Loveday's LETTERS Domestic and Foreign. TO SEVERAL PERSONS, Occasionally distributed in SUBJECTS Philosophical, Historical & Moral,  
By R. LOVEDAY Gent. the late Translator of the three first parts of Cleopatra.  
Optimae sunt Literae quae in lucem prodeunt, prosunt & penetrant.  Cassan. 
LONDON, Printed by J. G. for Nath. Brook, at the Angel in Cornhill, 1659.   

 portrait of Robert Loveday, fl. 1655 (?) 
Lucid amant  
Pour Relever  
Wouldst know whose Face this Figure represents;  
He was the Muse's Darling, in whose Tents  
He lived and died: And on whose Shrine was writ  
Here lies the paragon of Art and wit:  
Whose Actions Louday: whose laureate lines  
Gave Copies to th' Romances of these times.    

For my Friend Mr. A. L.  
SIR,  
I Received yours, desiring my advice for the publishing of your Brother's Letters. Truly Sir, I should be very ungrateful to him, unkind to myself, and injurious to others, if I should dissuade you from offering those to the public, which in the communication may be pleasurable to all. Many of them being written to myself, and the rest (as I suppose) to his correspondents, 'tis possible that in some of them the freedom of his Pen, and Interest with the person to whom he writ, might in some places make his expressions not so compact, or so clear, as the critical Peruser expects. But doubtless he knew what he writ at the time when he writ, but was not obliged to circumscribe his fancy, either to his own continuing, or the Readers transitory understanding: yet meeting with one endued with a reasonable kindness and temper, he will find nothing but what may be interpreted without any Interpreters. I remember there were some other passages in some of them, concerning the Transactions of that age wherein he writ: subjects too subtle for a private Pen, I wish them rather expunged then exposed; for (besides the danger of treading upon the heels of truth) there is State, that connexion between the secrets and acts of State, that we (as private persons) cannot, ought not, to censure one, unless we knew the other. There are so many necessary mists cast before our eyes, so many umbrages before the light, that it were more safe for us to draw our Curtains, and take a nap, then to search about (as Diogenes with his Lantern and Candle) to find out truth.  
We are so partial in our Interests and self-concernments, either of mind or body, or both, that mostly we account those things neither good, rational nor commodious, which do not concur in all circumstances with our entire judgement, or individual advantage.  
I wish I had leisure to peruse the whole Packet, before you sent them to the public; but in earnest, Sir, I cannot spare so much time from my Intrustments. It is my desire therefore that you will advise with such friends as have an affection to his repute; and if they be of my acquaintance, tell them (as an encouragement to their expense of time) my opinion is (so fare as I retain the memory of them, and I believe the rest are suitable) that they are very choice descants, Theologicall, ethical, facetious and solid. The volatile part showing the art of the Chemist, as the fixed matter: there is something to please all Tempers, masculine and feminine, martial and civil, curial and rural, satiric and amorous: and I doubt not but if he had lived the completing of his Translation of Cleopatra, or Love's Masterpiece, I know not whether he would have done greater right to France or England, by making French English, or English French: the accomplishments of his Pen therein were so clear and genuine, as if his private had consulted with the public Genius of both Nations: however, I dare say, by accustoming his Pen to these, and things of an higher nature, he would have proved an English Balzack.  
I confess I wish we were restated in our primitive Innocency, when all our actions were naked, and yet not ashamed; and when our thoughts were imparted either by an universal Character, or the harmless Hieroglyphic of a Dove or a Lamb; but now how are we involved in the perplexities of our scribbling! So that well may the word Litera be etymologized Litis aera, the Epoch, or beginning of all contentions; we began modestly with the bark and rind of Trees, till the following ages having thus destroyed their shady Groves, tore the skins from harmless sheep, that their impure Volumes might be countenanced by those innocent Velumes; and not contented to deprive these creatures of their entire sepultures, they have perverted their bodies to gluttony, and their skins to impostures; and the latter Age hath even robbed the poor of their rags, torturing them with Mills and other Engines, till in paper they are made Legatives to most of our humane affairs; and no sooner are they fitted with the colour of innocency, white, but compounds of poisons, Vitriol, Gall, and Vinegar (emblems of commotion) do again die them with the sad and sable tincture, which occasions so much disorder and unquiet to the World.  
And now at last we seem distracted with the number & weight of devices, so that an Index Expurgatorius hath been practised by the learned, and more fiercely executed (without distinction) by the inroads of the ignorant.  
Yet Seneca's and Cicero's Epistles have escaped, may Loveday's have the same success and estimate; and then after-ages will not blame me for encouraging you to their exposure, especially if they please to read and imitate his leisurable employment.  
I shall only add this (being diverted by some other approaches) that I well knew your Brother valiant, faithful, and discreetly industrious in all the concernments of body and mind. I was his Friend, and am  
May 14. 1657. Yours, J. PETTUS.   

To his Honoured Cousins, Mr. William Crow of London, and Mr. Antho. Loveday of Cheston.  
Honoured Cousins,  
YOu being the top-branches of those two Families from whence the deceased Author of these Epistles had his descent, and thereby having a genuine propriety in them, it were unnatural, by way of Dedication, to put them under the umbrage and protection of any other. He had many Testimonies of your affection whilst living, and I know you retain his memory not unsuitable: they therefore encounter the Eye of the ingenuous Reader, under the patronage and conduct of your names. Accept the tender of them as a pledge of my real affection; and if ever Providence smile me into a capacity of dressing my power in a more becoming attire, I shall be ready to approve myself,  
Cousin, Your most humble Servant. Nephew, Your real affectionate Uncle, ANTHO. LOVEDAY.   

TO THE READER.  
Courteous Reader,  
THese Epistles are rallied into a body, and exposed to public view, in the divulging whereof, neither could the instancy of the Author's friends, though their estimate had an high influence over me; nor a reliance on my own opinion, fearing lest it might appear too partial through my near relation to the Author, act so strongly on me, as to acquiesce to the importunity of their desires; so tender was I of his honour in edition of his labours, till such time, as by the perusal of persons of unquestioned judgement they were returned to my hand, highly approved. And of these, no inducement more impressive nor efficaciously persuasive, than the encouragement of a person, whose judicious pen has sufficiently discovered his abilities to the world: by expressing him, without any other additional delineature, the master of a rich Fancy: being generally known to be not only an approved Professor, but a constant Advancer of all humane and divine learning: singularly versed in both: and whose affectionate intimacy to this Author, as it highly obliged him in his life; so have his judicious lines conduced no less to the perpetuating of his memory after his death. This may appear in the very first Letter, which this person of honour was pleased to address to me: wherein he has returned with a modest candour the opinion he retained touching this ingenious: Author whose blameless repute, and fair deportment in the whole progress of hislife, mannagement of his affections, and current of his actions superseded all censure.  
The Author indeed, had a resolution, if God had lent him life, and enlarged his hours in a parallel line to the apparent progression of his raising hopes," to have seen these, as they were by him occasionally composed, so methodically disposed and completed: and to bestow a meriting addition on his Pen, in such manner polished and refined, as they might have clearly discovered the precious quality of that Mine, and purity of his Mind from whence they derived their extraction. As for his Pen, give me leave to return that opinion of it, which all men who with recollected thoughts have seriously read him, ingeniously retained of it: his Style was such as it knew how to present State without affectation; render a modest censure without bitterness, and close the period of his Discourse with incomparable sweetness. Neither were his parts only deserving, his education and descent held an equipage to those Native embellishments. To the surviving reputation whereof I shall give you this account; He was well descended, his education was in the University of Cambridge, where in his greenest years he did not shake off the yoke of discipline, and devote himself to the soft blandishments of sensuality, but was sedulous to his study, and 'tis like had achieved some suitable preferment, had not martial times occurred, no friend to Science, and disturbed his studies; this made him run the same fortune with others, who lived to study: were driven to study to live; for as that pure Italian Wit Petrarch sometimes said Mars his Armoury, and Minerva's Meniey, run so much upon divisions, as they seldom close in a graceful harmony. And thus his determinations were forced to a hait, but his active soul moved in the Sphere of Virtue, and in those cloudy days was pregnant in something that still witnessed that Virtue was his Mistress, and many ingenious Pieces fell from his Pen, which hereafter may see the World, and deserve thy perusal (if clear Fancies may suit with the constitution of cloudy times.) He had acquired to himself the Italian and French Languages, out of the last his Version of Cleopatra which he called Hymen Praeludia, the first three Parts are extant, and gained applause: how his Letters will arride thy liking, I know not, do as thou shalt find them. So I take my leave, Farewell.  
A. L.   


Upon Mr. ROBERT LOVEDAY's Effigies.  
LOVEDAY, thy feature here by FATHORN drawn,  
Though it display his Masterpiece of Art,  
It cannot represent the smallest grain  
Of those clear rays of thy diviner part,  
The Royal fancies of thy loyal heart;  
For those transcend the Pencil, and must be  
No Objects of the Eye but Memory.   

Upon the Emblem.  
THe Widowed Turtle leaves the flowery Grove  
To solemnize the Obits of his Love:  
Love day he may; but in a secret cave  
He spends each minute on his Spouses Grave.  
And when the Sun his glorious course has run,  
He adds this Note— O must Love lie alone!  
Since Turtles tears such Obsequies do make,  
We should be Niobees all for thy Love-sake.  
For Fame averrs, ne'er any died so young  
In love more richly stored, in hopes more strong.   

The Emble me explained.  
LOok on the radiant splendour of that Sun;  
Look on that Turtle in her Ebon-cave;  
Whose amorous thread of life woven up and spun,  
Look how her Spouse bedews his Widowed grave:  
And in these Models you his Emblem have,  
The Turtle of his Body's gone to Earth,  
The Turtle of his Soul to her first Birth.  
Nor must these two divided long remain,  
" Eternity shall cement them again.  
Where these Two Turtles with Angelic wings  
Shall live, and love, and laud the King of Kings.   

Upon the death of his ingenious and much bemoaned friend, Mr. ROBERT LOVEDAY.  
COuld pregnant Fancy, Goodness, or prompt pen  
Have here procured thee residence with men,  
Thou hadst enjoyed it; But Time held it fit  
With Immortality to perfect it:  
" The Law of Nature must give way to Grace,  
" And Grace to Glory, shown thee face to face?  
If this advantage over-strip not th'rest,  
I shall appeal to those who loved thee best.  
But Heaven and Earth are of a different Clime,  
So must we hold Eternity and Time.  
He who has God, has all: he cannot want,  
Though Pilgrim here, there an Inhabitant.  
Such is thy glorious state; 
Dignum laude virum, Musa vetat mori, Caelo beat.— Hor.  being ranked with those  
Whom though we lose they gain by what we lose.   

LOVEDAY thy Name did to the World display  
That all thy 
* Tota dies opus extat amans! mirabitur aetas Si mento juvenis mens foret ista senis. Afran.  Day was Love, thy Love all day.  
Both which so jointly in their Centre meet  
As they have made Eternity their seat.  
Never did downy chin more sage produce,  
Nor in his youth nurse a maturer Muse.  
None more entirely dear unto his own,  
Nor higher famed where He was lesser known;  
Whereof his Cleopatra witness gives,  
In which, though dead, his rate Translation lives.   

NOr shall you find in these Persuasives less  
Than what his rich Romances did express,  
In his perusal he approves them such  
Whose Brain can judge, or he has read too much.   
R. B.   

LOVEDAY's LETTERS.  

LETTER I. To Sir I. P.  
Sir,  
IF I sin in troubling you with fruitless lines, call it rather the weakness of my judgement then the error of my love, which is in too perfect health to lie speechless. The thanks I owe you, I confess, are disparaged by my feeble expressions; but could you read their more secret character, you should find them dressed in a more becoming attire. To tell you my best wishes are Pages to your happy success (I hope) were to Tautologize, to your knowledge, at least belief; and though it be no forlorn hope, it shall march in the front of my Prayers. For your disposal of me, though I totally relinquish myself to your discreet commands, yet my humble and earnest desires rather aim at the service of Sir T.B. then the greater man; however I will call myself your Creature, and resolve to be of that shape you will fashion me: In the mean time I shall importune Heaven to furnish me with so happy a power as may render me in some acceptable service, Sir, Not only your faithful, but  
Your grateful Servant, R.L.   

