had a little preparation to her knowledge in the house where I served at first , yet , I think , she took her characters of me , from you : And , at what time soever she thought best of me in her life , I am better then that , for my goodnesse is my thankfulnesse , and I am every day fuller of that then before , to her La p. I say nothing to you of forein names in this Letter , because your son Sir Francis is here . For that which you write concerning your son , I onely gave my man Martin in charge , to use his interest in the Keeper , that your son should fall under no wants there , which it seems your son discharged , for I hear not of them . For other trifles , I bad my man let him have whatsoever he asked , so , as it might seem to come from him , and not me ; and laying that look upon it , it came to almost nothing . Tell both your daughters a peece of a storie of my Con. which may accustome them to endure disappointments in this world : An honourable person ( whose name I give you in a schedule to burn , lest this Letter should be mis-laid ) had an intention to give her one of his sons , and had told it me , and would have been content to accept what I , by my friends , could have begged for her ; but he intended that son to my Profession , and had provided him already 300 l a year , of his own gift in Church livings , and hath estated 300 l more of inheritance for their children : and now the youth , ( who yet knows nothing of his fathers intention nor mine ) flies from his resolutions for that Calling , and importunes his Father to let him travell . The girle knows not her losse , for I never told her of it : but truly , it is a great disappointment to me . More then these , Sir , we must all suffer , in our way to heaven , where , I hope you and all yours shall meet Your poor friend , and affectionate servant J. Donne . 18 Octob. 1622. To my much honoured friend S r T. Lucy . SIR , I Have scarce had at any time any thing so like news to write to you , as that I am at this Town ; we came from Spâ with so much resolution of passing by Holland . But at Mastricht we found that the lownesse , and slacknesse of the River , would incommodate us so much , as we charged our whole gests , and came hither by Land. In the way at Lovaine we met the E. of Arondel , to recompense the losse wee had of missing my L. Chandis and his company , who came to Spâ within a few hours after we came away . Sir Ed. Conaway , by occasion of his bodies indisposition , was gone home before : he told me he had some hope of you about Bartholomewtide : But because I half understood by a Letter from you , that you were determined upon the Countrie till Michaelmas , I am not so earnest in endevouring to prolong our stay in these parts , as otherwise I should . If I could joine with him in that hope of seeing you on this side the water ; and if you should hold that purpose of comming at that time , I should repent extremely my laying of our journies ; for ( if we should by miracle hold any resolution ) we should be in England about that time , so that I might misse you both here , and there . Sir , our greatest businesse is more in our power then the least , and we may be surer to meet in heaven then in any place upon earth ; and whilst we are distant here , we may meet as often as we list in Gods presence , by soliciting in our prayers for one another . I received 4 Letters from you at Spâ by long circuits . In the last , one from my L. Dorset : I , who had a conscience of mine own unworthinesse of any favour from him , could not chuse but present my thanks for the least . I do not therefore repent my forwardnesse in that office ; and I beseech you not to repent your part therein . Since we came to this Town , there arrived an Extraordinary from Spain , with a reconfirmation of the D. d'Aumals Pension , which is thereby 2400 l a year , & he brings the title of Count , to Rodrigo de Calderon , who from a very low place , having grown to be Secretary to Lerma , is now Ambassador here , and in great opinion of wisdome : They say yet he goes to Prague with the Marquis Spinola , and the G. Buquoy , to congratulate the Emperour : but we all conclude here , that persons of such quality , being great in matter of Warre , are not sent for so small an emploiment : we beleeve certainly , that they deliberate a Warre , and that the reduction of Aix being not worthy this diligence , their intentions must be upon Cleve , for the new Town which the two Princes make by Collen , despites them much . The Elector of Ments hath lately been here , upon pretence of comming in devotion to Sichem , and shortly the Electors of Colein and Saxony are to be here severally : all concurs to a disposition of such a Warre , and the Landsgrave of Hasse ( who is as yet in the Union ) is much solicited and caressed by this party , and I doubt , will prove a frail and corruptible man. I durst think confidently , that they will at least proceed so far towards a Warre , as to try how France will dispose it self in the businesse : for it is conceived that the D. of Bovillon brought to our K. good assurances from the Qu. Regent , that she would pursue all her husbands purposes in advancing the designes of those Princes who are in possession of Cleve , and in the Union . If she declare her self to do so , when they stirre , they are like to divert their purposes ; but if she stand but neutrall ( as it is likely , considering how Spanish the Court is at this time ) I see not that the Princes of the Union are much likely to retard them . Sir , you see what unconcerning things I am fain to write of , lest I should write of my self , who am so little a history or tale , that I should not hold out to make a Letter long enough to send over a Sea to you ; for I should dispatch my self in this one word that I am Your affectionate servant and lover J. Donne . Aug. 16. here . 1612. To the honour able Knight Sir H. G. SIR , SInce I received a Letter by your sonne , whom I have not yet had the honour to see , I had a Letter Pacquet from you by M r Roe : To the former , I writ before : In this I have no other commandement from you , but to tell you , whether M r Villers have received from the K , any additions of honour , or profit . Without doubt he hath yet none . He is here , practising for the Mask ; of which , if I mis-remember not , I writ as much as you desire to know , in a Letter which seems not , to have been come to you , when you writ . In the Savoy business , the King hath declared himself by an engagement , to assist him with 100000 l a year , if the Warre continue . But I beleeve , he must farm out your Warwickshire Benevolence for the paiment thereof . Upon the strength of this engagement , Sir Rob. Rich becomes confident in his hopes . If you stood in an equall disposition for the West , and onely forbore , by reason of M r Martins silence , I wonder ; for I think , I told you , that he was gone ; and I saw in Sir Tho. Lucies hand , a Letter from him to you which was likely to tell you as much . Since I came from Court , I have stirred very little : Now that the Court comes again to us , I may have something which you may be content to receive from Your very affectionate servant J. Donne . 18 Decemb. To my good friend S r H.G. SIR , THE Messenger who brought me your Letter presented me a just excuse , for I received them so late upon Thursday night , that I should have dispatched before I could begin ; yet I have obeyed you drowsily , and coldly , as the night and my indisposition commanded : yet perchance those hinderances have done good , for so your Letters are the lesse curious , in which , men of much leasure may soon exceed , when they write of businesse , they having but a little . You mention two more letters then I send . The time was not too short for me to have written them , ( for I had an whole night ) but it was too short to work a beleefe in me , that you could think it fit to go two so divers ways to one end . I see not , ( for I see not the reason ) how those letters could well have concurred with these , nor how those would well have been drawn from them , in a businesse wholly relating to this house . I was not lazie in disobeying you , but ( I thought ) only thrifty , and your request of those was not absolute , but conditioned , if I had leasure . So though that condition hinder them not , since another doth ( and you forethought , that one might ) I am not stubborn . The good Countesse spake somewhat of your desire of letters ; but I am afraid , she is not a proper Mediatrix to those persons , but I counsail in the dark . And therefore return to that , of which I have clear light , that I am always glad , when I have any way to expresse my love ; for in these commandments you feed my desires , and you give me means to pay some of my debts to you : the interest of which I pay in all my prayers for you , which , if it please not God to shew here , I hope we shall finde again together in heaven , whither they were sent . I came this morning to say thus much , and because the Porter which came to Micham summoned me for this hour to London : from whence I am this minute returning to end a little course of Physick . Yours very truly J. Donne . Friday 8 in the morning . To Sir H. G. SIR , I Writ to you yesterday taking the boldnesse to put a letter into the good Ladies pacquet for you . This morning I had this new occasion of writing , that Sir Tho. Roe , who brought this inclosed Letter to me , and left it unsealed , intreated me to take the first opportunity of sending it . Besides that which is in that letter ( for he read it to me ) I came to the knowledg in Yorkhouse that my L. Chancellor hath been moved , and incensed against you ; and asking Sir Tho. Roe , if he were directly or occasionally any cause of that , he tells me thus much , that Sir W. Lover , and Sir H. Carey , have obtained of my L. to have a Pursevant , and consequently a Serjeant sent into the Countrey for you . My L. grounds this earnestnesse against you , upon some refusing to appear upon processe which hath been taken out against you . And I perceive Sir Ed. Eston , and both the other , admit consultations , of ways by petition to the King , or Counsail , or L. Chamberlain , or any other . The great danger , obliquely likely to fall , is that when it comes to light , how you stand towards M. Mathew , you may lose the ease which you have by colour of that extent , and he may lose the benefit , of having had so much of his estate concealed . You will therefore at least pardon my advising you , to place those sums , which by your retiring I presume you do imploy upon payment of debts , in such places as that these particular friends be not forced to leave being so . I confesse , the going about to pay debts , hastens importunity . I finde in my self , that where I was not asked money before , yet when I offered to pay next Terme , they seem loth to afford me that time , which might justly have been desperate before : but that which you told me out of the Countrey , with the assistance which I hope to finde here , ( especially if your indevour may advance it at Dorset house ) I hope will inable me to escape clamor , and an ill conscience , in that behalf . One thing more I must tell you ; but so softly , that I am loath to hear my self : and so softly , that if that good Lady were in the room , with you and this Letter , she might not hear . It is , that I am brought to a necessity of printing my Poems , and addressing them to my L. Chamberlain . This I mean to do forth with ; not for much publique view , but at mine own cost , a few Copies . I apprehend some incongruities in the resolution ; and I know what I shall suffer from many interpretations : but I am at an end , of much considering that ; and , if I were as startling in that kinde , as ever I was , yet in this particular , I am under an unescapable necessity , as I shall let you perceive , when I see you . By this occasion I am made a Rhapsoder of mine own rags , and that cost me more diligence , to seek them , then it did to make them . This made me aske to borrow that old book of you , which it will be too late to see , for that use , when I see you : for I must do this , as a valediction to the world , before I take Orders . But this is it , I am to aske you ; whether you ever made any such use of the letter in verse , A nostre Countesse chez vous , as that I may not put it in , amongst the rest to persons of that rank ; for I desire very very much , that something should bear her name in the book , and I would be just to my written words to my L. Harrington , to write nothing after that . I pray tell me as soon as you can , if I be at liberty to insert that : for if you have by any occasion applied any pieces of it , I see not , that it will be discerned , when it appears in the wholepiece . Though this be a little matter , I would be sorry not to have an account of it , within as little after Newyears tide , as you could . I have something else to say , of M. Villars , but because I hope to see you here shortly , and because new additions , to the truths or rumours , which concern him , are likely to be made by occasion of this Masque , I forbear to send you the edition of this Mart , since I know it will be augmented by the next : of which , if you prevent it not by comming , you shall have , by letter an account from Your very affectionate friend and servant J. Donne . Vigilia S t. Tho. 1614. To the worthy Knight Sir Tho. Lucy . SIR , YOur Letter comes to me , at Grace after supper ; it is part of the prayer of that Grace , that God will blesse you , and all yours with his best blessings of both kinde . I would write you news ; but your love to me , may make you apt to over-beleeve news for my sake . And truly all things that are upon the stage of the world now , are full of such uncertanities , as may justly make any man loth to passe a conjecture upon them ; not only because it is hard to see how they wil end , but because it is misintertable and dangerous to conjecture otherwise , then some men would have the event to be . That which is especially in my contemplation , which is the issue of my L. of Canterburies businesse , ( for thereupon depends the consecration of my predecessor , upon which the Deanery devolves to the King ) is no farther proceeded in yet , then that some of the 10 Commissioners have met once ; and upon Saterday next there will be a fuller meeting , and an entrance into the businesse , upon which , much , very much in consequence , depends . Of my L. of Donc . we are only assured , that he is in a good way of convalescence ; but of any audience nothing yet . Slacken not your hold of my L. Treasurer , for I have been told that you are in his care . I send you a Copy of that Sermon , but it is not my copy , which I thought my L. of South-hampton would have sent me backe . This you must be pleased to let me have again , for I borrow it : for the other , I will pretermit no time to write it ; though in good faith , I have half forgot it . If in any letter I leave out the name of the La. Hunt. or La. Burdell , or your daughters , tell them , that I named them . I take the falshood upon me ; for I intend it very really , and very humbly , where I am good for any thing in any of their services . Our blessed Saviour continue and enlarge his blessings to you all , Amen . Your humble servant in Chr. Jes. J. Donne . 