TWO LETTERS Sent from the Earl of Strafford, one to his Lady in Ireland a little before his death: And another to a certain great LADY.   depiction of Thomas Wentworth, Earl of Strafford 
Printed in the year 1641.   

A LETTER SENT FROM THE EARL OF STRAFFORD TO HIS LADY into IRELAND a little before his death, May the 11. 1641.  
YOu shall receive my dear wife, my last words, in these my last times; my love I send that you may keep it when I am dead, and my counsel that you may remember it when I am no more: I would not with my will present you sorrows (dear wife) let them go to the grave with me and be buried in the dust, and seeing it is not the will of God, that I shall see you any more, bear my distraction patiently, and with an heart like yourself.  
First, I send you all the thanks which my heart can conceive or my words express, for your many travels and cares for me, which though they have not taken effect as you wished, yet my debt to you is no less; but pay it I never shall in this world.  
Secondly, I beseech you for the love you bore me living, that you do not hid yourself many days, but by your travel seek to help the miserable fortune and the right of your poor children, your mourning cannot avail any thing that am but dust.  
Thirdly, you shall understand that my lands were conveied (bona fide) unto my son, the writings were drawn at Midsummer was twelve month, as divers can witness: to what friend to direct you I know not, for all mine have left me in the true time of trial; most sorry am I that being thus surprised by death I can leave you no better estate; God hath prevented all my determinations, that great God that worketh all in all; & if you can live free from want, care forno more, for the rest is but vanity. Love God and begin betimes in him, so shall you find true everlasting comfort, when you have traveled and wearied yourself with all sorts of worldly cogitations, you shall sit down with sorrow in the end: Teach your son also to fear and serve God whilst he is young, that the fear of God may grow upon him; then will God be an husband to you, and a father to him, and a husband and a father that never can be taken away from you.  
Balo oweth me 10000 pound, and Arian 100 pound, in jernsey I have also much owing me.  
Dear wife, I beseech you for my soul's sake, pay all poor men when I am dead: no doubt you shall be much sought unto, for the world thinks I was very rich. Have a care to fair pretence of men, for no greater misery can befall you in this life, then to be a prey unto the world, and after to be despised. I speak, God knows, not to dissuade you from marrying again, for that will be the best for you, both in respect of God, and of the world. As for me, I am no more yours, nor you mine; death hath cut us asunder, and God hath divided me from the world and you from me. Remember my child for his father's sake, who loved you in his happiest estate. I sued for my life, but God knows it was for you and yours that I desired it, for know it, my dear wife, your child is the son of a true man, who in his own respect despiseth death.  
I cannot write much, God knows how hardly I steal time, when all are asleep: And it is also time to separate my thoughts from the world. Beg my dead body, which living, was denied; and either lay it in Aleaune or Antley by my Father and mother. I can say no more, time and death calls me away. The everlasting God powerful, infinite, inscrutable, God almighty, who is goodness itself, the true light and life, keep you and yours, and have mercy upon me.  
My dear wife farewell. Lord bless my boy. Pray for me: and let my true God hold you both in his arms.  
FINIS.   

A Letter sent unto a certain great Lady, and lately discovered by strange accident, May, 1641.  
Madame:  
ALthough there be some discovery made known, yet what is intended is made secure; wherefore you must procure two thousand pound speedily; for no danger lets difficulty to compass it, if you keep secret: Remember your oath, for we shall slay the Beast with many heads, and destroy the Devil's brood before they dream or mistrust. Burn the Letter you have received, your reward shall be in Heaven.   
FINIS.