LETTER II. To Sir. I. P.  
Sir,  
IF the importunity of your affairs will consent to a digression, look upon the tender of his true service that was always yours: If my Heart thought my Pen fit to be trusted with those Wishes that concern you, I should be more ample; but it needs not, for I am confident you can read them at this distance. To put you in mind of my desires were not to deserve their effects, since I believe the intermitted Truce you take with greater employments, is nobly spent in a courteous parley with your friends; more petty occasions would trouble you, I will therefore bind up my true service in these few lines, and rest  
Yours R. L.   

LETTER III. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Had not failed you last Week, if a sudden command from those whose breath can blow me any way, had not arrested my pen, and imposed a less pleasing employment; for there is no delight I can spare with more regret, than these occasions of sending you my naked thoughts, for Interest is now adored with such specious idolatry, that it renders even common converse dangerous: So the honest soul that courts good company, must find it in his own thoughts; to the stock of which your amity contributes no petty sum: and when the vacancy of employment releases me to these harmless recreations, I endeavour to drop those heavy-moulded cares that smell of earth, and fall a pruning the wings of some lively thoughts; that play like nimble flies in the serenity of an unclouded mind; and amidst the variety of those tasks I impose upon them, the principal are dispatched to invite Content to come and dwell in the Valley of my humble Fortunes, and sport itself upon those banks that are happily purpled with their own violets. Protected thus with a little, methinks I am proud that I have not enough to set the Covetous a desiring, nor the Ambitious a scrambling. Sometime I strive to build Reason as high a Tribunal as my thoughts can rear, at the Bar of which I labour to accuse my own miscarriages; and had I power to reform, as well as censure them, what could affront my felicity? Sometimes I revise my readings in men, and fall a setting the best Slips my observation can cull from others Gardens; but I confess few of them grow. Sometimes I prick at the footsteps that books have lately left in my memory; which I find a very weak Conservatory, and keeps my best observations but as people use to keep choice Posies, fresh for a day or two, and then let them fade and die. Then perhaps I roll my thoughts upon Eternity, and that helps me to deride the folly of those blind Wretches that so hotly scramble for sublunary trifles; but withal, pity their miserable mistake that run away from the true blessings while they pursue the false ones. 'tis sport to consider how Fortune (or rather Providence) builds up these creatures (like Scaffolds for a show) with an intent to pull them down again. Sometimes I am so weak to let my fancy ramble after Poetic raptures; but in these I only suffer her to air her wings, and so come home again. With these agreeable diversions I often send my thoughts a gadding, chief to deceive melancholy, which of late has been much encroaching; for my capital trouble increases, and has got a giddiness to assist it. I have not yet taken the Physic, and now resolve to defer it till I arrive in the Country, which will be about a fortnight hence. If these afflictions can set me the right way to Heaven, especially as it is now perplexed with so many obliqne, devious paths of Error and Heresy, I shall hug them hearty. I should excuse this unravelling my Contemplations in such a ruffled manner, but I use curiosity to those that have a less share of my affection then yourself, etc.  
Your entirely affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER iv To Mr. W.  
My dearest Friend,  
THIS happy night I received your last Letter, which how I took, I wish some good thing above Man would tell you, for I cannot. Only this, the delights and joys which are dandled by the World were base and drossy to what that brought me, which is only less pure than those that make the Angels clap their wings. It has given me a happy, but a hard task; 'tis to let an Ocean through a Quill, for 'tis the same difficulty for my Pen to express what my heart means you. Methinks I would feign say something to you that is not ordinary; but I can find no words that I do not suspect too faint to fit my affection: only this, I do not love you the common way, nor with such a kindness as doth usually blaze with the fresh resentment of a benefit, and learn to cool and die again, unless it be renewed with the same repeated fuel: but I have an affection for you that is of the same piece with my soul, as immortal and undecaying as itself, and will go along with it to the other world, and need not be ashamed even there to own its object. The busy waves that roll betwixt us cannot keep me from you; for 'tis with you I spend my gladdest hours. When I set my thoughts to cast up the account of my large possessions in you, I deride the poor rich ones of this Age, and say, Sure if they knew the right way they would leave the pursuit of their glorious follies, & learn to get a virtuous friend. But pardon my transport. Present me cordially to your excellent friend; and entreat him to write me in the number of his faithful servants, for I cannot be less to him that is so to you: tell him I will allow him the better room in your breast, so he not grudge me a harbour there; to be expelled which, would gall my heartstrings. No perplexities assault it but what you help to beat off; no vexations pierce it to which a reflection upon my interest in you does not prove a Dictamnum, and ejects those arrows be sure than you be precious to yourself, and regard your health, that you may still be so to those that love you; and than you must be so. But I fear I grow tedious, though I have not spoke half what I would fain say; but the rest shall be referred to my next. Well then, conceive I embrace you at this distance, for all but my clay does. May you arrive at so happy a condition that you may pity your enemies, and enjoy that serenity of soul that may make you so skilful in virtue; and be assured, that bate but heaven, & there is nothing so dear as yourself to him that is  
Sir, Absolutely yours, R. L.   

LETTER V To Mr. R. C.  
Dear Robin,  
IF variety of new acquaintance (and more deserving,) has not conspired with the busy fingers of Time to deface my memory, there will not be much toil in the task to provoke thee to revive our friendly intercourse; to which thou art challenged by one whose heart has kept the impress thou left'st upon it as fresh and as able to bid defiance to decay, as when our contract was first sealed. Ah Robin! whither is fled the beauty of those days that so oft saw us feed our felicity with the mutual charesses of our spotless amity? when the soft whispers of an evening Zephyrus summoned us to those innocent encounters in Silvanus grove, where so oft we unbuttond our souls, and talked our naked thoughts, as if the golden Age had got new birth in our bosoms. Sure Heaven was pleased with that lovely undressed visage of our heedless simplicity. Dost remember how the pretty little feathered minstrels, came and gave us three or four of nature's choicest Lessons? and then how we hung together? and have many loath adves it took to part us, though the next day we were to meet again? How Fortune has used thee since our last long Farewell I know not; to me her indifferent behaviour neither swelled my hopes to an opinion that ever she intends to make me her darling, nor frowned them to the near neighbour hood of cold despair, etc.  
R. L.   

LETTER VI To his Nephew. A. L.  
Dear Cousin,  
I Had long since paid the debt of my promise, had Fame furnished me with aught but false coin: she is grown a new-fashioned juggler, puts tricks upon us with a deceptio auditus, various reports here like Canons receive their birth and funeral in the air, and are often shorter-lived; some voiced like Trumpets spread a shrill presage of war; others, like the soft warbling of the amorous Lute, perfume the air with the aromatic tidings of repeated peace: and thus our erroneous souls weakly pay a credulous homage to the alternate dominion of our own hopes and fears. Rumour is a cheating lottery, from which for one prize of a truth we draw a thousand blanks of falsehood I could make this paper look big with the swelling pride of such news as would be music to your ears; but lest the tune should prove Sirenical, I am loath to deceive you into false joys. That which has most credit with me, except the K. etc.— Thus I have given you probabillties, befriended, though not defended, by the most prudent opinions I could encounter with. Can I give you the truth stripped of all partiality and disguises, she were worth the owning; but her running through so many relations makes her change attire every step, and sometimes lose herself. But in this assertion be assured she wears her own face, without a mask, that I am, Sir, etc.   

LETTER VII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Am now about to change the Scene; and I fear it will be a long time before I shall date my Letters again from London, a place I once esteemed above all the earth could show me; but my liking is almost drowned in those scarlet streams have lately stained it. I may now be said to be retiring from a crowd to an hermitage: for (though 'tis like I shall mingle with much people) I shall notwithstanding be alone; since 'tis not the eye, but the mind and the affections that create society; like Tantalus, that stood up to the mouth in water, yet could not drink. But the arms of amity are long enough to reach a true friend at the greatest distance; for though there be a larger piece of earth getting between our heavier parts, yet those that have the stamp of immortality need confess no other limits than what bond the Universe. Thus sometimes my pen, sometimes my thoughts shall visit you, and fancy an entertainment suitable to the love that carries them. If Nature had not planted a mutual affection in our greenest years, and taught it to swim (like a fish in its proper Element) in the Crimson sap we borrowed from the same fruitful stock, I think I should have bidden fair for your friendship with much industry, and, like a slip that fetched his Pedigree from some excellent root, set it with much diligence in my triangular Garden. But no more. As I was revising some scribble, with an intent to pack each in his proper place before my parting, I lighted on these Rhymes, made about the time I first put on chains, & upon that subject. I had thrown them by with such a neglect as I use when I treat with such trifles, that when I remet with them they had been so lost to my memory, that they proved as new to myself as they will be to you. I do not send them with a thought they deserve your reading, but only to let you see that when I am weary of better employment, I have not forgot to dally with the Pinks in Apollo's Garden. I wish all accidents, events, humours, and dispositions may conspire to make this your meeting pleasant and delightful. If my fancy could carry my earthy part as nimbly as herself, I think I should help to feather some glad hours among you. But 'tis not wisdom to desire what we cannot have. You see I have much ado to keep within the bounds of my paper. Farewell dear brother, and continue to love  
Your own R. L.   


TO serve! what's that? let me consider; stay,  
What comes it to to lease myself away?  
What right have I resigned? pray let me see,  
What is't to let away my liberty?  
Dull purblind souls, that have so little wit  
To value nought but when we part with it!  
'tis to unown myself, 'tis to disclaim  
My will, my head, my hands, all that I am;  
To sell my right in Nature, that would have  
None of her freeborn creatures to turn slave;  
To bow, to cringe, to stoop, and to be still  
Pliant and supple to another's will;  
With cheap tame patience quietly to stand,  
And watch th' arrival of some proud command,  
That sets my heels a-work, or else my hand.  
Thus having basely set myself to sale,  
Time is my Keeper, and each place my Jail:  
The slaves of the same trade are at Algiers,  
Only my chain will further reach than theirs.  
But hold proud thoughts, the wretch deserves his woe,  
That fancy's fetters when they are not so;  
Show me the man can boast so free a state,  
That is not to some power subordinate:  
What is he that has uncontrol'd intents?  
Seas have their shores, and Kings their Parliaments:  
This harmony that smites does chief flow  
From these two fertile words called High & Low.  
Were it a sin to serve, did it bewray  
A feeble mind put into mingled clay,  
I'd throw my fetters at my niggard fate,  
And scorn to eat or live at such a rate:  
But there's no slavery but in vice, a soul  
That can but check his passion, can control  
His lose desires, can temper and set right  
The straggling footsteps of his Appetite;  
Rather than life with base dishonour save,  
Can make a brave retreat into a grave,  
Is free, although he helps to fill the rank,  
And tugs with tanned companions at the Bank.  
Farewell then sordid Sloth, go barren Ease,  
Morning long sleeps adve, go try to please  
Voluptuous souls, go dwell upon those eyes  
Can lend kind looks to virtues enemies.  
Hail Learning, parent of desert, to thee  
My new-rouzed soul repairs; sweet Industry,  
Those sweaty drops set on thy ruddy brow,  
Like virtues gems come and receive my vow,  
ne'er to forsake thee more, never to be  
Sick of thy pleasing sprightly company:  
Thou my best Mistress art, and I will be  
When I am most alone yet still with thee.  
On dear Companion then, let's make no stay,  
Where reputations Taper leads the way.  
I'll owe no blush then as a debt to shame,  
Because that I no Independent am.    