11 Octob. 1621. Why do you say nothing of , my little book of Cases . To Sir G.B. SIR , IT is one of my blinde Meditations to think what a miserable defeat it would be to all these preparations of braverie , if my infirmity should overtake others : for , I am at least half blinde , my windows are all as full of glasses of Waters , as any Mountebanks stall . This messenger makes haste , I thank him for it ; therefore I onely send you this Letter , which was sent to me about three daies past , and my promise to distribute your other Letters , according to your addresses , as fast as my Monsieur can doe it ; for , for any personall service , you must be content , at this time , to pardon Your affectionate servant J. Donne . Decemb. 23. To Sir H. Goodere . SIR , AGreeably to my fortune , and thoughts , I was crawld this back way from Keyston ; through my broken casement at Bedford , I saw , for my best dish at dinner , your Coach : I studied your gests , but when I knew where you were , I went out of this Town , in a doubt whether I should turn in to Wrest ; and you know the wisdome of the Parliament is , to resolve ever in the Negative : Therefore it is likeliest I shall not come in there ; yet , let me give you in passing , thus much account of my self : I thought to kisse my L. Spencers hands , at one house , and have passed three . If you know nothing to the contrary , risen since I came from London , I am likely to have a room in my L. of Dov . train , into the Countrie ; if I have , I do not ask , but use the leave of waiting upon you at home : There and ever elswhere , our blessed Saviour blesse you , and all yours , in which number , I pray , account ever Your very thankfull servant in Chr. Jes. J. Donne . To Sir H. G. SIR , I Cannot obey you , if you go to morrow to Parsons-green , your company , that place , and my promise are strong inducements , but an Ague flouts them all , of which I have had two such threatnings , that I provide against it by a little Physick . This is one fetter ; but I have a pair : for I attend Sir Geo. Mores answer in a little businesse , of which I can have no account till his return , so I am fastned here , till after Sunday . As you are sure that I love you thorowly , so think this a good expressing of that , that I promise now , that I will certainly goe with you on Munday , in despite of these interruptions , and serve you with my company to the Bathe ; which journie , it is time to hasten . But I pray think this promise so much worth , that it may deserve your comming this way on Munday , for I make it with that reservation . God send you Hawks and fortunes of a high pitch . Your honest affectionate J. Donne . To Sir T.R. SIR , I Have bespoke you a New-years-gift , that is , a good New year , for I have offered your name with my soul heartily to God in my mornings best Sacrifice : If for custome you will doe a particular office in recompense , deliver this Letter to your Lady , now , or when the rage of the Mask is past . If you make any haste into the Country , I pray let me know it . I would kisse your hands before you goe , which I doe now , and continue Your affectionate servant and lover J. Donne . Micham , the last of 1607. as I remember . To Sir Henry Goodere . SIR , I Speak to you before God , I am so much affected with yesterdaies accident , that I think I prophane it in that name . As men which judge Nativities , consider not single Starres , but the Aspects , the concurrence and posture of them ; so in this , though no particular past arrest me , or divert me , yet all seems remarkable and enormous . God , which hath done this immediately , without so much as a sickness , will also immediately without supplement of friends , infuse his Spirit of comfort , where it is needed and deserved . I write this to you from the Spring Garden , whither I withdrew my self to think of this ; and the intensenesse of my thinking ends in this , that by my help Gods work should be imperfected , if by any means I resisted the amasement . Your very true friend J. Donne . To my good friend G. H. SIR , THE little businesse which you left in my hands is now dispatched ; if it have hung longer then you thought , it might serve for just excuse , that these small things make as many steps to their end , and need as many motions for the warrant , as much writing of the Clerks , as long expectation of a Seal , as greater . It comes now to you sealed , and with it as strong and assured seals of my service and love to you , if it be good enough for you . I owe you a continuall tribute of Letters . But Sir , even in Princes and Parents , and all States that have in them a naturall Soveraignty , there is a sort of reciprocation , and as descent to doe some offices due to them that serve them : which makes me look for Letters from you , because I have another as valuable a pawn therefore , as your friendship , which is your promise ; lest by the Jailors fault this Letter stick long , I must tell you , that I writ and sent it 12 o Decemb. 1600. Your friend and servant and lover J. Donne . 12. Decemb. 1600. To your self . SIR , I Send you here a Translation ; but it is not onely to beleeve me , it is a great invention to have understood any piece of this Book , whether the gravity of the matter , or the Poeticall form , give it his inclination , and principium motus ; you are his center , or his spheare , and to you as to his proper place he addresses himself . Besides that all my things , not onely by obligation , but by custome , know that that is the way they should goe . I spake of this to my L. of Bedford , thinking then I had had a copy which I made long since , at Sea , but because I finde it not , I have done that again : when you finde it not unseasonable , let her see it ; and if you can think it fit , that a thing that hath either wearied , or distasted you , should receive so much favour , put it amongst her papers : when you have a new stomach to it , I will provide you quickly a new Copy . Your very true friend and servant and lover J. Donne . At my Micham Hospitall , Aug. 10. To the gallant Knight Sir Tho , Lucy . SIR , BEcause in your last Letter , I have an invitation to come to you , though I never thought my self so fallen from my interest , which , by your favour , I prescribe in , in you , and therefore when in the spring I hoped to have strength enough , to come into those parts , upon another occasion , I always resolved to put my self into your presence too , yet now I aske you more particularly how you dispose of your self ; for though I have heard , that you purpose a journey to the Bath , and from thence hither , yet I can hope , that my service at Lincolns Inne being ended for next Terme , I may have intermission enough to waite upon you at Poleseworth , before the season call you to Bath . I was no easie apprehender of the fear of your departing from us ; neither am I easie in the hope of seeing you intirely over suddenly . God loves your soul , if he be loth to let it go inch-meale , and not by swallowings ; and he loves it too , if he build it up again stone after stone ; his will is not done except his way , and his leasure be observed . In my particular , I am sorry , if my ingenuity and candor in delivering my self in those points , of which you speak to me , have defaced those impressions which were in you before : if my freedome have occasioned your captivity , I am miserably sorry . I went unprofitably and improvidently , to the utmost end of Truth , because I would go as farre as I could to meet Peace ; if my going so far in declaring my self , brought you where you could not stop . But I was as confident in your strength , as in mine own , so am I still , in him , who strengthens al our infirmities and will , I doubt not , bring you and me together , in all those particulars , so as we shall not part in this world , nor the next . Sir , your own soul cannot be more zealous of your peace , then I am : and God , who loves that zeale in me , will not suffer you to suspect it . I am surprised with a necessity of writing now , in a minute ; for I sent to Bedford house to informe my self of means to write , and your daughter sent me word , of a present messenger , and therefore the rest of this , I shall make up in my prayers to our blessed Saviour , for all happinesses to you . Your poor servant in Chr. Jesus J. Donne . Drury house the 22 of Decemb. 1607. To Sir H.G. SIR , THis is a second Letter : the enclosed was written before . Now we are sure that Heidelberge is taken , and entred with extreme cruelties . Almost all the defendors forsook their stations ; only Sir Ger. Herbert maintained his nobly , to the repulsing of the enemy three times , but having ease in the other parts , 800 new fresh men were put upon his quarter , and after he had broke 4 Pikes , and done very well , he was shot dead in the place . Manheim was soon after besieged , and is still . Heydelth was lost the 6 of this moneth . the K. upon news of this , sent to the Spanish Ambassaour , that the people were like to resent it , and therefore , if he doubted ought , he should have a Guard : but I do not see , that he seems to need it , in his own opinion , neither , intruth does he ; the people are flat : or trust in God , and the Kings ways : Sir Hor. Vere hath written to his wife , ( as I am told ) a Letter in the nature of a will , for the disposing of his estate and children , as though he did not account to see her any more , but yet Manheim cannot be lost , but by storming . Your man stays , and our bell rings me into the Church ; there Sir , I shall recommend you to Gods goodnesse , with Your friend J. Donne . 24 Septemb. To Sir H. G. SIR , I Live so farre removed , that even the ill news of your great losse ( which is ever swiftest and loudest ) found me not till now , your letter speaks it not plain enough but I am so accustomed to the worst , that I am sure it is so in this . I am almost glad that I knew her so little : for I would have no more additions to sorrow . if I should comfort you , it were an almes acceptable in no other title , then when poor give to poor ; for I am more needy of it then you . And I know you well provided of Christian , and learned , and brave defences against all humane accidents . I will make my best haste after your messenger : and if my self and the place had not been ill provided of horses , I had been the messenger , for you have taught me by granting more to deny no request . Your honest unprofitable friend J. Donne . Pyesford 3 a clock just as yours came . To Sir H. G. SIR , I Cannot yet serve you with those books of which your Letter spake . In recompense I will tell you a story , which if I had had leasure to have told it you when it was fresh , which was upon Thursday last , might have had some grace for the rareness , and would have tried your love to me , how farre you would adventure to beleeve an improbable thing for my sake who relates it . That day in the morning , there was some end made , by the E. of Salisbury and others , who were Arbitrators in some differences between Herford and Mountegle , Herford was ill satisfied in it , and declared himself so farre as to say , he expected better usage in respect not only of his cause but of his expence and service in his Ambastage : to which Salisbury replied , that considered how things stood between his Majesty and Herford house at the Kings enterance , the King had done him especiall favour in that employment of honour and confidence , by declaring in so publique and great an act and testimony , that he had no ill affections toward him . Herford answered , that he was then and ever an honest man to the King : and Salisbury said , he denied not that , but yet solemnly repeated his first words again . So that Herford seemed not to make answer , but pursuing his own word , said , that whosoever denied him to have been an honest man to the King , lyed . Salisbury asked him if he directed that upon him , Herford said , upon any who denied this . The earnestnes of both was such , as Salisbury accepted it to himself , and made protestation before the LL. present , that he would do nothing else , till he had honorably put off that lye . Within an hour after , Salisbury sent him a direct challenge , by his servant M r Knightley ; Herford required only an hours leisure of consideration ( it is said , it was onely to inform himself of the especiall danger , in dealing so with a Counsellor ) but he returned his acceptation : And all circumstances were so clearly handled between them , that S t James was agreed for the place , and they were both come from their severall lodgings , and upon the way to have met , when they were