LETTER VIII. To his brother, Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Was always loath to suffer breach of word to keep company with the rest of my crimes, if indispensable necessity did not force the guilt. And indeed we should hate false promises for his sake that first hatched them; deceit of this kind entrapped man's primitive innocence, and made him leave that large Legacy of imperfection to his unhappy heirs. But to swell this to the usual stature of my tedious Letters, I must imitate those Citizens of the world called younger brothers, that are oft forced to range far from home to enlarge their narrow fortunes. And since I have casually chopped upon this Simile, I think the relation of this kind may prove less unpleasant, than the word, I should otherwise design to black this Paper. It is the Story of the great Cardinal Mazarini, that sits now at the stern of the French affairs. He is by birth a Sicilian, by extraction scarce a Gentleman; his education so mean as might have wrote man before he could write: but being in Nature's debt for a handsome face, a stout heart, and a stirring spirit, he no sooner knew that Sicily was not all the World, but his active thoughts were got above his poor condition, and made him resolve to dwell no longer with his domestic penury: and now being come into Italy, his good fortune conducted him to the casual encounter of a Dutch Knight, to whose service his debonair behaviour soon preferred him. This Germane was well skilled in the vices of his Nation, which he committed with such cunning as (though he drank and played very deep) yet his skill in the one maintained his debauch in the other. This was a lesson which the young Sicilian deemed worth his learning; and having curiously observed how his Master shaked his Elbow, began to practise his Art upon his own Companions; in which he thrived so well, as daily improving his skill with his stock, he began to foster forward hopes, which were well befriended by some affairs that called his Master to Rome; where taking occasion to step into better company, and still following his faculty at play, it was not long before he had hoarded a thousand Crowns; then good Luck (the Dam of Ambition) began to hatch some aspiring thoughts, which first shown themselves in a request to his Master, thus; since Providence had lately thought fit to mend his fortunes, he would vouchsafe to do as much to his condition, and to entertain him in the quality of a Gentleman; to deserve which he promised to maintain himself proportionably, without expecting any addition to his allowance. This granted, he presently commences Gallant, and gins to practise such generous qualities as are usually paid with reputation and profit: his good clothes and complete shape first admitted him, and his pleasant conversation endeared him to the best society, and still his play supported him in it. At length his Master takes his leave of Rome, and therefore he of his Master; telling him that he could not forsake that place which he hoped was cut out to be the forge of his fortunes; and being now grown intimate with some Gentlemen that attended the Cardinal who steered the helm of the Papal Interest, he found means to be made known unto him, and proffered his service, with a behaviour so handsomely composed, as at the same time it got him both admission and affection. The Cardinal, after some trial of his temper and perusal of his disposition, was well pleased with the discovery of a piercing wit, woven with a clear judgement and an active Genius, with a capacity apt to receive such impressions as are not usually stamped in every brain; he was always very careful to fill up those intervals which his business and play had left vacant, with study of State-affairs; in which he prospered with so much felicity, that after his Cardinal had worn him a year or two at his ear, and distilled his State-Maximes into his fertile soul, he thought fit to breathe the Theory he had given him in some action that might let the World take notice of his pregnant abilities: he was therefore sent Coadjutor to a Nuntio who was then dispached to one of the Princes in Italy, and during that employment he enjoined his Creature to give him a Weekly account of their transactions; which he did with so much vivacity of apprehension and gravity of judgement, that the Cardinal began to couple admiration with affection; and (as if Fate had combined with Nature and Fortune to advance him) the Nuntios sudden death let's fall the whole weight of the business upon his shoulders, which he supported with such a strength of soul, managed with such dexterous solidity, and accounted for all to his Cardinal with such a winning industry, as he wrought it with his Holiness to declare him Nuntio. And now as his preferment had made him more conspicuous, so his brave heart used the advantage of that new height to distribute longer rays with a more lively lustre. But to contract the Story; his Commission expired, and the affairs that begot it happily concluded, he returns to Rome; where he receives (besides a general grand repute) the dear caresses of his Cardinal, and the plausive benedictions of S. Peter's Successor. About this time the Cardinal Richelieu had gotten so much glory by making his Master Lewis XIII. of a weak man a mighty Prince, as he grew formidable to all Christendom, and contracted suspicion and envy from Rome itself: this made the standing Conclave to resolve upon the dispatch of some able instrument, to countermine his dangerous, and give a check to the career of his prodigious successes. This resolved, they generally concurred in the choice of Mazarini, as the fittest head-piece to give their fears death in the others destruction. To fit him for this great employment, the Pope gives him a Cardinal's Hat, and sends him into France with a large Legantine Commission; where being arrived, and (like his politic self) first complying with that grand Fox, the better to get a Clue to his Labyrinth, began to screw himself into Intelligence; but when he came to sound his plots, and perceive he could find no bottom, he began to look from the top of his enterprise as people do from Precipices, with a frighted eye; and now finding the design not only not feasible, but very dangerous, (the other never using to take a less vengeance than ruin for such dare) and then considering that his retreat to Rome would neither be honourable nor safe, without attempting something: he at last resolves to declare himself Richelieu's Creature, and (to win the more confidence) unrips the bosom of all Rome's designs against him. This made the other take him to his breast, acquainted him with the secret contrivance of all his Dedalian policies, and when he left the World declared him his Successor; and he is now the great Cardinal that umpires (almost all Christendom,) and now shines in the Gallique Court with so proud a pomp. But I have made my Story too wordish; if time would have consented, I think I should have pared much of that away which you will find superfluous: but take this rude hasty draught for the present, and expect the next to be better polished by  
Your really affectionate Brother to command, R.L.   

LETTER IX. To Mr. K.  
Sir,  
AFter the wearing out of a tedious year in the dull Country, where I met with nothing that had delight enough to charm the account of my hours, I am gotten again into the precinct of this unwieldy City; which I find so emptied of all those I call my friends and acquaintance, as if I had slept with Endymion, and waked again in another Age; among the best of which methinks I do not sufficiently resent the miss of you, unless I tell you so. For you shall do me but right to believe that it is not in the power of new faces, fresh acquaintance, long absence, with the rest of those ingredients whereof others have composed Oblivion, to raze out those friends from my remembrance, that not a rash, blind, imprudent choice, but a rational election hath fastened to it. Of you I have had an experience that made me desirous to get myself the title of your friend, and it must not be the crime of my will, if I do not keep it: & I am the more eager to assert it, because I am confident it has a mutual relation betwixt us. I pray let a line or two from you show that you confess my claim is just, and inform me how the Pulse of your body and affairs beat in these ill-tempered times. Let it tell me too what you know of honest W.A. when you heard from him, how he thrives in his Mercantile affairs, and by what means I may send him a line. For myself, I still like a Mill-horse repeat my steps in the same Circle; and I am contented with a mean shelter in this stormy Age, for I left aiming at preferment ever since it was put out of honesties reach; & as I cannot take that upon base terms, so I must not give up my resolution of living to my friends, and therefore of being perfectly  
Yours R. L.   

LETTER X. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
IF employment from them (to whom my thin fortunes have made obedience a debt) had not countermanded my intents, my Pen had not held its peace last week, nor I been forced to set an excuse on the forehead of this. Your pleasing relish of my last minds me of such Palates as prefer some course dish they love well, before exquisite dainties; thus has affection taught your opinion (like the Philosopher's Stone) to turn my viler metal into gold. But enough of this, lest Modesty should appear Design, and I seem of that number that would improve their praises by rejecting them, and (like cunning Merchants) send their goods away that they may return with increase. Indeed I should belly my disposition, and wrong my desires, if I confessed not that they are leveled at the good opinion of all; but most my affection, if I should not say it chief aimed at yours. For from the object at which Love shoots most Ardour, a reflection of the same Rays is, most passionately desired; but though I can let these into my soul with much delight, yet the inward resentment of my feeble deserts must not suffer them to kindle the tickling vanity of self-love. Reputation is the Mother of all beautiful actions; it is the Taper that leads the way to all that is called Desert; where that is misprised, virtue is benumbed, and Reason itself falls asleep: but it is not lawfully gained by such merits as make a noise on purpose to be heard; they bid fairest for it that manage a bashful skill, and (as I have seen you cut faces on a Cherry-stone) show much artifice in a narrow Continent, that will not brag of a broad appearance. The commodities you exchange for my trifles, have a better estimation here then with you; for I must tell you my heart thrives by this pleasing traffic, and grows rich with true delight. I am now taking the Physic the Doctor sent me (for our journey is still delayed;) of the operation I shall put my account in the next. My malady still continues a cruel foe to my fortunes, and in spite of all rational opposition does too often gall me with vexation, and reproves Content when it grows too forward▪ by this you may conclude how I would value the man whose skill could ease my mind of so heavy a manacle. If you see the Doctor before your next, I pray let him know that the neezing-powder I take constantly, but have much ado to persuade it to make me sneeze once at a time. If I see their means fail, I am resolved to try another's judgement; but that to you only. I have no more time left than what will permit me to tell you that I am and ever will be  
Yours in the purest and most unreserved affection to command, R. L.   

LETTER XI. To Mr. H.  
Sir,  
SUffer these few words without a blot of Compliment, to mind you of those Hospitable Courtesies you conferred on one whose chief glory is that he hates ingratitude; for which take my true thanks in the same simple habit that my heart has dressed them in, and be confident you have purchased a heart that will resign the resentment of my happiness in such a friend to no other power than what at last will deprive it of all resentment. This will be made good to you, when you shall examine a riper experience of me; in the mean time peruse this enclosed, and satisfy those friendly long that spoke you skilful in goodness, that set so just a value on so virtuous a man. I am assured if he had remembered the likelihood of my happiness to enjoy your converse, your name had been set there fastened to a kind remembrance; however I know you will assist my gladness in applauding his health; from whom what I shall receive in the future I shall communicate to you, though I hid it from all the world beside: whether to keep it till I come, or seal it up and send it back by this bearer, is left to your choice. Present my hearty service to sweet Mrs. H. and promise yourself, that though you have many more deserving, you have not a more cordial friend than  
R. L.   

LETTER XII. To his Brother A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
THat we both entered the world's Theatre from the same door, is not enough to prove us friends; too many (like Cadmus' backward brood) not scrupling to crack the chain of Nature, this Iron age hath shown us: But it is the kindred of our unbegotten souls is called friendship, when their effluxive beams (by the sweet constraint of assimulation) meet, embrace, and wove themselves (like Ariadne's Crown) into a Constellation. Such a mutual contexture betwixt us has pulled the knot of Nature straiter, and rendered the Union incapable of dissolution or mutation; which is as great an Heresy in amity as that lately broached of the soul's mortality, since love strikes the greatest stroke in intellectual faculties. But (as you say) that jewel should not be beholden to words for its estimation, 'tis best then to keep it in the Cabinets of our souls, till we can set it in our actions: Nearness of consanguinity is not justly coercive to friendship. When I am with my Lord (which I hope I shall be very shortly) I shall perfect you a more full account of my own affairs than I am now able: in the mean you may confidently believe that I am  
Your entirely affectionate Brother to command till death. R. L.  
There is good news stirring, but you must content yourself with the generality, till particularising grow less dangerous.   

LETTER XIII. To his Uncle Mr. W.L.  
Sir,  
LEst I should run the hazard of being lost to your thoughts, be pleased to know from this paper that you have still a Nephew who has not forgot what he owes you, nor suffered new objects and interests to untie him from those respects, which besides the near relation of blood, the powerful hand of amity hath fastened: so I have often received from my Brother's pen the account of your happy and healthful condition both in body and mind; and believe it, Sir, you have not a friend hath outgladded me for your well-being, nor outwished me for the continuance. Instead of a better token I have sem you a dull translation out of the French Tongue, I gained in those empty spaces of time which were left by those that command me at my own disposal: if affection can help you to oversee the blemishes, and teach you to excuse what your judgement should condemn, perhaps it may help you to feather a few tedious hours, when the fish have no appetite. I still repine at my ill fortune, that would not let me enjoy you while I was in the Country: For Sir, though I ever chief loved you for your own sake, yet I blush not to confess that I mingled my interest in what relates to your society, which was ever so fruitful of delight and complacency, as it might excuse the greatest longer. Well Sir, that nothing may have power to discompose, to storm or cloud the serenity of your days, your quiet contentment; that you may enjoy a constant Spring of happiness in this Winter of your Age, and want nothing but Want itself, shall never be left out of the Prayers and wishes of, Dear Uncle,  
Yours, etc. R. L.   

LETTER XIV. To his Aunt.  
Dear Aunt,  
IT requires so much unworthiness to make me forget your obliging favours, that while the sin looks so ugly I shall always loathe it: Though like Tenants that enjoy rich Leases from a Master's bounty, the value of my acknowledgement does not exceed their yearly Pepper corns▪ Such a trivial payment as that I have sent you by this bearer, and do humby deprecate the crime of my sloth, that it kissed your hands no sooner. It is the wild fruit of such hours as I set aside to my own delight, and never intended it should be distasted by any other palate than mine own; but the importunity of some judicious friends reversed that resolution, and crowded it upon the Theatre of the world, where it is like to act its part so poorly, as I have more reason to fear a hiss than hope a clap. But could you lend your Candour to all my Readers, at least the errors would be but smiled at, and I should have no worse censure than young learners to write may expect; who at first are not much blamed though they make their letters crooked. Well, Dear Aunt pardon this, call it what you please, to him that thought it fit to send you the errors, than keep back the acknowledgement of  
Your most affectionate Nephew, and most humble Servant, R. L.   

LETTER XV. To my Brother A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
YOurs arrived at my hands, and was welcome, because it put some doubts to flight that you had farweld Barningham. I am glad of my High- Suffolk friends welfare, and joyed at their kindness that was so busy with my remembrance; for which I must yet content myself here to give the  exchange of an affection as sterling as theirs. My Lords longer residence than I disinherited at his Father in Laws hath yet kept us asunder, that house being stuffed too full already to entertain any more; but he is now upon his departure thence, and I upon the brink of settling with him: when I know my own condition, I must not suffer you to be ignorant of it. I have much cause to thank you for the enclosed lines; and as much to admire the unconstrained purity of Mr. B's vein, that has made Ovid's tears to run here in so smooth a channel; he is likely to redeem him from the unskilful injuries of other Translators that abused his sorrow with such a blubbered Paraphrase. 'tis said Translations (like liquors poured from one vessel into another) lose some of their vital spirits, and are rendered dead and flat to the gust of understanding. I shall not flatter to say this has confuted the instance, and made Naso complain as movingly, as handsomely, in English as he did in his Latian language. But I ought to beg his pardon for the disparagement of my weak praises, and yours for my tediousness, which at this time shall sin no further; and I hope I shall not stand in need of words to persuade you that I am  
Your inviolably affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER XVI. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Have but a share in my own condition till you have it wholly in account; there being so much of myself resident with you, that the part of it which is here goes but halves with you in every action of weight or moment. I am now at Nottingham perfectly settled with my Lord C. My employment is something too great for an unseasoned servant, and would discourage a new beginner, if I did not supply the defects of my experience with an active pliant resolution. I attend him in his chamber, and usher his Lady, writ his Letters, and whatever else that unbeseems not his command or my obedience. My wages are little enough to make present subsistence circumscribe my gains: but I think I have already a greater allowance of his love then his money; however, I shall make the least serve to keep me afloat without the assistance of my own bladders. And now since the careless hand of Fortune has ranged me with strangers that I have not yet begun to read over, I can value it at no lower rate than my best recreation to give you the exact story of my actions and employment, by piece-meal, as I tear it from my outworn time; which jewel I have used too long like Aesop's Cock, and am resolved to set an higher value on an hour then formerly of a day. Thus having raised the price of my minutes, I begin sharply to censure the slight of your proffered aid in the knowledge of Simples, for I think I shall bend my studies that way. I have hestowed some of my later hours on the French Tongue, which I have already half gained, and fear not to bring my attempts to a sudden perfection, it being familiarly spoken by the best sort of this family. That gained, the Italian will be but a short stride for my intended industry, and both will be serviceable (if I meet an occasion) for my intended travel.  
Thus you see by this time 'tis even an inconvenience to be beloved by me, since the ardour of that affection makes you liable to the tedious torment of my impertinent Pen: and yet I think if my paper were longer I should not so soon shorren your trouble, and I am far from mending my fault; that you are like (notwithstanding my remote removal) to be still haunted with these frequent vexations. You cannot oblige me more than to be punctual in rescription, which will never fail to bring a welcome delight to  
Your really affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER XVII. To his Brother Mr. W.  
Sir,  
IT is none of my worst Reasons why I am glad of my return to London, that Letters may walk between me and my friends with less hazard; and it is one of my best, that thereby I may contract amity with your deserving self: which if you think fit to give me under your hand, I shall be careful to bid it welcome, and return such a cordial exchange, as may teach us the way to know, before we see one another, and make acquaintance precede interview. Be entreated that your reply may tell me how my Sister does, how her great belly becomes her, and when she is like to increase the number of young sinners. I dare not promise, but if it be possible, I will come time enough to taste of the Gossip's Cup, if we do not make too sudden a retreat into the Country. You will oblige me, to speak my service to my Cousin W. of Laurenset, my Cousin H. with the rest that know me. Pray tell my Cousin R. alias my Sweetheart, that I am still her servant. And believe it Sir, I can never quit my desires to appear  
Your faithful Servant and Brother in Law, R. L.   

LETTER XVIII. To his Brother A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
WHat you almost called my neglect, I have now repaired, and (like some over-provident Caution●sts) who finding their bodies prone to one disease, do sometimes Antidote themselves into a contrary malady,) instead of appeasing, if I have not cloyed your appetite, good enough. If I were sure none none of mine perished by the way, it were seasonable to return you your own words, and tell you this is the third sent since any received: But letters are travellers, and do often die in a voyage. I could almost consent to resign my being for a month, that I might be with you but a week, to show you what kind of Oar it is I tug at; with some other apprehensions that I could be content to ease my mind of. Man is oft beholding to his sufferings for the calling in of such virtues as otherwise perhaps would never be of his acquaintance; and indeed we should not mu●●y against those pains that send us a seeking for such excellent remedies. Affliction is like a deep mine that will afford pure gold if we dig for it; and calamity (well handled) does polish with rugged usage, and even pinch the soul into perfection. By that time the Spring will have done strowing her flowers, I shall be able to tell you whether my hopes of a cure do fade or flourish: But however Providence deals with me, I hope this trivial world hath not charm enough to give me repining by the hand of despair to enjoy them longer; all my fear is that my errand Condition will not suffer me to fit still long enough to let my Physic settle. I intent to close this Spring's course with opening an Issue in my Arm on the contrary side by way of revulsion. Did but my health smile upon my designs, you should soon view my employment in a fairer Character: Till than my soul must write with a bad pen upon blotted paper; and you know how ill tools will shame the Artificer. When I reflect upon my weak hopes of recovery, I am sometimes ready to deride my own endeavours, and oft urged to manumit industry, and entertain supinity, till victorious Reason sets the slaves their task again. And indeed Desert is never so much herself, as when she shuts her eyes upon the reward, and thinks it recompense enough to be herself I think we may go safely so far as to call that a mercenary piety that is merely and abstractedly so, because Heaven is got by the bargain. 'tis true, I know morality has not enough to pay that purchase, but sure (if well applied) it goes a great way in the account. But whither am I wandered? if my staggering discourse does not well keep the path, conceive that the feet must sometimes tread irregular steps that are directed by an infirm head. If I presumed less upon you, I would have sent you my thoughts ranked in a better method. These enclosed you can best direct where they are intended: I pray do my due respects to those you think my friends; and to yourself and interesti believe it I am as zealously devoted as you can wish  
Your perfectly affectionate brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER XIX. To his Brother A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
GIve me leave to begin my Letter with what I shall never make an end of, so long as I can hold a pen in my hand, or a heart in my breast: I mean my thanks for those bewitching proofs of an entire Love, which you lately made me receive with such a beauteous variety both of expression and performance. All I am able to say to it, is, that I am passionately desirous you would apprehend me as I am, and then you would never check your heart for being too lavish of affection. I had no sooner rend myself from you (for I found it required some violence to reinforce my resolution to part) but I fared like one newly waked from a delightful dream, and found himself despoiled of all the joys which he borrowed from the flattery of fancy. This made Melancholy my companion to London, in spite of all the facetious rousing of my merry Major. On Friday night we lay at Woodford, and reached home on Saturday Morning, where (before I would put my neck into the collar again) we dipped some choice healths, but especially yours, in the best Laurentian Liquor; and so I took my leave of him and Sack. Well, I am now returned again to my Oar; and though I row against wind and tide of preferment, yet it pleases me that my employment raises no storms in my Conscience: I pray God I may keep it calm till Heaven thinks fit to set me ashore in the safest Harbour. I cannot want such thoughts as these so long as I carry my remembrancer about me of what I must be, my malady; which I confess I should bear with less anxiety, did I not fear it will knock me o'th' head before I die, (you know my meaning,) and make me survive myself. But Gods will be done. If the Doctor has considered of any thing he deems fit to commend to my observation, I shall gladly receive it; I shall strive in my next to render him, if it be possible, a more perfect account of his Sons goods. I dare not satisfy your desires concerning the grand affairs, nor indeed can I justly; there is so much fallacy in Fame, that Reports are born and stifled the same hour, etc. I was in good hopes we should have gone for Nottingham; but I think the old woman is about a little business that will quite spoil that design, I mean, dying. Well, my dear Brother, no more but this, you shall be happy in all that your wishes can dictate, if the prayers may prevail of  
Your ever affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER XX. To Mr. H.  
Sir,  
I Have yours, wherein you have proved yourself a double deserver; first, in showing friendly kindness in doing courtesies, and then a rare modesty in disclaiming their acknowledgement: a disposition seldom known in such an age as this, that can content itself rather to merit thanks then receive them. But you must be less complimental to be believed unskilful in compliment; and though my weakness that way make me quit the lists to you, yet I strive to over-match you as much in right down reality.  
This contemptible Town can brag of no commodity, but is chief barren of Intelligence, as if Fame thought it not worthy of a report till it grows stolen with the rest of the Kingdom; and so we are served like the lowest rank of mortals with nought but her fragments, etc.  
I have something unwillingly obeyed your commands in enclosing this Epistle, it being the first I ever enterprised in this kind; which makes me advise you to distrust it as well as myself, and not think it a fit forehead for your Book, till a more artificial hand has filled up its native wrinkles, and it has passed the Correction and test of some sterling judgement, such an one as Mr. W. would reward the pains of an earnest entreaty.  
Yours R. L.   

LETTER XXI. To Doctor B.  
Dear Doctor,  
I Perceive by yours that I have a just quarrel to the Carrier's carelessness, who (like an unskilful Archer) shot my Letter beyond the mark, and made it stay his leisure to bring it back again: and indeed the reception you have given it is like the entertainment of a friend, whose long absence has helped to endear the meeting, and deck the welcome; I am only sorry it had no better Title to what you have given it, which is a Character that I can own with as little justice as I had either merit or confidence to ask it. But Sir, if these be not only breathe of ingenuity, and rather sallies of your fancy then opinion, 'tis fit they should awake my endeavours to be what your friendly apprehension has fashioned me; which your amity has done, not without some disadvantage to your judgement. But though I fall short in every other proportion you guess me at, in affection, with all the requisites of a true friend, you shall ever find me good measure, etc. Be as happy as I wish myself, and believe me ever, dear Doctor, perfectly and entirely  
Yours R. L.   