interrupted by such as from the King were sent to have care of it . So these two have escaped this great danger ; but ( by my troth ) I fear earnestly that Mistresse Bolstrod will not escape escape that sicknesse in which she labours at this time . I sent this morning to aske of her passage of this night ; and the return is , that she is as I left her yesternight , and then by the strength of her understanding , and voyce , ( proportionally to her fashion , which was ever remisse ) by the eavennesse and life of her pulse , and by her temper , I could allow her long life , and impute all her sicknesse to her minde . But the History of her sicknesse , makes me justly fear , that she will scarce last so long , as that you when you receive this letter , may do her any good office , in praying for her ; for she hath not for many days received so much as a preserved Barbery , but it returnes , and all accompanied with a Fever , the mother , and an extream ill spleen . Whilest I write this Tuesday morning , from Bartlet house one brings me a pacquet to your Master : he is gone ; and that Lady and all the company is from town . I thought I might be pardoned , if I thought my self your man for that service to open it , which I did , and for the Letters I will deliver them . What else you bid Foster do in his Letter , bid him do it there , for ( so God help me ) I know not what it is . I must end now , else the carrier will be gone . God be with you . Yours intirely . You know me without a name , and I know not how this Letter goes . To Sir H. G. SIR , I Had destined all this Tuesday , for the Court , because it is both a Sermon day , and the first day of the Kings being here . Before I was to go forth , I had made up this inclosed pacquet for you , and then came this messenger with your pacquet , of which if you can remember the number , you cannot expect any account thereof from me , who have not half an hour left me before I go forth , and your messenger speakes of a necessity of returning homward before my returning home . If upon the delivery of them , or any other occasion , there intervene new subject of writing , I shall relieve my selfe upon Tuesday , if Tamworth carrier be in town . To the particulars of the Letter to my self , I will give this paper , and line . Of my Lady Bedford , I must say so much as must importune you to burn the Letter ; for I would say nothing of her upon record , that should not testifie my thankfulnesse for all her graces . But upon this motion , which I made to her by letter , and by S r Tho. Roes assistance , if any scruple should arise in her , she was somewhat more startling , then I looked for from her : she had more suspicion of my calling , a better memory of my past life , then I had thought her nobility could have admitted : of all which , though I humbly thank God , I can make good use , as one that needs as many remembrances in that kinde , as not only friends but enemies can present , yet I am afraid , they proceed in her rather from some ill impression taken from D. Burges , then that they grow in her self . But whosoever be the conduit , the water is the holy Ghosts , and in that acceptation I take it . For her other way of expressing her favour to me , I must say , it is not with that cheerfulnesse , as heretofore she hath delivered her self towards me . I am almost sorry , that an Elegy should have been able to move her to so much compassion heretofore , as to offer to pay my debts ; and my greater wants now , and for so good a purpose , as to come disingaged into that profession , being plainly laid open to her , should work no farther but that she sent me 30 l. which in good faith she excused with that , which is in both parts true , that her present debts were burdensome , and that I could not doubt of her inclination , upon all future emergent occasions , to assist me . I confesse to you , her former fashion towards me , had given a better confidence ; and this diminution in her makes me see , that I must use more friends , then I thought I should have needed . I would you could burn this letter , before you read it , at least do when you have read it . For , I am afraid out of a Contemplation of mine own unworthinesse , and fortune , that the example of this Lady , should work upon the Lady where you are : for though goodnesse be originally in her , and she do good , for the deeds sake , yet , perchance , she may think it a little wisdome , to make such measure of me , as they who know no better , do . Of any new treaty of a match with Spain , I hear nothing . The warres in the Lowcountries , to judge by their present state , are very likely to go forward . No word of a Parliament , and I my self have heard words of the K. as directly against any such purpose , as any can sound . I never heard word , till in your letter , of any stirres in Scotland , for that of the French K. which you aske , it hath this good ground , That in the Assembly there a proposition hath been made , and well entertained , that the K. should be declared , to have full Jurisdiction in France ; and no other person to have any . It hath much of the modell and frame of our Oath of Allegeance , but with some modification . It is true , it goes farther , then that State hath drove in any publique declarations , but not farther then their Schools have drove often and constantly : the easinesse that it hath found in passing thus farre without opposition , puts ( perchance unnecessarily ) in me a doubt , that they are sure to choak it , at the Royall assent , and therefore oppose it not , by the way , to sweeten the conveyance of their other purposes . Sir , if I stay longer I shall lose the Text , at Court , therefore I kisse your hand , and rest Your very true servant J. Donne . We hear ( but without second as yet ) that Sir Rich. Philips brother in France , hath taken the habit of a Capuchin . To Sir Thomas Lucy . SIR , THis first of Aprill I received yours of 21 of Martii , which being two days after the ordinary Smithfield day , I could do no more , but seal this letter to be sent to you next Tuesday , because I foresee that I shall not then be in town . Whatsoever I should write now , of any passages of these days , would lose the verdure before the letter came to you , only give me leave to tell you that I need none of those excuses , which you have made to your self in my behalfe , for my not writing . For your son in law came to me , so near the time of his going away , as it had been impossible to have recovered him with a letter at so farre a distance , as he was lodged . And my L. Hunt. messenger received that answer , which , I hope , before this time , you know to be true , that I had sent the day before , by the infallible carrier of Smithfield . The Emperours death may somewhat shorten our way ; for I disoern now no reason of going to Vienna ; but I beleeve it wil extēd our busines ; so that I promise my self no speedier return by that . If I write no letters into England out of these parts ; I cannot be without your pardon , if I write not to you , but if I write to any and leave you out , lay all the faults which you have ever pardonedin me , to my charge again . I foresee some reasons , which may make me forbeare ; but no flacknesse of mine own , shall . Sir , if I have no more the commodity of writing to you here in England , ( as , we may be gon before next Tuesday ) I tell you , in this departing from you , with the same truth and earnestnesse as I would be beleeved to speake in my last departing , and transmigration from the whole world , that I leave not behinde me a heart , better affected to you , nor more devoted to your service , then I carry with me . Almighty God blesse you , with such a reparation in your health , such an establishment in your estate , such a comfort in your children , such a peace in your conscience , and such a true cheerfulnesse in your heart , as may be strong seales to you , of his eternall gracious purpose upon you . This morning I spend in surveying and emptying my Cabinet of Letters ; and at the top of all I light upon this Letter lately received , which I was loth to bury . I chose to send it you , to mine own condemnation ; because a man so busie as he is , descending to this expressing of himself in verse , I am inexcusable towards you , for disobeying a commandement of yours , of that kinde ; but I relie upon the generall , that I am sure you are sure , that I never refuse any thing for lazinesse , nor morosity , and therefore make some other excuse for me . You have beenso long used to my hand that I stand not to excuse the hasty raggednesse of this Letter . The very ilnesse of the writing , is a good argument that I forced a time , in the fulnesse of businesse , to kisse your hand , and to present my thanks as for all your favours , and benefits , so principally for keeping me alive in the memory of the noblest Countesse , whose commandement , if it had been her La ps pleasure to have any thing said or done in her service , at Heydelberg , I should have been glad to have received . Sir , God blesse you , & spiritu principali confirmet te ; and Your very true and affectionate servant in Chr. fes . J. Donne . 4. Apr. 1619. To the honourable Knight S r Henry Goodere . SIR , AS you are a great part of my businesse , when I come to London , so are you when I send . More then the office of a visitation brings this Letter to you now ; for I remember that about this time you purposed a journey to fetch , or meet the Lad. Huntington . If you justly doubt any long absence , I pray send to my lodging my written Books : and if you may stay very long , I pray send that Letter in which I sent you certain heads which I purposed to enlarge , for I have them not in any other paper : and I may finde time in your absence to do it , because I know no stronger argument to move you to love me , but because you have done so , doe so still , to make my reason better , and I shall at last prescribe in you Yours , J. Donne . Micham Wednesday . To Sir H. G. at Polesworth . SIR , THis 25 I have your letter of 21 , which I tell you so punctually , because by it , nor by any other , I doe not discern that you received my pacquet of Books ; not that I looked for so quick a return of the Sermon , nor of my Cases of conscience , but that I forget so absolutely what I write , and am so sure that I write confidently to you , that it is some pain to remain in any jealousie that any Letter is miscarried . That which I writ to you of my L. Treasur . disposition to you , I had from M r Har ; and I understood it to be his desire to convey it through me . The last account which we have of my L. Douc . is , by Letters of the 2 o of this ; by which also we saw , that the first Letters of his convalescence , were but propheticall ; for he was let blood a second time , and is not strong enough yet to receive audience . Though I be not Dean of Pauls yet , my L. of Warwick hath gone so low , as to command of me the office of being Master of my game , in our wood about him in Essex . I pray be you content to be my officer too , the Steward of my services to all to whom you know them to be due in your walk , and continue your own assurance that I am Your affectionate servant in Chr. fes . J. Donne . To my worthy friend F. H. SIR , I Can scarce doe any more this week then send you word why I writ not last . I had then seposed a few daies for my preparation to the Communion of our B. Saviours body ; and in that solitarinesse and arraignment of my self , digested some meditations of mine , and apparelled them ( as I use ) in the form of a Sermon : for since I have not yet utterly delivered my self from this intemperance of scribling ( though I thank God my accesses are lesse and lesse vehement ) I make account that to spend all my little stock of knowledge upon matter of delight , were the same error , as to spend a fortune upon Masks and Banque●ing houses : I chose rather to build in this poor fashion , some Spittles , and Hospitals , where the poor and impotent sinner may finde some relief , or at least understanding of his infirmity . And if they be too weak to serve posterity , yet for the present by contemplation of them , &c. To Sir H. G. SIR , I Have the honour of your Letter , which , I am almost sorry to have received : some few daies before the receit thereof D. Turner , who accompanied my L , Carow to Sion to dinner , shewed me a Letter from you , from which I conceived good hopes that your businesses being devolved into the hands of the Treasurer , had been in much more forwardnesse , then by your Letter to me they appear to be . I beseech God establish them , and hasten them , and with them , or without them , as he sees most conducible to his purpose upon you , continue in you a relying upon him , and a satisfaction in his waies . I know not whether any Letter from your son , or any other report , may have given you any mention of me ; he writ to me from the Compter , that he was under a trifling arrest , and that 3 l and some little more would discharge him . I sent my man with that money , but bid him see it emploied for his discharge : he found more actions , and returned . Next day he writ to me that 8 l would discharge him , and that M r Selden would lay down half . But M r Selden and I speaking together , thought it the fittest way , to respite all , till , in a few daies , by his writing to you , we might be directed therein ; and in the mean time , took order with the Keeper to accommodate him , and I bade my man Martin , as from himself , to serve his present want with somethings . Since we told him , that we would attend a return of his Letter to you , I heard no more of him , but I hear he is out . Whosoever serves you with relations from this Town , I am sure prevents me of all I can say . The Palatinate is absolutely lost ; for before this Letter come to you , we make account that Heydelberg and Frankindale is lost , and Manheme distressed . Mansfield came to Breda , and Gonzales , to Brussels , with great losses on both sides , but equall . The P. of Orange is but now come to Breda , and with him , all that he is able to make , even out of the Garrisons of their Towns. The ways of victuall to Spinolaes Army , are almost all precluded by him , and he likely to put upon the raising of Spinola , between whom and the Town , there are hotter disputes , then ever our times saw . The Secretary of the States here shewed me a Letter yesternight , that the Town spends 6000 pound of powder a day , and hath spent since the siege 250 m pounds . Argits Regiment and my L. Vaux , are so diminished by commings a way , as that both ( I think ) make not now in Muster above 600. M r Gage is returning to Rome , but of his Negotiation I dare say nothing by a Letter of adventure . The direction which his Ma ty gave for Preachers , had scandalized many ; therefore he descended to pursue them with certain reasons of his proceedings therein ; and I had commandment to publish them in a Sermon at the Crosse , to as great a Congregation as ever I saw together , where they received comfortable assurance of his Ma ties constancy in Religion , and of his desire that all men should be bred in the knowledge of such things , as might preserve them from the superstition of Rome . I presume it is but a little while before we shall see you here , but that little time is likely to produce many things greatly considerable . Present , I pray , my thankfull services to your good daughters . I can give them no better a room in my prayers , and wishes , then my poore Constance hath , and they have that ; so have you Sir , with Your very true friend and servant in Chr. Jes. J. Donne . To the worthiest Knight Sir Henry Goodere . SIR , OUr blessed Saviour , who abounds in power and goodnesse towards us all , blesse you , and your family , with blessings proportioned to his ends in you all , and blesse you with the testimony of a rectified conscience , of having discharged all the offices of a father , towards your discreet and worthy daughters , and blesse them with a satisfaction , and quiescence , and more , with a complacency and a joy , in good ends , and ways towards them , Amen . Your man brought me your Letter of the 8 of December this 21 of the same , to Chelsey , and gives me the largenesse , till friday to send a letter to Pauls house . There can scarce be any peece of that , or of those things whereof you require light from me , that is not come to your knowledge , by some clearer way , between the time of your Letter , and this . Besides the report of my death , hath thus much of truth in it , that though I be not dead , yet I am buried within a few weeks after I immured my self in this house , the infection strook into the town , into so many houses , as that it became ill manners , to make any visits . Therefore I never went to Knoll , nor Hanworth , nor Kenton , nor to the Court , since the Court came into these quarters , nor am yet come to London ; therefore I am little able to give you account of high stages . Perchance you look not so low , as our ordinary Gazetta , and that tells us , ( with a second assurance ) that the D. of Brunswick , Christian , is dead of an Ague . My L. of Dorset even upon the day , when he should have been installed with his six fellowes , fell sick at London ; and at Court ( which does not exalt all men ) his Fever was exalted to the plague ; but he is in good convalescence . Of the Navy I hear of no great lim come back yet , but my L. of Essex ; something of the disappointing of the designe they had , is imputed to some difference , in point of command , between him and the M r. of the Ordinance , my L. of Valencia , but as yet , there is little manifested . Already is issued a Proclamation , that there be no disbanding of the Souldiers , upon their landing , in what part soever , and that his Majesty hath present imployment for them . What the main busines at Haghe hath been , I know nothing ; but I hear , that their offer of pawning of Jewells to a very very great value , to the States or private men , hath found no acceptance , at least found no money . Occasionally I heard from the Haghe , that the Queen having taken into her care , the promoving and advancing of some particular mens businesses , by way of recommendations to the Duke , expressed her self very royally , in your behalf . This I tell you not , as though you knew it not , but because I had the fortune to see it in a Letter of the simple Gentlewoman , from thence ; by which name , if you know her not , I have omitted heretofore to tell you a good tale . They continue at Court , in the resolution of the Queen pastorall ; when Q. Anne loved gamboils , you loved the Court ; perchance you may doubt whether you be a thorough Courtier , if you come not up to see this , The Queen a Shepperdesse : but I speak not this , by way of counsail , to draw you up , it is not only Non Dominus , sed ego , but nec Deus nec ego , to call you hither , but upon fair appearances of usefull commings . Mr George Herbert is here at the receipt of your letter , and with his service to you , tells you that all of Uvedall house are well . I reserve not the mention of my Lady Huntington to the end of my Letter , as grains to make the gold weight , but as tincture to make the better gold , when you finde room to intrude so poor and impertinent a name , as mine is , in her presence . I beseech you , let her Lad : know , that she hath sowed her favours towards me , in such a ground , that if I be grown better ( as I hope I am ) her favours are grown with me , and though they were great when she conferred them , yet , ( if I mend every day ) they increase in me every day , and therefore every day multiply my thankfulnesse towards her Ladiship : say what you will ( if you like not this expression ) that may make her Ladiship know , that I shall never let fall the memory , nor the just valuation of her noble favours to me , nor leave them unrequited in my Exchequer , which is , the blessings of God upon my prayers . If I should write another sheet , I should be able to serve your curiosity no more of Dukes nor LL. nor Courts , and this half line serves to tell you , that I am truly Your poor friend and humble servant in Chr. fes . J. Donne . To my honoured friend G. G. Esquire . SIR , NEither your Letters , nor silence , needs excuse ; your friendship is to me an abundant possession , though you remember me but twice in a year : He that could have two harvests in that time , might justly value his land at a high rate ; but , Sir , as we doe not onely then thank our land , when we gather the fruit , but acknowledge that all the year she doth many motherly offices in preparing it : so is not friendship then onely to be esteemed , when she is delivered of a Letter , or any other reall office , but in her continuall propensnesse and inclination to do it . This hath made me casie in pardoning my long silences , and in promising my self your forgivenesse for not answering your Letter sooner . For my purpose of proceeding in the profession of the law , so farre as to a title you may be pleased to correct that imagination , wheresoever you finde it . I ever thought the study of it my best entertainment , and pastime , but I have no ambition , nor designe upon the style . Of my Anniversaries , the fault that I acknowledge in my self , is to have descended to print any thing in verse , which though it have excuse even in our times , by men who professe , and practise much gravitie ; yet I confesse I wonder how I declined to it , and do not pardon my self : But for the other part of the imputation of having said too much , my defēce is , that my purpose was to say as well as I could : for since I never saw the Gentlewoman , I cannot be understood to have bound my self to have spoken just truths , but I would not be thought to have gone about to praise her , or any other in rime ; except I took such a person , as might be capable of all that I could say . If any of those Ladies think that Mistris Drewry was not so , let that Lady make her self fit for all those praises in the book , and they shall be hers . Sir , this messenger makes so much haste that I cry you mercy for spending any time of this letter in other imployment then thanking you for yours . I hope before Christmas to see England , and kisse your hand , which shall ever , ( if it disdain not that office ) hold all the keyes of the libertie and affection , and all the faculties of Your most affectionate servant , J. D. Paris the 14 of Aprill , here , 1612. To my honoured friend G. G. Esquire . SIR , I Should not only send you an account by my servant , but bring you an account often my self , ( for our Letters are our selves ) and in them absent friends meet ) how I do , but that two things make me forbear that writing : first , because it is not for my gravity , to write of feathers , and strawes , and in good faith , I am no more , considered in my body , or fortune . And then because whensoever I tell you how I doe , by a Letter , before that Letter comes to you , I shall be otherwise , then when it left me . At this time , I humbly thank God , I am only not worse ; for , I should as soon look for Roses at this time of the year , as look for increase of strength . And if I be no worse all spring , then now , I am much better , for , I make account that those Church services , which I would be very loth to decline , will spend somewhat ; and , if I can gather so much as will bear my charges , recover so much strength at London , as I shall spend at London , I shall not be loth to be left in that state wherein I am now , after that 's done ; But I do but discourse , I do not wish ; life , or health , or strength , ( I thank God ) enter not into my prayers for my self : for others they do ; and amongst others , for your sick servant , for such a servant taken so young , and healed so long , is half a child to a master , and so truly I have observed that you have bred him , with the care of a father . Our blessed Saviour look graciously upon him , and glorifie himself in him , by his way of restitution to health ; And by his way of peace of conscience in Your very true friend and servant in Chr. Jos. J. Donne . SIR , THis advantage you , and my other friends have , by my frequent Fevers , that I am so much the oftener at the gates of heaven , and this advantage by the solitude and close imprisonment that they reduce me to after , that I am thereby the oftener at my prayers ; in which , I shall never leave out your happinesse ; and , I doubt not , but amongst his many other blessings , God will adde to you some one for my prayers . A man would almost be content to dye , ( if there were no other benefit in death ) to hear of so much sorrow , and so much good testimony from good men , as I , ( God be blessed for it ) did upon the report of my death . Yet , I perceive it went not through all ; for , one writ unto me , that some ( and he said of my friends ) conceived , that I was not so ill , as I pretended , but withdrew my self , to save charges , and to live at ease , discharged of preaching . It is an unfriendly , and God knows , an ill grounded interpretation : for in these times of necessity , and multitudes of poor there is no possibility of saving to him that hath any tendernesse in him ; and for affecting my ease , I have been always more sorry , when I could not preach , then any could be , that they could not hear me . It hath been my desire , ( and God may be pleased to grant it me ) that I might die in the Pulpit ; if not that , yet that I might take my death in the Pulpit , that is , die the sooner by occasion of my former labours . I thanke you , for keeping our George in in your memory , I hope God reserves it for so good a friend as you are , to send me the first good newes of him . For the Diamond Lady , you may safely deliver Roper , whatsoever belongs to me , and he will give you a discharge for the money . For my L. Percy , we shall speake of it , when we meet at London ; which , as I do not much hope before Christmas , so I do not much fear at beginning of Tearm ; for I have intreated one of my fellowes to preach to my Lord Maior , at Pauls upon Christmas day , and reserved Candlemas day to my self for that service , about which time also , will fall my Lent Sermon , except my Lord Chamberlaine beleeve me to be dead , and leave me out ; for as long as I live , and am not speechlesse , I would not decline that service . I have better leasure to write , then you to read , yet I will not oppresse you with too much letter , God blesse you , and your sonne , as Your poor friend and humble servant in Christ Jesus J. Donne . To the Lady G. MADAM , I Am not come out of England , if I remain in the Noblest part of it , your minde ; yet I confesse , it is too much diminution to call your minde , any part of England , or of this world , since every part even of your body , deserves titles of higher dignity . No Prince would be loth to die , that were assured of so faire a tombe to preserve his memory : but I have a greater vantage then so ; for since there is a Religion in friendship , and a death in absence , to make up an intire frame there must be a heaven too : and there can be no heaven so proportionall to that Religion , and that death , as your favour . And I am gladder that it is a heaven , then that it were a Court , or any other high place of this world , because I am likelier to have a room there then here ; and better cheap . Madam my best treasure , is time ; and my best imployment of that , is to study good wishes for you , in which I am by continuall meditation so learned , that your own good Angell , when it would do you most good , might be content to come and take instructions from Your humble and affectionate servant J. Donne . To your selfe . SIR , THe first of this moneth I received a Letter from you , no Letter comes so late , but that it brings fresh newes hither . Though I presume , M r Pore , and since , Sir Rob. Rich came after the writing of that Letter , yet it was good newes to me , that