LETTER XXII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  

Loving Brother,  
OPportunities have here but slender foretops; I use them therefore here as passengers that wait for a wind, and unfurle my papersayles, when their gale is most promising: Thus though my affection does not sympathise with the air's inclemencies, and pays neither fainting tribute to the frying Dog star, nor shuddering to the Northern Bear; yet it is now forced to make a leg to Fortune for these occasions, and let fall its words as the Ploughman does his seed, not at his own choice, but when the season invites.  
My last two Letters vexed you with the tedious description of my malady; and this has charge to tell you, that I hope I shall give you no more such penances; The cure of it being now undertaken by a man in this Country, whose fortunate skill has triumphed over strange Diseases; which has got him the acclamations of his patients, and the envy of his own tribe. His story is this; he was born well (being the great Dr. B's Nephew, most of whose receipts he has;) but bred meanly, first bound Apprentice to a Shoemaker in Nottingham, from whom he ran away most ingeniously, and returned some years after a professed Physician: how far he fetched his Art, or whether most beholding for it to books or men, I know not, (and in it himself is resolutely silent;) but almost miraculous success in the Calling made him quickly known and famous. Presently after these sad times burst forth, in which it was his fortune to side with the weaker party. There are many (not unhandsome) stories told of his behaviour while the sword was unsheathed; among the rest this, which I had from his own mouth. He having command in a Garrison near, did often give some ungentle visits to his Townsmen at Nottingham, and was for almost a year (though a Physician) their continual Ague; at length in a skirmish near Derby it was his fortune to be made Prisoner, and thence was straight guarded towards Nottingham, where they intended to give him no worse reward than a hanging for his former courtesies. By the way he invites his Conductors (being sixteen Troupers) to a Crowns-worth of Ale, which he privately seasoned with such a sovereign ingredient, that it suddenly cast them all in a profound sleep; which done, he at pleasure rifles their pockets, and takes from them about 200. l. two Case of Pistols, and two of their best Horses, pays the reckoning, leaves them 13. d. ob. and returns merrily to his own Garrison. Since the war his fame is grown much louder, and his steps where ere he goes waited on by multitudes. I cannot hear that he undertakes any in whose cure he fails; he refuses to look on Urines, and only observes the wrist when the right hand is gripped, never failing to discover the nature, cause and seat of the malady, which he undertakes or rejects, as he finds it either feasable or desperate. I am now his Patient; and though I yet can brag of little amendment by what I have taken, yet his confidence bids me hope well: he has let me blood under the Tongue, and cut a vein in my ear asunder; and I am now taking of Powders, Electuaries and Purges. The charge I find will be very great, but I am resolved to buy off this plague at any rate, though I pinch for it all my life after.  
I lately received a Letter from my dear Mr. W. then at Antwerp, which because it gives a hopeful dawning of some transmarine employment, I have sent you the Copy of it, and (to silence other likelihoods) I suppose this winter will determinate my stay in this family; but before that time I doubt not to exchange many such as these with you. In the mean time be sure you believe that my heart loves you, for it is truth itself, and it shall clearly appear if ever Providence smiles upon  
Your entirely affectionate brother to command for ever R. L.   

My dear friend,  
All the good of Heaven & Earth attend you; you will easily believe my affection, if you remember my industry to have enjoyed you before I left the Kingdom: and truly I call it my great unhappiness that I could not meet an opportunity till now to tell you I must be yours for ever. Had I known how to have sent, I had done it sooner; but your Letter which directed me to you was in my trunk at London, and I received it but a few days since. Well then, take me as much yours as you can desire, and assure yourself I study your good next my own, and if God bless me in the world, I shall quickly make it evident. In the mean, know I am ordered for France, where I have good assurance of some suitable employment; when I come there you shall know it, and somewhat more of me than this hasty messenger will permit at present. Pray therefore write to Mr. K. that he will receive and pay for my Letters that come to you by the French Post. I cannot desire to hear from you where I am, because my stay in these parts are uncertain: Though I must tell you truly, I was never better pleased with any place in my life, yet you are wanting to make me happy. I am suffered to say no more, only what I daily say to myself; Live piously and virtuously, and all that's good must needs betid you: then be to me as I am, dear friend,  
Your own entirely R. W.  
POSTSCRIPT.  
Brother,  
To another this might argue me of levity to send you things of such cheap moment, and so much unconcerning yourself; but there is so little compliment in him, and so much love in you, that as I know the one cannot dissemble, so the other cannot but bid that welcome that may suit with his interest that so truly loves: But bating you two, I am reserved to all the world beside. I stay my writing to my Sister J. till I can know whether she shall have the place or not. I fear the worst. Farewell.    

LETTER XXIII. To his Brother Mr. F. W.  
Sir,  
I Received and resented your kind invitation, for which you will do me but right to fancy me truly thankful. I shall take it kindly of my occasions when they will give me leave to obey your summons; and will bring a heart along with me that will only think itself unhappy that it must begin so late to know you. I should injure my parcel of reason to give a faint applause to my Sister's choice, since sounder judgements have spoke it happy, and your own hand confirmed it so. I do not dote upon my own weakness so much as to think my opinion would have quit the cost of ask; only I could have wished my presence had enabled me to vote with the rest, though it had been only to show I am not backward in the approbation of desert. My request is but reasonable, that you will suffer me to know you better, and even at this distance to improve our acquaintance. 'tis but an easy task for your Pen, and will engage mine to be responsal. I am afraid you have taken my Character from my friends to my disadvantage; I know they would speakno ill, and therefore am jealous have done it too well for me to make good. Pray present me most affectionately to your bedfellow, and tell her I am glad to hear that her want of health is only like to make work for the Midwife. My service to that Cousin of mine to whose fair report I am so much obliged, and to the rest that know me; and for yourself, you may safely believe that I am truly desirous to appear,  
Sir, Really yours both in Love and Service, R. L.   

LETTER XXIV. To Mr. C. S.  
Sir,  
IF my expectations of kissing your hands myself had not been deluded, my Pen had rendered you what I know of the Person yours is directed to; of whom all the account I can give you may read in this enclosed paper; which after you have perused, I entreat you will seal up, and deliver to Mr. H. to be sent back in one of his: you will perceive by it that I must receive another before I can obey your commands in directing and dispatching yours, which I expect daily. Sir, I thought it my engagement to kiss your hands with these blots, to undeceive your expectations, lest you should think long for an answer of what cannot yet be sent. I hope you will easily believe me sorry that I can serve you no better, nor sooner in this; and may be confident that I shall be glad of any power that may prove me, what I really am,  
Sir, Your most humble and most faithful Servant, R. L.   

LETTER XXV. To Mr. H.  
KNowing how highly I value your society, you cannot choose but think me much displeased with those casual impediments that kept us so long asunder; but repining never made Fortune less peevish: but since you are there, give me leave to husband the incommodity of your absence, by entreating such courtesies, as, could we change places, I should with much alacrity perform for yourself. My first request than is, that if you latch any news that may prove a Cordial to our dying hopes, you will not grudge to send it me, as a friendly aid that may help to put some sad thoughts to flight. My next is the prosecution of a former desire, that you would inquire of M. or any other Bookseller that is likely to inform you, if there be any new French Book of an indifferent volume that is worth the Translating, and not enterterprised by any other; if there be, let me desire you would send it me down, with Cotgraves' Dictionary of the last Edition: and for what you disburse, I shall appoint you where you shall receive it at London, with some quantity besides, which I shall desire you to send me. You may well think me unable for such an undertaking; but my worst success will bestow a treble benefit, because I shall make it serve to beguile melancholy, check idleness, and better my knowledge in the Language: for the book, I am indifferent whether it be Romance, Essay, Treatise, History or Divinity, so it be worth the rendering in our language. You may either send them by G. F. who lies at— and comes nearest to Haughton, or by B. that comes to Nottingham, and lies at the etc.— or by your own Lincolnshire-Carrier. Let me beg to hear from you by your next most pregnant opportunity, and I shall be industrious to let you see you have not sown these favours in a barren Soil, by conferring them upon one that will ever be studious to love and serve you,  
R. L.   

LETTER XXVI. To his Brother Mr. A.L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Cannot step so far out of the way, as not to find out a path to you; distance having only power to render me remote to my friend in my circumscriptive part, while the unconfined, without toiling with the method of motion, or passing through a succession of places, can be with you in a moment: and indeed we carry that about us that confutes the custom of painting Angels with wings, when we consider how suddenly our thoughts are charioted (without the penetration of a medium) to the farthest parts of the World, by the help of that faculty which doubtless is near akin to their Angelical natures; since though a wing be the nimblest instrument of motion, yet it confesses an order of it, which those Divine Intelligences are never tasked to. But why these Metaphysics in a Letter? will be your secret objection; to which I have not room enough to give any other answer, than that I had rather say nothing to purpose than nothing at all. We are now in a Town where most of the people get their bread by their water, I mean the Bath; and those that never knew how to govern themselves, are yet guides to others: of a City 'tis doubtless the prettiest of England, in a double construction, as it is little, and handsome. I have been something curious to inform myself of its Original; but the best account I could get does afford but poor satisfaction: the soberest have only told me my own Conjectures, that the irruption of these hot Springs, which certainly borrow their warmth in their passage through a sulphurous mineral, was the cause of building this City; but in the conveyance of particulars to posterity, as the time, founders, with other circumstances, Tradition has been very unfaithful, in suffering the truth to be swallowed by a fable which goes very currant among the common people, and talks of a King called Bladud, that being a great Necromancer (I know not for what reason) caused by the power of his Art these waters to be boiled underground into such an immense quantity, as hath served to parboil all those that have since resorted hither to wash off their Diseases. I have had but little time to try the virtue of it, being forced to wait upon my Lord's humour of perusing all the Towns and Houses of remark round about it; yet I have been already in it five times, and sound so little virtue in those steeping, as though I have used the hot Pump, according to Dr. B's. prescriptions, for my head, yet I find it has rather done me harm than good, and half discouraged my further trial. I find myself daily more subject to your Splenitive malady, which since I used the Bath has made itself known to me with more than an usual vigour: Besides, I think I have gotten the Stone to boot. If all these produce but the fruits of a Divine Correction, I may think myself happy in my sufferings. In my perusal of the Cathedral here (a structure that is rather handsome than magnificent, and claims as little admiration as contempt) I met with an old Inscription upon the wall, which at first startled me; the words were these: 
The Trees going to choose their King,  
Said be to us thou Oliver King.   
But upon inquiry I learned from a person that had read the ancient Records, this Inscription was made in Honour of one Oliver King, Abbot of a Monastery, that laid the foundation of this Minster; the Rebus is allusive to a passage in Judges, where the Trees convented to choose them a King, and pitched first upon the Olive, though at last the Bramble carried it. So this pitiful piece of wit was set up as a grateful memorial of that Abbot's piety.  
We are going from hence into Devonshire, and thence into Cornwall, and are like to make it Michaelmas before we revisit London. But wherever I go I will never go from my resolution of being, dear Brother,  
Your really affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER XXVII. To his Sister F. CONCERNING PRAYER.  
Dear Sister,  
I Remember your frequent solicits gained a promise from me to compose you a Prayer; for which though the sense of my own insufficiency might justly dig a grave in oblivion, yet I have rather chose to deserve a censure for the bad performance, than the total forfeiture. Prayer is the Golden Chain that ties Heaven and Earth together; it is the pure Elemental flame whose property is to ascend upwards, with which the soul, like the Phoenix, sets her nest afire, and even expires in the midst of all those kindled odours; it is a key that opens Heavens gates, and locks Hells. It is an Engine that, if rightly planted and levelled, breaks a passage through all Earthly opposition to the Throne of mercy. It is the chief weapon used in our spiritual warfare; nor do we stand to't so stiffly in any combat with our common enemy, as when humble Devotion and tender Zeal makes us shorter by the whole length of the legs. Thus we ascend by stooping; thus we conquer by submission. 'tis the best Physic for a sickly soul, and penitent tears a sovereign diet-drink for a diseased conscience. But you always loved it too well to need an encouragement from my weak description; yet because I know you are not apt to take any advice ill that flows from so true an affection as mine, I will venture to give you these few short observations before you enter upon this duty; Allow yourself some time to consider the importance of this weighty affair, and try to fly as high in apprehension of the Divine wisdom, power, majesty, mercy, etc. as the weak wings of your contemplation will suffer you; these thoughts will furnish: you with such awe and reverence as is requisite in such addresses, and help you to shut out all vain and idle imaginations that especially at those times flock to the disturbance of Devotion. Covet not to stay long upon the duty till Devotion faints, and your fervour cools: I am confident 'tis a more heinous sin than the mistaken world is ware of, to bring a cold careless heart to these duties; and as I must condemn those that dare approach the Divinity with such confused stuff as their proud ignorance huddles up in extemporal haste, so I do not commend them that only tie their Tongues to one prayer, and think that no words can find the way to Heaven but those they got by heart in their childhood. Variety is the mother of delight; and why the soul may not not fancy a blessed pleasure in often appearing to her God in the change of devour raiment, I know not: Customary use changes even the most troublesome employment into delight. Oh could we bring Divine affairs to that happy habit, how much of Heaven should we taste even on Earth!  
R. L.   

LETTER XXVIII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
When my thoughts tell me that success does not always suit with a rational expectation, and future events often falsify the promises of a present appearance, I am forced to feed such incertainties (in reference to your malady) as usually flow from the doubtful combat betwixt Hope and Fear, wherein Love discharges both the active and passive part. From this you may judge how glad I would be that the news of your perfect recovery would make peace between them; which pray, as you value my quiet, keep no longer from my knowledge. There is a tenderness that waits upon unvarnished amity, which perhaps of some Stoical souls will get no other Title than imperfection: and yet methinks here we cannot love well without it; for though it be not a part, at least it is a fruit of friendship, and as requisite as softness and delicacy in a feminine Composure; For if I must go with my friends half in all his joys and griefs, I cannot give better proof that I have my stake in the latter, than by such an Evidence. Give me leave then to tell you, that at present you cannot do me a greater Courtesy (if health hath empowered you) than to cure me of those troubles that are the offspring of yours. When I found my Lord's danger so hopefully overblown, I wished myself again at Holt, and half fell out with my Condition, that at the same time called me several ways by the name of Servant and Brother. Yet I did not carry away all myself at our parting; for, believe it, my better part has hovered constantly about you, and you had the unseen assistance of my earnest addresses to the best Physician. But 'tis more than time to consider I am tedious; let me once more conjure you to give no advantage to your Disease by any inward disturbance; and continue to love him who will live and die, dear Brother, unchangeably  
Yours to serve you, R.L.  
POSTSCRIPT.  
I shall be in London about three weeks hence. Present me tenderly to my Sisters F. and J. and tell my Sister J. that I have conferred with Physicians about her Scurvy, and they all conclude that there is nothing so sovereign for it as Aqua Limacum, of which she may have the receipt in the new London- Dispensatory. Farewell. I pray let me hear suddenly from you.   

To Mr. W. LETTER XXIX.  
Sir,  
THe doubt that my first Letter might miss the way to your hands has made me venture to send you this second trouble, conceiving it a less sin to be too obsequious than neglectful: and indeed your kindness would win the name of Charity in vouchsafing a mutual correspondence: for though I be very civilly used from the very top to the toe of this whole Family, yet in this throng I am forced to find out solitude; none here being made of better clay than will render them fit vessels for houshold-affaires; and I confess I would be glad to overtake other qualities in him I fasten on with a stronger tye than the ordinary slipping knots of faint acquaintance. This makes me oft put myself to the pain of thinking how much happiness I lost at a clap by being plucked from your society; and these thoughts leave me a kind of a Carcase till my soul comes home again, which (if it were visible) you might often see busily hover about yourself, still panting after those delights which, alas! she has lost in her divorce from you; but it is in your power to restore me part of them. I will venture no news, lest I weary you with the relation of what you know. I must only say, this stupendious victory of late has much lessened my infidelity concerning your judicious opinion of future events; & there wants but the unmasqueing of your Parties resolutions to make me their perfect convert. I am most resolutely bend to follow your discreet advice in the Study of Physic, and therefore desire you will please to know of Dr. R. what books are fittest to begin withal, for I am desirous to observe as much method as I can; the exact account of which I beg you will please to receive at my hands, and I hope you will not withhold the continuance of your friendly counsel from him that truly loves and honours you  
R. L.   

LETTER XXX. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Am never unfurnished of a double welcome for your Letters; the first, as they come from your person, the other from your Pen; as they are cordially meant, and skilfully writ: and thus both my love and liking are your Prisoners, and have long since rejected the liberty of being otherwise, as the harder bondage of the two. That which we call happiness (I mean restrained to sublunaries) is something proportioned to such desires as are uppermost, and therefore indefinite, because it always takes a several shape from every sngle inclination; all aiming at, though few or none hitting, that sovereign good, Contentment. One hunts his happiness in riches, another climbs for it by ambition, a third thinks it swims upon the top of voluptuary fruition, the fourth places it in knowledge; and in fine, so long as mankind dwells on this side of the Moon, every one carries his witch about him. For my part, a true friend is my Indieses; and I relish more felicity in being well thought of by a virtuous person, than in enjoying all that the others court with so much eagerness and ardour: And I hug this disposition with more indulgence, because passions of this nature are ever friends with Reason, and give no blush in their Colours. And thus I have given you my heart transcribed. It poses me to express my gladness for the fair hopes of my Sister J's. recovery; but the height of it might have been taken in my fears of meeting ill news, which made me so much a Coward as I could hardly forbear shaking when I opened your Letter: I pray speak me to her in the best Language of affection, and tell her I hardly endured the cruelty of my occasions, that would not let me see her in her danger. This problematical fever has swept many of my acquaintance away in these parts: Death never gave shorter warning of his approach; therefore we had need stand upon a careful guard of preparation, that when he arrests he may not surprise. I pray present me very affectionately to my Sister F. I shall take occasion next week to write to both. Report speaks the fractures in France to be cemented again, and the Condean ●●rty well satisfied by the Cardinal's retreat out of the French Confines; and 'tis said they are upon a treaty with Spain. But the hogen's I confess are angered into more animosity against us than ever I thought they would have been guilty of: They have lately imprisoned their last Ambassador, Mijn Heer PAW, seized his goods, and pulled down his House at the Hague, for promulging his inclinations to peace, and exceeding his Commission by charging Van Trump not to strike a blow till he received further order; by which means our East-Indian ships and Virginian Fleet scaped his fingers. I have sent you their Declaration enclosed, which came out but yesterday, and is sold very privately. My malady continues still in the same condition, so soon as I take off the plaster it rankles again. I pray ask my Sister F. if my Aunt H. does not take it unkindly that I sent her not a book; and where my Cousin A. L. now resides, and whether her Father in Law and she be accorded. But I roll like an unruly flood over all banks and bounds: Dear Brother,  
Eternally yours R.L.   

LETTER XXXI. To Mr. W.  
Sir,  
I Cannot grant myself leave to go out of this Country, without leaving a hearty Farewell with you; for should I go away speechless, it would show your mistake in misplacing your courtesies, and my unworthiness to keep back their acknowledgement; I beseech you, Sir, then understand me truly sensible of them, and believe me desirous to obey some command from you that may speak me so. We set forward towards London on Monday next; what the journey signifies, how to be contrived, whether we shall six there, or (like Noah's Dove) find no safe footing till we return again to Haughton, or Nottingham Ark, I cannot say, for I think they that fill my Sails with the breath of their commands are yet unresolved: But I know my Lady loves the place so well, that it will take her more time to be weary of it than we are all ware of. Well, if you can instruct me how to serve you there, do it; and be confident that neither an unwilling heart, nor a tardy hand, shall disprove my words, that must ever call myself  
Sir, Your true friend and faithful Servant, R. L.  
POSTSCRIPT.  
I pray distribute my love and service where you think they are due to those that know Mrs. R. Mr. G. etc.   

LETTER XXXII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
JUstice enjoins my confession that you have made me amends for your silence, and paid me my Arrears in gross which I expected in particulars; for though your Letters cannot come often enough to lessen their welcome, yet you know rarity heightens the price of things, and winds up the delight to a taller degree than when it goes and comes in a less stature at several parcels. Conclude not from this that I desire you should write but seldom; for believe it, I never had recreation nor business that out-prized the pleasant care I always took to keep our quills in play, and thus to prune the feathers, and stir the pinions of our amity. Let not the conceit of an Hectic get any credit with you; for 'tis the custom of these Diseases to lie long a gasping before they die, and like Candles new burnt out leave some heat in the socket: But I hope in a short time to see your fears overblown by a perfectrestauration; and now you will taste your health with such a relish as half-starved men do Feasts, or the hopeless inhabitant of a Dungeon his unexpected liberty. But (which deserves both my praise and imitation) I am much taken with the grateful use you have made of Heaven's bounty in relation to your deliverance; for since the largest heart is too narrow to set a just value upon such favours, sure those that devoutly endeavour to bid the best price are best accepted. There are many requisites in Christianity, whose constant use does sweetly set us the way to the New Jerusalem; but thanksgiving (when currently paid) does even place us in the very suburbs of Heaven; by it we only take out that lesson here whose repetition will be both our business and happiness to all Eternity. Last night with yours I received those rude Draughts which you had from my unskilful hand; but (rude as they are) they are like to do me service in my present undertaking. Wise men tell us (Religion unconcerned) 'tis weakness to repent those engagements which we cannot retract with a safe reputation: else I would tell you, that if my bargain were now to make, my Letters should still have slept in your hands, and perhaps I should never have waked that danger that now threatens my credit with the stings of some just Criticisms; but the die is cast (and what ever I lose by it) I am resolved to play out the game. I came just now from Sir J. P. who asked very kindly for you; he looks with a kind aspect upon me; and if my hopes deceive me not in some Courtesies he has power to do me, I may chance to pass by all the great ones that know me, and direct my Dedication to him. But of this more when I know further. I hope it will prove no task to persuade you that I shall be perfectly glad to see you here in London; and indeed, if your interest where you are be not more considerable than your pen confesses, I can think it no better than a block to your preferment. In the mean time, while I am here, if I have a capacity to serve you, you cannot disoblige me more than to be sparing of your Commands. I have not, nor never will have any thing that is not yours; nay, myself is not mine own if you have need of me; and though these words be not necessary to persuade what you formerly believed, yet repetitions in Love are only not absurd. Major W. returns you his most affectionate respects; we never meet (which is very often) without celebrating your remembrance and health. When you writ, which cannot be too often, direct your Letters for me at one Mr. M's. House living in Shandois-street in Covent-Garden, (for there we now lodge) right over against the Black-Rod. Well, Dear Brother, 'tis time to come to a full point; I am  
Eternally yours R. L.   

LETTER XXXIII. To his Sister Mrs. F.  
My Dearest Sister,  
'tIs now too late to express the passion I felt for what I hope you have recovered; only this, if a large part of what you suffered had been put upon my score, I think I should have picked out delight in the affliction, because I endured it; for you will give me leave to be glad of your sufferings, not because they were so, but since Providence did ordain them yours, because they were no greater. My Brother told me that the Disease was not likely to handle you so rudely as it usually doth others; and I was willing to believe him because I wished it so. It is fit you should believe that I am not only contented to wish you happy, but would be glad I could make you so by something else beside words: But providence thinks it fit that I should still be unable to serve the friends I love, and therefore defers my preferment, by prolonging my unfortunate and costly malady. Well, the best of it is, I have seen too much of the world to dote upon it, and when I leave it nothing shall trouble me so much as that I could not serve my friends so well as I loved them; in which number you hold the fore most rank in his affections that is  
Your really affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER XXXIV. To his Brother Maj. W.  
Dear Brother,  
THough to speak myself in your debt be not to pay the least scruple, unless thanks go currant, yet I cannot but acknowledge the fresh expressions of your friendship; nor repeat my engagement to your last kind entertainment and conduct, without calling my Stars penurious in allowing me no other power of requital than a few cheap words: But, so, you may credit it, that if ever occasion shows me how to shape it in better Characters, I shall not be loath to wipe out the score. In the mean time, all I have to ask at your hands, is, to construe me right, and believe my meaning quadrate to my words, and nothing but want of power denies my actions the same proportion. I burn to hear how my poor Brother does, which I desire to receive from your pen as exactly as possible. I have endeavoured to find a convenience for our literal exchange by Lin, but as yet cannot reach any that I dare trust to: therefore pray send your Letters by London, and direct them to my Shoemaker in Holborn. Present my entire Love to my Sister, to honest Mr. B. P. Don etc. cordially; and believe it you shall incur no error to style me  
Sir, Your most affectionate Brother and Servant R. L.   

LETTER XXXV. To Mr. G.  
Dear Sir,  
THat I had not a line or two from your hand by Mr D. I suppose was rather mischance than intention: that I eagerly expected it may be credited from my frequent importunities, from which I know not how you will defend yourself, so long as I tenebrize it here in this blind corner; where I almost live like a fly in winter, and only play in the Sunshine when I communicate with such friends as yourself. But he tells me a sad story of J. W's. sickness; which, believe it, does affect me as feelingly as can be required from an unbiass'd friendship. Let me conjure you to tell by the next how I may measure my unhappiness by his danger: I was ever entirely his from the cradle of our acquaintance; but his last condescension to fetch me to my sick Brother makes my apprehension too big for my expression. I pray do me the favour to receive all such Letters as shall be directed to me through your hands; for he that did me the same courtesy I hear is lately dead of the new fever. I should blush to give you these troubles, if your Commission had not emboldened me; but if I do not requite, I shall not forget to acknowledge. Present me hearty to honest C. W. Mr. L. and promise yourself a true friend in  
R. L.   