you thought me worthy of so good a testimony . And you were subtile in the disguise : for you shut up your Letter , thus , Lond. 22. in our stile , but I am not so good a Cabalist , as to finde in what moneth it was written . But , Sir , in the offices of so spirituall a thing as friendship , so momentary a thing as time , must have no consideration . I keep it therefore to read every day , as newly written : to which vexation it must be subject , till you relieve it with an other . If I ought you not a great many thankes for every particular part of it , I should yet thanke you for the length ; and love it , as my mistresses face , every line and feature , but best all together . All that I can do towards retribution , is , ( as other bankrupts do in prison ) to make means by Commissioners , that a great debt may be accepted by small summes weekly . And in that proportion I have paid my tribute to you , almost ever since I came , and shall still do so . You know that they say , those are the strongest , and the firmest , and most precious things , which are composed of the most , and smallest parts . I will flatter my self therefore , that the number of my Letters may at last make a strong argument of my desire to serve you , but because I remember , out of this Philosophy , that they should be little , as well as many , lest this Letter should not get into the building , it shall be no bigger ; thus much addition will not much disfigure it , that it sweare to you that I am Your affectionate servant J. Donne . Sir , I cry you mercy for sealing your sisters letter , but I deliver you up my authority , and I remember you , that you have hers to open it again . You will the easilier forgive me , that I write no newes , when you observe by this transgression , that I live in a place which hath quenched in me even the remembrance of good manners , By naming her , I have made my postscript the worthyest place of my letter : and therefore I chuse that place to present my service to all the company at our lodging ; in which house , if I cannot get room for a pallat , at my return , my comfort is , that I can ever hope to be so near them as the Spittle in the Savoy , where they receive Travellers . To the Honourable Knight , Sir ROBERT KARRE . Sir , THough I have left my bed , I have not left my bed-side ; I sit there still , and as a Prisoner discharged , sits at the Prison doore , to beg Fees , so sit I here , to gather crummes . I have used this leisure , to put the meditations had in my sicknesse , into some such order , as may minister some holy delight . They arise to so many sheetes ( perchance 20. ) as that without staying for that furniture of an Epistle , That my Friends importun'd me to Print them , I importune my Friends to receive them Printed . That , being in hand , through this long Trunke , that reaches from Saint Pauls , to Saint James , I whisper into your eare this question , whether there be any uncomlinesse , or unseasonablenesse , in presenting matter of Devotion , or Mortification , to that Prince , whom I pray God nothing may ever Mortifie , but Holinesse . If you allow my purposes in generall , I pray cast your eye upon the Title and the Epistle , and rectifie me in them : I submit substance , and circumstance to you , and the poore Author of both , Your very humble and very thankfull Servant in Christ Jesus J. Donne . To your selfe . SIR , AGE becomes nothing better then Friendship ; therefore your Letters , which are ever good effects of friendship , delight to be old before I receive them : for it is but a fortnight since those Letters which you sent by Captain Peter found me at Spâ ; presently upon the receit , I adventured by your leave to bestow the first minutes upon this Letter to your faire Noble Sister ; And because I found no voice at Spâ of any Messenger , I respited my Writing to you , till I came thus much nearer . Upon the way hither , another Letter from you overtooke me , which by my L. Chandos love to me for your sake , was sent after me to Mastricht : He came to Spâ within two houres after I went away ; which I tell you to let you see , that my Fortune hath still that spitefull constancy , to bring me near my desires , and intercept me . If I should write to you any newes from this place , I should forestall mine owne Market , by telling you beforehand that which must make me acceptable to you at my comming . I shall sneake into London , about the end of August . In my remotest distances I did not more need your Letters then I shall then . Therefore if you shall not be then in London , I beseech you to think mee at Constantinople , and write one large Letter to be left at my Ladie Bartlets my lodging ; for I shall come in extreame darknesse and ignorance , except you give me light . If Sir John Brooke be within your reach , present my humble service and thankfulnesse to him ; if he be not , I am glad , that to my Conscience , which is a thousand witnesses , I have added you for one more , that I came as near as I could to doe it . I shall run so fast from this place , through Antwerpe , and some parts of Holland , that all that love which you could perchance be content to expresse by Letters if I lay still , may be more thriftily bestowed upon that one Letter , which is by your favour , to meet me , and to welcome to London Your unworthy , but very true Friend , J. Donne . SIR , IT is one ill Affection of a desperate debtor , that he dares not come to an account , nor take knowledge how much he owes ; this makes me that I dare not tell you how manie letters I have received from you since I came to this Towne ; I had three the first by the Cooke , who brought none but yours , nor ever came to me , to let me know what became of the rest : the two other of the 7. and 8. of March , came in a letter which Sir H. Wotton writ to me from Amyens ; there is not a size of paper in the Palace , large enough to tell you how much I esteeme my selfe honoured in your remembrances ; nor strong enough to wrap up a heart so ful of good affections towards you , as mine is . When any thing passes between Sir Thomas Roe and you , tell him I am not the lesse his Servant , for not saying so by often letters : for by my troth , I am that so much as he could desire I should be , when he began to love me . Sir Thomas Lucies businesse , and perchance sadnesse forbid me writing now . I have written to him ( whilest I lived in darknesse , whether my Letters came to you or no ) by another way ; and if my poore Letters were any degree of service , I should doe it often , and rather be mine own Post , then leave any thing undone , to which he would give such an interpretation , as that it were an Argument of my Devotion to him . For my purpose of proceeding in the profession of the Law , so far as to a Title , you may be pleased to correct that imagination where you finde it . I ever thought the study of it my best entertainment and pastime , but I have no ambition , nor design upon the Stile . Of my Anniversaries the fault which I acknowledge in my selfe , is to have descended to print any thing in Verse , which though it have excuse , even in our times , by example of men , which one would thinke should as little have done it , as I ; yet I confesse I wonder how I declined to it , and doe not pardon my self . But for the other part of the imputation , of having said so much , my defence is , that my purpose was to say as well as I could : for since I never saw the Gentlewoman , I cannot be understood to have bound my selfe to have spoken just Truth : but I would not be thought to have gone about to praise any bodie in rime , except I tooke such a Person , as might be capable of all that I could say . If any of those Ladies think that Mistris Drury was not so , let that Ladie make her selfe fit for all those praises in the Booke , and it shall be hers . Nothing is farther from colour or ground of Truth , then that which you write of Sir Robert Druries going to Masse . No man of our Nation hath been more forward to apply himselfe to the Church of the Religion where he hath come , nor to relieve their wants , where that Demonstration hath beene needfull . I know not yet whether Sir John Brookes purpose of being very shortly here , be not a just reason to make me forbear writing to him . I am sure that I would fainest do that in writing or abstaining which should be most acceptable to him . It were in vain to put into this letter any relation of the Magnificence which have been here at publication of these marriages ; for at this time there come into England so many Frenchmen , as I am sure you shall heare all at least . If they speak not of above eight hundred horse well caparosond , you may believe it : and you may believe , that no Court in Christendome had beene able to have appeared so brave in that kinde . But if they tell you of any other stuffe , then Copper , or any other exercise of armes then running at the Quintain , and the Ring , you may be bold to say Pardone moy . Sir , this messenger makes so much haste that I cry you mercy for spending any time of this Letter , in other imployment , then thanking you for yours , and promising you more before my remove from hence . I pray venture no Letter to me by any other way then M. John Bruer at the Queens Armes a Mercer in Cheapside , who is always like to know where we are ; And make me by loving me still , worthy to be Your friend and servant J. Donne . To my Honoured friend M r George Gerrard . SIR , I Cannot chuse but make it a presage that I shall have no good fortune in England , that I mist the honour of enjoying that company , which you brought to town . But I beseech you let my ill luck determine in that ominousnesse : for if my not comming should be by her or you interpreted for a negligence or coldnesse in me , I were already in actuall and present affliction . For that Ecclesiasticall Lady of whom you write , since I presume it is a work of darknesse that you go about , we will deferre it for winter . Perchance the cold weather , may be as good physique to you , as she , for quenching you . I have changed my purpose of going to Windsor , and will go directly into the Wight : which I tell you not as a concerning thing , but in obedience to your commandement , as one poor testimony that I am Your affectionate servant J. Donne . To my very worthy friend M r George Gerrard . SIR , THis is the fourth of this moneth , and I receive your Pacquet so late , that I have scarce waking time enough to tell you so , or to write any thing but dreams . I have both your Letters , mother and daughter , and am gladder of them , then if I had the mother and daughter here in our neighbourhood ; you know I mean Sir H. Gooderes parties . Sir , you do me double honour when my name passes through you to that Noble Lady in whose presence you are . It is a better end and a better way to that then I am worth . I can give you nothing in recompense of that favor , but good counsell : which is to speake sparingly of any ability in me , lest you in danger your own reputation , by overvaluing me . If I shall at any time take courage by your Letter , to expresse my meditations of that Lady in writing , I shall scarce think lesse time to be due to that employment , then to be all my life in making those verses , and so take them with me and sing them amongst her fellow Angels in Heaven . I should be loath that in any thing of mine , composed of her , she should not appear much better then some of those of whom I have written . And yet I cannot hope for better expressings then I have given of them . So you see how much I should wrong her , by making her but equall to others . I would I could be beleeved , when I say that all that is written of them , is but prophecy of her . I must use your favour in getting her pardon , for having brought her into so narrow , and low-rooft a room as my consideration , or for adventuring to give any estimation of her , and when I see how much she can pardon , I shall the better discern how far farther I may dare to offend in that kinde . My noble neighbour is well , and makes me the steward of his service to you . Before this Letter reaches you , I presume you will bee gathering towards these parts , and then all newes will meet you so fast , as that out of your abundance you will impart some to Your affectionate friend to serve you J. Donne . To your selfe . SIR , ALl your other Letters , which came to me by more hazardous waies , had therefore much merit in them ; but for your Letter by M. Pory , it was but a little degree of favour , because the messenger was so obvious , and so certain , that you could not chuse but write by him . But since he brought me as much Letter as all the rest , I must accept that , as well as the rest . By this time , M. Garret , when you know in your conscience that you have sent no Letter , you beginne to look upon the superscription , and doubt that you have broken up some other bodies Letter : but whos 's so ever it were it must speak the same language , for I have heard from no body . Sir , if there be a Proclamation in England against writing to me , yet since it is thereby become a matter of State , you might have told M. Pory so . And you might have told him , what became of Sir Tho. Lucies Letter , in my first pacquet , ( for any Letter to him makes any paper a pacquet , and any peece of single money a Medall ) and what became of my Lady Kingsmels in my second , and of hers in my third , whom I will not name to you in hope that it is perished , and you lost the honour of giving it . Sir , mine own desire of being your servant , hath sealed me a Patent of that place during my life , and therefore it shall not be in the power of your for bidding , ( to which your stiffe silence amounts ) to make me leave being Your very affectionate servant J. Donne . To my Honoured friend M. George Garrat . SIR , I Would I were so good an Alchimist to perswade you that all the vertue of the best affections , that one could expresse in a sheet , were in this ragge of paper . It becomes my fortune to deale thus in single money ; and I may hit better with this hail-shot of little Letters ( because they may come thick ) then with great bullets ; and trouble my friends lesse . I confesse it were not long enough if it came to present my thankes for all the favours you have done me ; but since it comes to begge more , perchance it may be long enough , because I know not how short you will be with an absent friend . If you will but write that you give me leave to keep that name still , it shall be the gold of your Letter : and for allay , put in as much newes as you will. We are in a place where scarce any money appeares , but base : as , I confesse , all matters of Letters is in respect of the testimonies of friendship ; but obey the corruption of this place , and fill your Letters with worse stuffe then your own . Present my service to all those Gentlemen whom I had the honour to serve at our lodging , I cannot flie an higher pitch , then to say , that I am so much their servant as you can say I am . At the Queens armes in Cheapside , which is a Mercers , you may hear of one M. John Brewer , who will convay any Letter directed to me at Sir Rob. Druries at Amiens , though he know not me : and I should be glad to hear that this first that I sent into England had the fortune to finde you . Yours J. Donne . To your fair sister . MADAM , THe dignity , and the good fortune due to your Letter , hath preserved a pacquet so well , that through France and Germany it is at last come to me at Spâ . This good experience makes me in despite of contrary appearances , hope that I shall finde some messenger for this , before I remove , though it be but two dayes . For , even Miracles are but little and slight things , when any thing which either concernes your worthinesse is in consideration or my valuation of it . If I faile in this hope of a messenger , I shall not grudge to do my self this service of bringing it into England , that you may hear me say there , that I have thus much profited by the honour of your conversation , and Contemplation , that I am , as your vertues are , every where equall ; and that , that which I shall say then at London , I thought and subscribed at Spâ , which is , that I will never be any thing else , then Your very humble and affectionate servant J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight Sir Henry Goodere . SIR , BEcause to remain in this sort guilty in your Lordships opinion doth not onely defeat all my future indevours , but lay a heavyer burden upon me , of which I am more sensible , which is ingratitude towards your Lordship , by whose favours I have been formerly so much bound ; I hope your Lordship will pardon me this care and diligence which I use to rectifie my self towards you . To which purpose I humbly beseech your Lordship , to admit thus much into your consideration , that I neither hunted after this businesse at first , but apprehended it as it was presented to me , and might perchance have fallen into worse hands , nor proceeded otherwise therin , then to my poor discretion at that time seemed lawfull and requisite and necessary for my reputation , who held my selfe bound to be able to give satisfaction to any who should doubt of the case . Of all which , if your Lordship were returned to your former favourable opinions of me , you might be pleased to make this some argument , that after his Majesty had shewed his inclination to the first motion made in my behalf , I was not earnest to urge and solicit that advantage of priority , but as became me , contented my self to joyne with him who had made a later petition therein : and as soon as I understood how it was opposed or distasted , I threw it down at your Lordships feet , and abandoned it to your pleasure . Which it is necessary for me to say at this time , left , if he who was interessed with me in that businesse shall have proceeded any farther therein since that time , your Lordship might conceive new suspicions of me . That your Lordships name was at all used therein , or that any words of mine occasioned such an errour in my servant , I am so sorry as nothing but a conscience of a true guiltinesse of having performed an injury to your Lordship ( which can never fall upon me ) could affect me more . But I , who to the measure of my comprehension , have ever understood your Lordships nobility and evenness , cannot fear that your Lordship will punish an oversight , like a crime : which should be effected upon me , if your Lordship should continue your disfavour towards me , since no penalty could come so burdenous to my minde and to my fortune as that . And since the repose of both consists in your Lordships favour , I humbly intreat to be restored to your favour , giving your Lordship my faith in pawn that I wil be as wary of forfeting it by any second occasion , as I am sorry for this . Yours J. D. To the Honourable Knight Sir Robert Karre . SIR , I Had rather like the first best ; not onely because it is cleanlier , but because it reflects least upon the other party , which , in all jest and earnest , in this affair , I wish avoided . If my Muse were onely out of fashion , and but wounded and maimed like Free-will in the Roman Church , I should adventure to put her to an Epithalamion . But since she is dead , like Free-will in our Church , I have not so much Muse left as to lament her losse . Perchance this businesse may produce occasions , wherein I may expresse my opinion of it , in a more serious manner . Which I speake neither upon any apparent conjecture , nor upon any overvaluing of my abilities , but out of a generall readinefse and alacrity to be serviceable and gratefull in any kinde . In both which poor vertues of mine , none can pretend a more primary interest , then you may , in Your humble and affectionate servant J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight Sir Robert Karre Gentleman of his Highnesses Bedchamber . SIR , I Have often sinned towards you , with a presumption of being pardoned , but now I do it , without hope , and without daring to intreat you to pardon the fault . In which there are thus many degrees of importunity . That I must begge of you to christen a child , which is but a daughter , and in which you must be content to be associated with Ladies of our own alliance , but good women , and all this upon Thursday next in the afternoon . Sir , I have so many and so indeleble impressions of your favour to me , as they might serve to spread over all my poor race . But since I see that I stand like a tree , which once a year beares , though no fruit , yet this Mast of children , and so am sure , that one year or other I should afflict you with this request , I had rather be presently under the obligations and the thankfulnesse towards you , then meditate such a trouble to you against another year . I was desirous this paper might kisse your hands as soon as you came , that if any other diversions made this inconvenient to you , I might have an other exercise of your favor , by knowing so much from you , who in every act of yours make me more and more Your humble and thankfull servant J. Donne . 17 Aprill . To the Honourable Knight , Sir ROBERT KARRE . Sir , PErchance others may have told you , that I am relapsed into my Fever ; but that which I must intreat you to condole with me , is , that I am relapsed into good degrees of health ; your cause of sorrow for that , is , that you are likely to be the more troubled with such an impertinencie , as I am ; and mine is , that I am fallen from fair hopes , of ending all ; yet I have scaped no better cheap , then that I have paid death one of my Children for my Ransome . Because I loved it well , I make account that I dignifie the memorie of it , by mentioning of it to you , else I should not be so homely . Impute this brevitie of writing to you upon no Subject , to my sicknesse , in which men use to talke idly : but my profession of desiring to bee retained in your memorie , impute to your owne Vertues , which have wrought so much upon Your humble servant John Donne . To the Honourable Knight , Sir Robert Karre . SIR , I Make account that it is a day of great distribution of Honours at Court : I would not therefore lose my part , and increase therein ; since every Letter admitted by you from me , is a new stone in my best building , which is , my roome in your service : so much you adde to me , everie time you give me leave thus to kisse your hands . But , Sir , everie addition preimagins a beeing , and the time of my beeing and Creation is not yet come : which I am sure you will advance ; because else I am no competent Subject of your favours , and additions . I know , by your forbearing to tell mee so , that my L. hath had no commoditie to move the K. and if this Paper speake one word of difference , or impatience in my name , by my troth it lies . Onely give it leave to tell you , that that L. whom perchance the K. may bee pleased to heare in it , is an old and momentanie man , and it may be late labouring for his assistance , next Winter . Besides , since it may bee possible that the Master of the Rolles may a little resent this suite , there could be no fitter time , then now , to make him easie , as things stand with him at this time . If you stay in Towne this Night , and no longer , I beseech you afford me a few of your late Minutes at your own lodging , where I will wait upon you according to any directions , which by this Gent. or otherwise I shall receive from you . Your humble servant John Donne . To the Honourable Knight , Sir Robert Karre . SIR , IF I would calumniate , I could say no ill of that Gentleman : I know not whether my L. or my selfe tooke the first apprehension of it ; but I remember that very soone wee concurred in a good opinion of him ; thereupon for justifying our owne forwardnesse , wee observed him more throughly , and found all the way good reason to ratifie our first estimation of him . This gave my L. occasion to send him abroade in his Service after : how hee satisfied him in that imployment , indeed I know not . But , that I disguise nothing , I remember my L. told mee sometimes in his absence , that hee had not Account from him of some things , which hee had deposed in him . And at his entering into his Coach , at his last going , I asked my L. Goes not the Gentleman with you ? and hee told mee with some coldnesse no. So that if you bee not pressed to a Resolution , you may bee pleased to forbeare a few dayes , till I may occasionally discerne , whether hee have demerited or sunke in my L. opinion : And then you shall have another Character of him from Your very humble and thankfull Servant J. Donne . 25. Julii . To the Honourable Knight , Sir Robert Karre . SIR , THE same houre that I received the honour of your commandments , by your letter left at my poore house , I put my selfe upon the way hither . So that I am here in the habite of a Traveller , and ( suitable to the rest of my unworthinesses ) unfit for great Presences . Therefore , I abstain from waiting upon you presently ; besides that in this abstinence , ( except I misinterpret the last words of your letter to my advantage ) I obey your directions , in sending before I come to you . Howsoever , Sir , I am intirely at your disposing , if you will be pleased to adde this favor to the rest , that I may understand , wherein you will use your Authoritie and Power , which you have over Your poore and humble servant John Donne . To the Honourable Knight , Sir Robert Karre . SIR , THis is but a Postscript to the last Letter , and it is onely to tell you , that it was an impertinent jealousie that I conceived of that Gentlemans absence from my L. for he gives that full Testimonie of him , that he never discerned any kinde of unfitnesse in him for any imployment , except too much goodnesse ; and Conscientiousnesse may sometimes make him somewhat lesse fit for some kindes of businesse , then a man of a looser raine . And this is all , that I conceive to have been in the commandment wherewith you honoured Your very humble and thankfull servant in Christ Jesus John Donne : 2. Aug 1622. To my Honoured Friend , Master George Gherard . SIR , YOur Letter was the more welcome to mee , because it brought your commandment with it , of sending you perfumes : for it is a Service somewhat like a Sacrifice . But yet your commandment surprised me , when neither I had enough to send , nor had means to recover more ; that Ladie being out of Towne which gavethem me . But Sir , if I had 10000000. I could send you no more then I doe ; for I send all . If any good occasion present it selfe to you , to send to my L. Clifford , spare my name a roome , there where you offer him most of your Service . I dare contend with you , that you cannot exceed mee , in desiring to serve him . It is a better office from me to you , that I goe to bed , then that I write a longer letter . For if I doe mine eyes a little more injurie , I shall lose the honour of seeing you at Michaelmas ; for by my troth I am almost blinde : you may be content , to beleeve that I am always disposed to your service , without exception of any time , since now just at midnight , when it is both day , and night , and neither , I tell you that I am Your affectionate friend and servant J. Donne . To my very much honoured friend George Garrard Esquire at Sion . SIR , I Know not which of us wonne it by the hand , in the last charge of Letters . If you wonne , you wonne nothing , because I am nothing , or whatsoever I am , you wonne nothing , because I was all yours before . I doubt not but I were better delivered of dangers of relapses , if I were at London ; but the very going would indanger me . Upon which true debility , I was forced to excuse my selfe to my Lord Chamberlaine , from whom I had a Letter of command to have Preached the fifth of November Sermon to the King. A service which I would not have declined , if I could have conceived any hope of standing it . I beseech you intreat my Lord Percy in my behalfe , that he will be pleased to