LETTER XXXVI. To his Brother A. L.  
Dear Brother.  
I Need not tell you I am now in Lincolnshire, for I suppose you will easily read it in my literal intermission. Thus to be out of the way is to be remote; since now the motion of our Letters must be more than semicircular, and they travel as people do in Wales, round about the hill, because they cannot cross it in Diameter. When I parted with the Major at London, I confess I engaged to give you and him a meeting at Holt; but since our arrival here it has pleased God to strike my Lord and Lady, one with a fever, the other with a Tertian Ague, which in all probability will resolve into the New Disease; which extremely rages in these parts, and murders abundance of people: my Lord of Lincoln's only Brother died of it last week. This enforces a suspension of my purpose, and bids me content myself to send you my embraces at this distance.  
In this same voyage to the Grave, which we call Life, our condition is so frail and floating, as we are nought else but living lumps of incertainty and irresolution; so easy it is for Fortune (or rather Providence) to unravel our strongestwoven designs, and unhinge our most serious intentions; that like the withered leaves of Autumn, we are the game of every blast, and our health the prey of every sickly vapour. But now Dear Brother how do you? have you yet scap't the fangs of this new-spawned malady? Pray tender your health very carefully: for my part, I should deem myself in great danger in this standing-pool of Air where we live, if the hole in my arm were not my friend, in giving several passports to infection and contagious vapours, which so long as nature has power to thrust out at that Sally-port, my danger is not great. I pray let me know if my sister Janes health be yet perfected, and how therest of my friends hold out against the batteries of a putrified Climate. Present me, as is due, to all that know me; preserve me in your Affections, Wishes and Prayers; and believe it, your happiness shall be always mentioned in his addresses to heaven that is, Dear Brother,  
Your own indelibly, R. L.  
POSTSCRIPT.  
Pray let me hear from you as soon as you can. Excuse my blots, for I wrote it in haste in my Lady's chamber, from whom I do not stir.   

LETTER XXXVII. To his Brother Mr. A.L.  
Dear Brother,  
YOu have subdued me so entirely, and tied the knot so straight that binds me to you, that there is as much impossibility to undo it, as ingratitude to cut it: so as, like the mistaken husbandman that tills an unfruitful Soil, you must expect to receive a lean crop, not because the earth is unthankful, but unable. After I had sent my last, I received one of your Letters that played the Truant by the way, with some pieces of the broken Glass, which appeared like the disjoined staves of a wracked Vessel thrown ashore by the Tide; the Pills came safe, which I since took at twice (loath to take proofs of so much kindness, as sinners do the gifts of heaven, not to use them, but abuse them.) You give me more hope than I dare accept, in reference to that check to all the delight I can either taste or fancy, bating some divine Ideas, that by a speculative transfiguring my desires lift me above all those inconsiderable toys that the World ranges under the smiles and frowns of Fortune: but from thence, alas, the weight of my own weakness weighs me down again, and I return (like an inconvertible thief) to the same Prison from whence punishment so lately freed me. But we cannot be more than men, till we be stripped of our clay, and put on something in its stead that poses our apprehensions, and is best described by negatives.  
I must make one among the admirers of your excellent fancy, that could retain the impression of a face that time might have wiped out without an almost just trespass of memory: but you were born to these advantages, and do but methodically embellish those qualities in single and singular performances that nature gave you in lump and substance. The old woman my last mentioned is with much ado gotten over the threshold of the other World, and has bequeathed her Corpse to a Nottingham-Grave; whither I believe we shall wait upon them about a fortnight hence, but 'tis yet an incertainty. What ever the Major resolves, there must be more than appearance that shall make me forsake my interest here, though poor and contemptible: I know the story of Aesop's dog, that let fall the flesh to catch the shadow; and you the Moral. The Clock has struck twelve, and my eyelids grow unruly, therefore take it not ill if I give a dull Farewell, and abruptly call myself, Dear Brother,  
Yours eternally, R. L.   

LETTER XXXVIII. To Mr. W.  
My dear friend,  
YOu had sooner seen a reply to your last, had we not still shifted places like feathers in the winds, and too much motion stayed my hand. I am sorry my last gave so hard a task to your belief, but am glad it provoked you to breathe your fancy so merrily. I should lavish words to retort your ingenious glances; only this, if you disliked the extravagancies in it, suffer excess of joy to excuse it, which oft like other passions breaks out disorderly. Well my dear friend, let it suffice, there was not a fyllable that was not meant before it was said, and meant because deserved. But since you do not like such Transports, I shall learn to talk soberer, though never to love you with less ardour. All women have yet appeared so indifferent, as the whole Sex was never able to give me a passion, much less such an one: what the old woman that Fate has marked for mine will do I know not; I think I shall honour her venerable wrinkles, and reverence her spectacles; but she must have better linings than that Sex use to wear within, before I can love her like such a friend. Another flood of rheum has lately confuted my opinion of a cure, and made me recant my brags; but I do not despair suddenly to make it find another channel. I pray let your next tell me whether Mr. S. does yet mention the token to you; for if you permit, I can tell how to hint it without reflecting upon you. I am much afflicted, and upbraid the shortness of my chains, when I find I cannot serve you as I would, and do wrangle with every accessary to our stay in this dull Country; but all alas to little purpose, for our return to London is both uncertain and unlikely. Our friends in Norfolk and Suffolk I hope are well, only my sister Fenner is now sick of the Smallpox; but in my next I will be able to render you a more particular account of yours, which I shall receive from my Brother. If you would write to any there, 'tis but venturing a request to M. H. to deliver it to the Norfolk-Post, and take their answers from him to send to you. The man is honest and friendly, and I know loves you enough to do much more: I have excused you to him. My Lord returns your respects with much affection, and I think has much love for you. Good Sir, resalute your friend from his unknown servant with much respect, and tell him I shall gladly do any thing that may deserve his love. But I shall grow too talkative; I have no more to say but to beg you will still understand me, as I must ever be, my dear friend,  
Yours eternally, R. L.   

LETTER XXXIX. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
IT were superfluous to repeat how little the treachery of new objects, fresh acquaintance, long absence, change of place, etc. is able to do in quenching that affection which I shall keep alive with the same care that Vest als did their sacred flame. This you have often had under my hand and seal; and you may be confident it will never be forfeited. We are again settled at Nottingham, where the advantage of a larger leisure to write is checked by the scarcity of opportunities; but rarity does raise the price of delight, we set a trivial esteem upon joys that come at a low rate, but indulge those we sweat for: and thus we shall entertain our Letters like ourselves when we meet seldom, nothing so much endearing the personal interview of friends, as when some large portion of time has crept betwixt them. As we came down, one of Fortune's spiteful tricks (of which, I thank her, to me she has always been very liberal) made me lose the taste of a pleasant journey, which was thus; The day of our setting our appointed, I consented to the earnest solicits of my dear Mr. W. (then in the Country) to let him know it; caused by a desire of his to meet me at S. Alban, where we had decreed to shorten a night together with such mutual solace as would have suffered its hours to pass by untold: in hope of this he came little less than forty miles on purpose; which trouble he would needs undertake in lieu of some petty services I was happy to do him in his absence; but upon the brink of our taking leave a Whimsy predominated, and we must needs go another way by Alesbury; which though I opposed as far as I durst, was carried against me, and my hopes of so much delight were sacrificed to an inconvenience; for we went ten miles about for a worse way, lost a Gentleman and a Footman that were sent the other, and my virtuous friend (after two nights stay) returned with abused expectations: I never took a peevish chance with less patience. My Malady still continues to afflict me; I pray let the Doctor know with what little success I have observed his prescriptions, and if he can bethink himself of any other course that may prove more effectual I shall gladly use it: I see purging will not do it, and the powder never made me sneeze to purpose. Pray tell him I have a strange conceit that some Chemical application should effect it. You will much oblige me to propound it to as many skills as you shall converse with, and to send me their several judgements at your best convenience, while I strive to do as much where I am. I would not dare to give you this trouble, if I were not confident that you loved  
Your own R. L.  
POSTSCRIPT.  
If I could but shift this unhappy trouble, I would not yet doubt to add figures to the cyphers of my thin fortunes.   

LETTER XL. To his Nephew Mr. A. L.  
Dear Cousin,  
I Cannot always content myself to shut up a speechless affection in my breast, since that amity that wants a tongue may justly be suspected to want a heart, and lie benumbed like a Snake in Winter; for though Memory and Fancy may possibly combine to keep Ideas and Images undefaced by the hand of time, yet where action is and exercise wanting, there is no more than possibility of life; and that friendship that can always lie still, does at best but hid itself, and makes as as little harmony as an unstrung Instrument. Lest ours that grew up with our greenest years should fade, and fall insensibly into such a trance, suffer these blots to rouse it, and invite your pen to contribute a preservative that may keep it fresh and vigorous. With this Paper you shall receive a rude draught of mine by a French Original, which I drew at idle hours when my Genius was neither prompt nor propitious to better studies. Cousin, your acceptance will more than requite it; and if you chance to have patience enough to read it over, 'tis all you will get by it. I pray present my hearty service to my Brother and Sister P. and distribute my respective salutes among those friends where you think they are due: and to yourself, take as faithful an affection as I am capable of cherishing, or you of desiring from  
Your really affectionate kinsman to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER XLI. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
MY designs of coming over have been so oft diverted by unexpected commands and accidental emergencies, as I fear my promises have almost lost their credit. But if you knew the vehemency of my longing to see you and the rest of my friends, you would pity my impatience (the froward child of so many delays.) Divines tell us this life is a Pilgrimage; and if ever any people made it good in both senses I think 'tis our restless family: The Sun in his annual progress through his 12. Celestial Inns doth not oftener change his Quarters. Ever since I knew them I have been nothing but a guest, and must of necessity learn to be a wise man if ever I intent to be at home so long as I am with them. About two months since I had appointed my day to set out, when a sudden resolution for a Yorkshire-visit to my Lord F. his house (retired thither to a private life since he ungeneralled himself) turned my horse head the contrary way. From thence, after a tedious stay, with much ado we returned to Haughton, and from thence are arrived at London, (a journey I scarce knew of 12. hours before I took it.) I am the more particular in my gests, lest you should put my silence upon the account of neglect. I had resolved again the last Monday to begin my motion Eastward, and my foot was almost in the stirrup, when meeting with Holt-Post, he informed me that my Brother W. would be in Town this week; and upon those grounds I deferred my journey till he returns homeward about a fortnight hence, if the sad increase of my malady (which I much suspect) does not arrest me here; I daily feel it encroach upon me, etc. (Whatever Heaven has designed it for I am resolved to welcome.) But of this more when I see you, if it will give me leave. Pardon these perfunctory blots to my present indisposition, and be confident I will cease to be, when I am not, dear Brother, inviolably  
Yours to love and serve you R. L.   

LETTER XLII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Wish my Pen were not so indebted to your opinion, as to despair of having right to that Character you have ever given it: but what you call a Garden is little better than a wilderness, and the thorns and nettles which it plants are only Roses in the deceived eyes of affection. Thus the yellow sands of Tagus first came by their Gold, not because Midas did indeed there wash off his wish, but because Midas and his wish too were made on purpose to raise the River's credit by the partial ingenuity of its Countrymen. Nay, Tiber itself (but a brook to our Thames) would have made his visits to the Ocean with no more noise than his own streams make, if it had not taken Rome in its way, and glided by the walks of her clear-witted Poets. True Love is wilfully blind to the imperfections of its object; and if the scars be not too broad she turns away her head till her hands hid them in black patches; imitating the great Architect upon the Chaos, forcing beauty from deformity itself. But to quit Metaphor, I re-thank you you for the vigilance of your active endeavours in behalf of my recovery; if ever Providence intends me health (which I have too much cause to doubt) I think I shall owe it to your industry; and indeed there is none to whom I would more willingly consent to be indebted, nor more gladly find a power to requite, than yourself: but I confess where there is such true amity these terms are superfluous. I shall gladly receive any thing from the Doctor that may have reference to my cure; but I am afraid I shall find some difficulty to be a circumspect observer of his prescriptions; for we are here rather a crowd than a family, and are rather quartered like an Army than lodged, few chambers deserving better titles than huts. But I hope we shall shortly march away; however if I receive aught that may carry any pretence to a remedy, I shall struggle hard both for time and place to take it as I ought. I thank you for the History of your High- Suffolk-journey: I shall take some order to lay the storm of my Sister P's. unkindness, if the weak magic of my pen can do it; for if there be any Art in it, you know 'tis black. For what concerns the Recognizance, I shall say nothing till your progression teach me both how to speak and do. I made no question but to be as big as my word when my last talked of your two sticks coming down; but having since met with the Majors Masculine wife, She tells me that it will be Michalemas before she makes any more; but she has promised that the patience of your expectation shall be then rewarded with the Masterpiece of her art. Honest J. is ready to beat his wife that she forces his promise to so slothful a performance; he salutes you cordially, and seems always to be thirsty when he drinks your health. But 'tis time to hold my Tongue. Dear Brother, I am, and will continue unfeignedly  
Yours in all that power and will can manifest, R. L.   