name George to my L. Carlile , and to wonder , if not to inquire , where he is . The world is disposed to charge my Lords honour , and to charge my naturall affection with neglecting him , and , God knowes , I know not which way to turn towards him ; nor upon any message of mine , when I send to kisse my Lords hands , doth my Lord make any kinde of mention of him . For the Diamond Lady , when time serves , I pray look to it ; for I would fain be discharged of it . And for the rest , let them be but remembred how long it hath been in my hands , and then leave it to their discretion . If they incline to any thing , I should chuse shirt Hollond , rather under then above 4 s. Our blessed Saviour multiply his blessings upon that noble family where you are , and your self , and your sonne ; as upon all them that are derived from Your poor friend and servant J. Donne . To my very much respected friend M r George Garrard . SIR , I Thank you for expressing your love to me , by this diligence , I know you can distinguish between the voyces of my love , and of my necessity , if any thing in my Letters sound like an importunity . Besides , I will adde thus much out of counsell to you , that you can do nothing so thriftily as to keep in your purpose the payment of the rest of this years rent , ( though at your conveniency ) for Sir E H. curiosity being so served at first , I shall be no farther cause , but that the rest be related , and you in as good possession of his love , and to as good use , as your love deserves of him . You mocke us when you aske news from hence . All is created there , or relates thither where you are . For that book which you command me to send , I held it but half an hour : which served me to read those few leafes , which were directed upon some few lines of my book . If you come to town quickly , you may get a fair widow : for M ris Brown is fallen to that state by death of her husband . No man desires your comming more , nor shall be readier to serve you , then Your affectionate friend and servant J. Donne . To my Honoured friend M. George Gherard , over against Salisbury house . SIR , I Do not make account that I am come to London , when I get within the wall : that which makes it London is the meeting of friends . I cannot therefore otherwise bid my self welcome to London , then by seeking of you , which both Sir H. Goodere and I do , with so much diligence , as that this messenger comes two dayes before to intreat you from us both , to reserve your self upon Saterday : so that I may , at our coming to London that night , understand at my house where I may send you word of our supping place that night , and have the honour of your company . So you lay more obligations upon Your poor unprofitable servant J. Donne . To my very much Honoured friend George Garret Esquire . SIR , VVHen we thinke of a friend , we do not count that a lost thought , though that friend never knew of it . If we write to a friend , we must not call it a lost Letter , though it never finde him to whom it was addressed : for we owe our selves that office , to be mindefull of our friends . In payment of that debt , I send out this Letter , as a Sentinell Perdue ; if it finde you , it comes to tell you , that I was possessed with a Fever , so late in the year , that I am afraid I shall not recover confidence to come to London till the spring be a little advanced . Because you did our poor family the favour , to mention our George in your Letters to Spain , with some earnestnesse , I should wonder if you never had any thing from thence concerning him ; he having been now , divers moneths , in Spaine . If you be in London and the Lady of the Jewell there too , at your conveniency informe me , what is looked for at my hands , in that businesse ; for , I would be loath to leave any thing in my house , when I die , that were not absolutely mine own . I have a servant , Roper , at Pauls house , who will receive your commandments , at all times . God blesse you and your sonne , with the same blessings which I begge for the children , and for the person of Your poor friend and humble servant in Chr. Jes. J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight Sir Robert Karre , Gentleman of his Highnesses Bed-chamber . SIR , I Am come to that tendernesse of conscience , that I need a pardon for meaning to come to Newmarket in this weather . If I had come , I must have asked you many reall pardons , for the many importunities that I should have used towards you . But since I have divers errands thither , ( except I belie my self in that phrase , since it is all one errand to promove mine own business , and to receive your commands ) I shall give you but a short respit , since I shall follow this paper within two dayes . And ( that I accuse my self , no farther then I am guilty ) the principall reason of my breaking the appointment of waiting upon M. Rawlins , was , that I understood the King was from Newmarket ; and for comming thither in the Kings absence , I never heard of excuse ; except when Butler sends a desperate Patient in a Consumption thither for good aire , which is an ill errand now . Besides that I could not well come till now , ( for there are very few dayes past , since I took Orders ) there can be no losse in my absence except when I come , my Lord should have thereby the lesse latitude , to procure the Kings Letters to Cambridge . I beseech you therefore , take some occasion to refresh that businesse to his Lordship , by presenting my name , and purpose of comming very shortly : and be content to receive me , who have been ever your servant , to the addition of Your poor Chaplaine J. Donne . 27 January . To the Right Honourable the Lord Viscount of Rochester . My most Honourable good Lord , AFter I was grown to be your Lordships , by all the titles that I could thinke upon , it hath pleased your Lordship to make another title to me , by buying me . You may have many better bargaines in your purchases , but never a better title then to me , nor any thing which you may call yours more absolutely and intirely . If therefore I appeare before your Lordship sometimes in these Letters of thankfulnesse , it may be an excusable boldnesse , because they are part of your evidences by which you hold me . I know there may be degrees of importunity even in thankfulnesse : but your Lordship is got above the danger of suffering that from me , or my Letters , both because my thankfulnesse cannot reach to the benefits already received , and because the favour of receiving my Letters is a new benefit . And since good Divines have made this argument against deniers of the Resurrection , that it is easier for God to recollect the Principles , and Elements of our bodies , howsoever they be scattered , then it was at first to create them of nothing , I cannot doubt , but that any distractions or diversions in the ways of my hopes , will be easier to your Lordship to reunite , then it was to create them . Especially since you are already so near perfecting them , that if it agreed with your Lordships purposes , I should never wish other station , then such as might make me still , and onely Your Lordships Most humble and devoted servant J. Donne . To the Hononrable Knight Sir Robert Karre . SIR , LEst you should think your selfe too much beholding to your fortune , and so relie too much upon her hereafter , I am bold to tell you , that it is not onely your good fortune that hath preserved you from the importunity of my visits all this time . For my ill fortune , which is stronger , then any mans good fortune , hath concurred in the plot to keep us asunder , by infecting one in my house with the Measels . But all that , is so safely overworne , that I dare , not onely desire to put my selfe into your presence , but by your mediation , a little farther . For , esteeming my selfe , by so good a title , as my Lords own words , to be under his providence , and care of my fortune , I make it the best part of my studies how I might ease his Lordship by finding out something for my selfe . Which , because I thinke I have done , as though I had done him a service therein , I adventure to desire to speake with him , which I beseech you to advance , in addition to your many favours and benefits to , me . And if you have occasion to send any of your servants to this town , to give me notice , what times are fittest for me to waite , to injoy your favour herein . My businesse is of that nature , that losse of time may make it much more difficult , and may give courage to the ill fortune of Your humble servant J. Donne . To your selfe . SIR , I Make shift to think that I promised you this book of French Satyrs . If I did not , yet it may have the grace of acceptation , both as it is a very forward and early fruit , since it comes before it was looked for , and as it comes from a good root , which is an importune desire to serve you . Which since I saw from the beginning , that I should never do in any great thing , it is time to begin to try now , whether by often doing little services , I can come towards any equivalence . For , except I can make a rule of naturall philosophy , serve also in morall offices , that as the strongest bodies are made of the smallest particles , so the strongest friendships may be made of often interating small officiousnesses , I see I can be good for nothing . Except you know reason to the contrary , I pray deliver this Letter according to the addresse . It hath no businesse , nor importunity ; but as by our Law , a man may be Felo de se , if he kill himself , so I think a man may be Fur de se , if he steale himselfe out of the memory of them , which are content to harbour him . And now I begin to be loath to be lost , since I have afforded my selfe some valuation and price , ever since I received the stampe and impression of being Your very humble and affectionate servant J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight Sir Robert Karre , Gentleman of his Highnesses Bed chamber . SIR , I Have always your leave to use my liberty , but now I must use my bondage . Which is my necessity of obeying a precontract laid upon me . I go to morrow to Camberwell a mile beyond Southwark . But from this town goes with me my brother Sir Tho. Grimes and his Lady , and I with them . There we dine well enough I warrant you , with his father-in-law , Sir Tho. Hunt. If I keep my whole promise , I shall Preach both forenoon and afternoon . But I will obey your commandments for my return . If you cannot be there by 10 , do not put your selfe upon the way : for , Sir , you have done me more honour , then I can be worthy of , in missing me so diligently . I can hope to hear M. Moulin again : or ruminate what I have heretofore heard . The onely misse that I shall have is of the honour of waiting upon you ; which is somewhat recompensed , if thereby you take occasion of not putting not your self to that pain , to be more assured of the inabilities of Your unworthy servant J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight , Sir Robert Karre . SIR , I Sought you yesterday with a purpose of accomplishing my health , by the honour of kissing your hands . But I finde by my going abroad , that as the first Christians were forced to admit some Jewish Ceremonies , onely to burie the Synagogue with honour , so my Feaver will have so much reverence and respect , as that I must keep sometimes at home . I must therefore be bold to put you to the pain of considering me . If therefore my Lord upon your deliverie of my last Letter , said nothing to you of the purpose thereof ; let me tell you now , that it was , that in obedience of his commandment , to acquaint him with any thing which might advantage me , I was bold to present that which I heard , which was that Sir D. Carlton was likely to bee removed from Venice , to the States ; of which if my Lord said nothing to you , I beseech you adde thus much to your many other Favours , to intreate my Lord at his best commodity , to afford mee the favour of speaking with him . But if hee have already opened himselfe so farre to you , as that you may take knowledge thereof to him , then you may ease him of that trouble of giving mee an Audience , by troubling your selfe thus much more , as to tell him in my behalfe , and from mee , that though Sir D. Carlton bee not removed , yet that place with the States lying open , there is a faire field of exercising his favour towards mee , and of constituting a Fortune to mee , and ( that which is more ) of a meanes for mee to doe him particular services . And Sir , as I doe throughly submit the end and effect of all Projects to his Lordships will , so doe I this beginning thereof , to your Advice and Counsell , if you thinke mee capable of it : as , for your owne sake , I beseech you to doe , since you have admitted mee for Your humble servant J. Donne . To the Honoured Knight , Sir Robert Karre . SIR , I Amend to no purpose , nor have any use of this inchoation of health , which I finde , except I preserve my roome , and station in you . I beginne to bee past hope of dying : And I feele that a little ragge of Monte Magor , which I read last time I was in your Chamber , hath wrought prophetically upon mee , which is , that Death came so fast towards mee , that the over-joy of that recovered mee . Sir , I measure not my health by my appetite , but onely by my abilitie to come to kisse your hands : which since I cannot hope in the compasse of a few dayes , I beseech you pardon mee both these intrusions of this Letter , and of that within it . And though Schoole-men dispute , whether a married man dying , and being by Miracle raised again , must bee remarried ; yet let your Friendship , ( which is a Nobler learning ) bee content to admit mee , after this Resurrection , to bee still that which I was before , and shall ever continue , Your most humble and thankfull Servant J. Donne . 20. Mar. To the Honourable Knight , Sir Robert Karre . SIR , WHen I was almost at Court , I met the Princes Coach : I thinke I obeyed your purposes best therefore , in comming hither . I am sure I provided best for my selfe thereby ; since my best degree of understanding is to bee governed by you . I beseech you give mee an assignation where I may wait upon you at your commoditie this Evening . Till the performance of which commandment from you , I rest here in the red Lion. Your very thankefull and affectionate Servant J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight , Sir Robert Karre . SIR , I Was loth to bee the onely man who should have no part in this great Festivall ; I thought therefore to celebrate that well , by spending some part of it in your company . This made mee seek you againe this after-noone , though I were guilty to my selfe of having done so every day since your comming . I confesse such an importunity is worthy to be punished with such a missing ; yet , because it is the likeliest reparation of my Fortunes to hope upon Reversions , I would be glad of that Title in you : that , after solemnities , and businesses , and pleasures be passed over , my time may come , and you may afford some of your last leisures to Your affectionate and humble servant J. Donne . 4 Novemb. To the Honourable Knight , Sir ROBERT KARRE . Sir , YOur mans haste gives me the advantage , that I am excusable in a short Letter , else I should not pardon it to my selfe . I shall obey your commandment of comming so neare you upon Michaelmas day , as by a Message to aske you whether that or the next morning bee the fittest to sollicite your further Favour . You understand all Vertue so well , as you may be pleased to call to minde what thankefulnesse and services are due to you from me , and beleeve them all to bee expressed in this ragge of Paper , which gives you new assurance , that I am ever Your most humble servant J. Donne . To your selfe . SIR , IF I shall never be able to do you any reall service , yet you may make this profit of me , that you be hereafter more cautelous in receiving into your knowledge , persons so uselesse , and importune . But before you come to so perfect a knowledge of me , as to abandon me , go forward in your favours to me , so farre , as to deliver this Letter according to the addresse . I think I should not come nearer his presence then by a Letter : and I am sure , I would come no other way , but by you . Be you therefore pleased , by these noble favours to me , to continue in me the comfort which I have in being Your very humble and thankfull servant J. Donne . Drury house , 23 Sept. To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Karre . SIR , A Few hours after I had the honour of your Letter , I had another from my Lord of Bath and Wells , commanding from the King a Copy of my Sermon . I am in preparations of that , with diligence , yet this morning I waited upon his Lordship , and laid up in him this truth , that of the B. of Canterburies Sermon , to this hour , I never heard syllable , nor what way , nor upon what points he went : And for mine , it was put into that very order , in which I delivered it , more then two moneths since . Freely to you I say , I would I were a little more guilty : Onely mine innocency makes me afraid . I hoped for the Kings approbation heretofore in many of my Sermons ; and I have had it . But yesterday I came very near looking for thanks ; for , in my life , I was never in any one peece , so studious of his service . Therefore , exceptions being taken , and displeasure kindled at this , I am afraid , it was rather brought thither , then met there . If you know any more , fit for me , ( because I hold that unfit for me , to appear in my Masters sight , as long as this cloud hangs , and therefore , this day forbear my ordinary waitings ) I beseech you to intimate it to Your very humble and very thankfull servant J. Donne . To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Karre , at Court. SIR , I Humbly thanke you , for this continuing me in your memory , and enlarging me so far , as to the memory of my Soveraign , and ( I hope ) my Master . My Tenets are always , for the preservation of the Religion I was born in , and the peace of the State , and the rectifying of the Conscience ; in these I shall walke , and as I have from you a new seal thereof , in this Letter , so I had ever evidence in mine own observation , that these ways were truly , as they are justly , acceptable in his Majesties eare . Our blessed Saviour multiply unto him all blessings ; Amen . Your very true and intire servant in Chr. fes . J. Donne . To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Karre , at Court. SIR , I Was this morning at your door , somewhat early ; and I am put into such a distaste of my last Sermon , as that I dare not practise any part of it , and therefore though I said then , that we are bound to speake aloud , though we awaken men , and make them froward , yet after two or three modest knocks at the door , I went away . Yet I understood after , the King was gone abroad , and thought you might be gone with him . I came to give you an account of that , which this does as well . I have now put into my Lord of Bath and Wells hands the Sermon faithfully exscrcibed . I beseech you be pleased to hearken farther after it ; I am still upon my jealousie , that the King brought thither some disasfection towards me , grounded upon some other demerit of mine , and took it not from the Sermon . For , as Card. Cusanus writ a Book Cribratio Alchorani , I have cribrated , and re-cribated , and post-cribated the Sermon , and must necessarily say , the King who hath let fall his eye upon some of my Poems , never saw , of mine , a hand , or an eye , or an affection , set down with so much study , and diligence , and labour of syllables , as in this Sermon I expressed those two points , which I take so much to conduce to his service , the imprinting of persuasibility and obedience in the subject , And the breaking of the bed of whisperers , by casting in a bone , of making them suspect and distrust one another . I remember I heard the old King say of a good Sermon , that he thought the Preacher never had thought of his Sermon , till he spoke it ; it seemed to him negligently and extemporally spoken . And I knew that he had weighed every syllable , for halfe a year before , which made me conclude , that the King had before , some prejudice upon him . So , the best of my hope is , that some over bold allusions , or expressions in the way , might divert his Majesty , from vouchsafing to observe the frame , and purpose of the Sermon . When he sees the generall scope , I hope his goodnesse will pardon collaterall escapes . I intreated the B. to aske his Majesty , whether his displeasure extended so farre , as that I should forbear waiting , and appearing in his presence ; and I had a return , that I might come . Till I had that , I would not offer to put my self under your roof . To day I come , for that purpose , to say prayers . And if , in any degree , my health suffer it , I shall do so , to morrow . If any thing fall into your observation before that , ( because the B. is likely to speake to the King of it , perchance , this night ) if it amount to such an increase of displeasure , as that it might be unfit for me to appear , I beseech you afford me the knowledge . Otherwise , I am likely to inquire of you personally , to morrow before nine in the morning , and to put into your presence then Your very humble and very true , and very honest servant to God and the King and you J. Donne . I writ yesterday to my L. Duke , by my L. Carlile , who assured me of a gracious acceptation of my putting my self in his protection . To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Karre , at Court. SIR , IF I should refuse the liberty which you enlarge to me , of eating in your chamber , you might suspect that I reserved it for greater boldnesses , and would not spend it in this . But , in good faith , I do not eat before , nor can after , till I have been at home ; so much hath my this years debility disabled me , even for receiving favours . After the Sermon , I will steal into my Coach home , and pray that my good purpose may be well accepted , and my defects graciously pardoned . Amen . Yours intirely J. Donne . I will be at your chamber at one after noon . To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Karre , at Court , SIR , I Pursued my ambition of having the honour to kisse your hands some where , so farre , as to inform my selfe occasionally of my great neighbour . And I perceive he is under an inundation of uncertain commers , which he cannot devest , except I had your leave , to speake plain to him . A second inconvenience is , that he is so deafe , that we must speak to the whole house , if we will speake to him . And a third is , that I am in a riddling , rather a juggling indisposition , fast and loose , and therefore dare not stirre farre . Yet Sir , I am not thereby unfit to receive the honor of seeing you here , if greater businesse have not overcome , or worn out , your former inclinablenesse to come into these quarters . If you shall be pleased to say to my man , that you will make as though you dined with me to day , and come , if your businesse require your going to his Lordship , you may dine with him , after you have fasted with me . To day , or any day , which may be more yours , I aske it of you with all earnestnesse , on this side importunity , which is the detestation of Your humblest and thankfullest servant J. Donne . To the Right Honourable Sir Robert Karre , at Court. SIR , THis morning I have received a signification from my Lord Chamberlaine , that his Majesty hath commanded to morrows Sermon at S. James ; And that it is in the after-noon ; ( for , into my mouth there must not enter the word , after-dinner , because that day there enters no dinner into my mouth . ) Towards the time of the service , I aske your leave , that I may hide my selfe in your out-chamber . Or if businesse , or privatenesse , or company make that inconvenient , that you will be pleased to assigne some servant of yours to shew me the Closet , when I come to your chamber . I have no other way there , but you ; which I say not , as though I had not assurance enough therein , but because you have too much trouble thereby ; nor I have no other end there , then the Pulpit : you are my station , and that my exaltation ; And in both , I shall ever endevour , to keep you from being sorry for having thought well of , or being ashamed of having testified well for Your poor and very true servant in Chr. Jes. J. Donne . To the Honourable Knight Sir Robert Karre , at Court. SIR , I Have obeyed the formes of our Church of Pauls so much , as to have been a solemn Christmas man , and tryed conclusions upon my selfe , how I could sit out the siege of new faces , every dinner . So that I have not seen the B. in some weeks . And I know not whether he be in case , to afford that privacy , which you justly desire . This day , I am in my bondage of entertaining . Suppers I presume , are inconvenient to you . But this evening I will spie upon the B. and give you an account to morrow morning of his disposition ; when , if he cannot be intire to you , since you are gone so farre downwards in your favours to me , be pleased to pursue your humiliation so farre as to chuse your day , and either to suffer the solitude of this place , or to change it , by such company , as shall waite upon you , and come as a visitor and overseer of this Hospitall of mine , and dine or sup at this miserable chezmey . Your humblest and thankfullest servant J. Donne . 4 Jan. 1626. To my Noble friend M ris Cokain at Ashburne . My noblest sister , BUt that it is sweetned by your command , nothing could trouble me more , then to write of my self . Yet , if I would have it known , I must write it my self ; for , I neither tell children , nor servants , my state . I have never good temper , nor good pulse , nor good appetite , nor good sleep . Yet , I have so much leasure to recollect my self , as that I can thinke I have been long thus , or often thus . I am not alive , because I have not had enough upon me to kill me , but because it pleases God to passe me through many infirmities before he take me either by those particular remembrances , to bring me to particular repentances , or by them to give me hope of his particular mercies in heaven . Therefore have I been more affected with Coughs in vehemence , more with deafenesse , more with toothach , more with the vurbah , then heretofore . All this mellows me for heaven , and so ferments me in this world , as I shall need no long concoction in the grave , but hasten to the resurrection . Not onely to be nearer that grave , but to be nearer to the service of the Church , as long as I shall be able to do any , I purpose , God willing , to be at London , within a fortnight after your receit of this , as well because I am under the obligation of preaching at Pauls upon Candlemas day , as because I know nothing to the contrary , but that I may be called to Court , for Lent service ; and my witnesse is in heaven , that I never left out S. Dunstans , when I was able to do them that service ; nor will now ; though they that know the state of that Church well , know that I am not so bound , as the world thinks , to preach there ; for , I make not a shilling profit of S. Dunstans as a Church man , but as my L. of Dorset gave me the lease of the Impropriation , for a certain rent , and a higher rent , thē my predecessor had it at . This I am fain to say often , because they that know it not , have defamed me , of a defectiveness towards that Church ; and even that mistaking of theirs I ever have , and ever shall endevour to rectifie , by as often preaching there , as my condition of body will admit . All our company here is well , but not at home now , when I write ; for , lest I should not have another return to London , before the day of your Carrier , I write this , and rest Your very affectionate servant , and friend , and brother J. Donne . 15 Jan. 1630. Abrey-hatch .