LETTER XLIII. To Sir I. P.  
Sir,  
I Received your Letter of April 5. which proved a sovereign cure to the suspicion which hung like a disease upon my heart; no corner of which did ever yet harbour thought or wish concerning you, but what ever endeavoured to endear itself to your future happiness. And though Fortune has not smiled upon my longing for employments, by bestowing success on your kind endeavours, yet I have taught my soul as gratefully to relish the real intention, as if its greedy desires had been feasted with the effectual execution. I confess my hopes took a sad fall in Sir T. B. but I had rather be content with the misfortune then that it should procure you discontent with the man. Sir, I find it fit to acquaint you that 'tis now my resolution to break the chains of that unthrifty liberty that has all this time led my wand'ring steps from the path of employment; to which, (rather than sacrifice any more of the precious offspring of Time to the idol of Idleness) 'tis my vow to lure my soaring desires to a more humble flight; and since their wings are too weak in a foreign shore to make prudential Experience their Quarry, Humility shall train them to stoop at a domestic prey: the means of which (so it be not base or dishonest) I shall want pride enough to disdain. Nor did I ever want jealousy that the unskilful weakness of my worthless parts would render me an unfit Pilot to be embarked at first in the managing of a Secretary's place; and my now becalmed thoughts relish it as a prevention of some disgrace by the kind Providence, that my feeble sailings might have betrayed me to. In sum, not only the covet of my own desires, but the promises of some friends have encouraged me to be at London at Easter Term, where I expect (if I am not wide) to hit some happy opportunity of employment; to further which, I hope you will vouchsafe him your testimony that always was, and ever will be  
Your faithful servant, R. L.   

LETTER XLIV. To his Sister Mrs. F.  
My Dearest Sister,  
'tIs now too late to express the passion I felt for what you have now recovered, and give me leave to be glad of your sufferings, not because they were so, but (since the Providence did ordain them yours) because they were no greater. My Brother told me the disease was not likely to handle you rudely; as it usually does others; and therefore I hope that cruel enemy to a good face has not left the footsteps of his tyranny upon yours. It is fit you should believe that I am not only contented to wish you happy, but would be glad I could make you so, by something else besides words; but Providence thinks it fit that I should still be unable to serve the friends I love, and therefore defers my Preferment by prolonging my unfortunate malady. But the best is, I have seen too much of the World to dote upon it. You are grown very sparing of your Ink and Paper; if you understand my affection as it is, you cannot deny it the content of letting me sometimes know that you do so: I should take it kindly to know where you are, and how you do, with other circumstances, such as may be expected by so perfect a wellwisher; there is so little alteration in my condition, that it deserves not mention. Let me know how your pretty boy does, and how he thrives in his learning. Salute all my friends you meet with my hearty love and service, and be confident you shall never have cause to doubt that I will ever be less than I truly am  
Your real Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER XLV. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
TO give your Letter a meeting was business enough to invite me this day to London, whence the scarcity of time does force me to toss you my answers with the same dexterous speed that a Tennis-Player does a Ball, that else would die on his side unrequited. If sometimes then I send you my thoughts undressed, blame the haste that posts them away in such a ruffled manner. I am glad you encountered so much pleasure in going your usual rounds, and perused the kind entertainment of so many friends, to whom I ought to conclude myself engaged, that they cannot suffer my disappearing from their sight to deprive me of a harbour in their thoughts. But I am sorry I can show no desert to make my title good to so much courtesy.  
I see you have discovered that the place I am in gives me no cause to be lavish in its commendations, but I despair not to make your hopes prophetic in a happier change; in the mean time till fortune clears up her brow, and sets a better face on my affairs, I am resolved to improve my slender stock of discretion in the industrious purchase of commodious friends, and the provident husbanding of opportunities to drive on my more hopeful designs, till the maturity of which, I will neither blame nor forsake the employment I am in. But whatsoever burden my shoulders shrink under, in spite of Fortune I will be happy in your felicity, which be assured is wished as little subject to decay as Immortality itself by  
Your inviolably affectionate Brother, R. L.   

LETTER XLVI. To Mr. H.  
Sir,  
I Know your affairs make you but a Tenant to your own time, which it seems you rend at a troublesome dunning your rent-men: 'tis no wonder then if such a throng of occasions should crowd such trifles as myself out of your memory; but you found not my name in your books, and so made no account of me. Yet now I think of it, I had best say no more, lest by accusing you. I should condemn myself, who it seems am guilty of the same crime, viz. silence. I acquainted my Lord and Lady with your Apology concerning the rent, and they seem satisfied; if your Valentine be offended with any, 'tis with me, for presenting her thanks no sooner; and she will gladly double them if you can make your word good of my Lords coming down so soon, for she is half impatient till she be out of this warm Sun into God's blessing. S. D. tells me you are shortly for the Low-countrieses; I hope your ship is richly laden, and will help you to bear a broader sail; it can be no loss to you to let a friend now and then take a commodity off your hands, for you know what you shall get by the bargain. But of this when we meet; which I believe will be to morrow, for so S. will have it. In the interim I call myself happy that I am, Sir,  
Perfectly yours R. L.   

LETTER XLVII. To Mr. W. G.  
Sir,  
SUffer our friendship to give a little employment to my idle pen; and that, commission to tell you that I am not wavering enough to let absence write it in a wave: and methinks they that cannot talk at a distance without the help of business, do rather usurp then use amity; and like the Persons in an Interlude, always act what they are not. The frequent exchange of thoughts, next the touchstone of adversity, is one of the clearest trials of it. Physicians conclude an Eucrasis in the body, when every faculty plies its own function, and takes the height of the distemper, as they observe them either let their Oars lie still, or row the wrong way; and sure that friendship cannot choose but languish that lies long speechless. But I hold a Candle to the Sun, and I fear do but show what a Pedigree my Quill comes of; but 'tis well meant, and so I hope 'tis taken. I like Virgil's Story of Nisus and Euryalus, and methinks it deserves the credit of imitation; for though a fiction, the Poet intended it rather to instruct, then deceive; and meant it as Xenophon did his Cyrus, rather to show what should be, than what was. Present me cordially to our Esculapian friend, tell him I shall be glad to hear that his skill gets an improvement of ability by sick bodies, and his Fortune's sovereign Cordials from sound Purses. I pray mention my real respects to honest Discendam, etc. tell him I could wish every man a good fellow for his sake, drink till they be illustrious, and raise the price of Malt.  
R. L.   

LETTER XLVIII. To his Brother A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
MY ignorance of the cause of it gave me some trouble for your silence, not knowing what construction to give it, unless that you had not yet quitted Norfolk, detained there by the importunity of Sir J. P. or some others; but lately meeting with J. W. he shown me your Letter dated from Barningham, which mentioned some more Physic you had since sent me. what Fate crossed it I know not, but I never received it, or aught else from your hands, since you had mine in Norfolk. I think there is a conspiracy of chances that traverse the cure of this unlucky malady, and use my hopes like notorious offenders, that are only kept alive for their greater torment; yet I cannot but confess the rigour of it to be something abated, since the fontanel in my arm rather ran then issued. There is more Rhetoric in my meaning then my words, and like a Plant in Winter, whose beauty and virtue are retired to the life in the root; I would, but cannot, thank you sufficiently for your unwearied solicitations of Mr.— in my behalf ●: but I am now so espoused to incertainty in relation to our stay in London, expecting daily when the Exit of an old woman that dies by drops, should give us warning to quit our City-Theatre, to attend her Corpse to her Countrey-Grave, as it makes me desirous you would respite the sending of any more physic, till I know when and where I shall have opportunity to take it, and you know such things unless done exactly are better not begun. Since I wrote some of this I received your Letter, which clears all my doubts of your silence. Your Letter to the Major found him all in tears for the death of one of the best sisters-in-law, I think, in England; she died of an Imposthume; and Jack, not without much cause, is very sensible of his loss. I spied a request of yours, etc. If you can instruct me how to supply your desires in aught else here, I shall take it very ill if you do not freely command, Dear Brother,  
Your ever obliged and truly affectionate Brother, R. L.   

LETTER XLIX. To Mr. H.  
Sir,  
I Received your pregnant Epistle, and entertained it with as kind a resentment as a heart when it finds itself obliged does usually feel. But as I receive your love with the fruits of it (your news) as becomes a friend that hates ingratitude, so I cannot own your highflown unmerited praises without endangering my whole stock of modesty; nor can take them with a better title than some rich ones of this age do the goods and lands of others, for which their best evidence is that they are too strong for the right owners. In another, that I had known practised in the smooth sin of dissembling, I had called it compliment; but your known goodness forces a better title, and I will only say that you beheld my poor deserts through the glass of affection, which deceived you; like those that magnify objects, and represent their forms much more large and fair then indeed they are. Sir, in that sense I understand you, and return (in plain and undressed terms) the thanks of a friendly heart that is resolved not to die in the debt of affection. I am sorry your hopes took so sad a fall in their aims at improvement in your Seraphic Science; but we that wear chains must look for no larger liberty than their length will afford us, unless we break them. I hear you are preparing for Nottingham, where we shall infallibly help to increase your family, and I hope join our forces in a friendly association to combat with the difficulties of a tedious winter. Sir, this last favour of yours gives me presumption to enlarge my engagement by a request, that you will please (if time will permit you) to go to one Mr. K. etc. I would not presume to give you this trouble, if I were not confident in your friendship, and cordially desirous of an opportunity wherein I may prove myself as I truly am  
Yours, R. L.   

LETTER L. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Am now the more eager to redouble my hold on these occasions, because they have sately kept their foretops so long out of my reach; and though I was never less able than now to talk to purpose, yet (next to my main design, which is to let you see that oblivion cannot entrap affection) methinks I would fain rally the retreated spirits of my crestfallen fancy, that with this long taking breath have almost lost it: garments wear out by being not worn; Ingenuity and judgement (like the amphibious Otter) may inhabit the opposite Elements of ease & industry yet if they stay too long in either, the first plucks insensibly the feathers from their wings to make a pillow for sloth, and the other (if the bow be not sometimes unbent) does often give them the cramp with too much stretching, and sometimes a crack to boot, which proves hard you know to solder. The only art is to enchase and gently checquer employment with recreation, that they may rule like City-Magistrates by election, and so deliver up the Mace to one another by turns; only I would have the solidest govern longest. But pardon these weak sallies; for should I force my pen to keep the road, & not sometimes range into extravagancy, it would tyre you and itself too with often treading in the Print of its own footsteps. And therefore I will tell you that I lighted upon my brother W. by an unexpected kindness of fortune, and feathered some hearty hours in his company diping your health in the noblest liquor; & upon Saturday my brother W. vouchsafed to find out my abode, and gave me a welcome account of your well being. I perceive already you were not mistaken in his character, & have seen enough to give a fresh applause to my sister's good fortune. I think his brother (very desirous of, and well deserving your acquaintance) and myself (if nothing thwarts our resolutions) are like to see him safe at home, and you by the way, especially if you be not there before us. I should hug this voyage with the expectation of much delight among friends, if the sense of this miserable malady did not render me half-ashamed to invade any company. I shall never leave this old trick of tiring your patience with my Country tales: however with all my faults, my dear brother, I am  
Perfectly yours as far as the sinews of an  affection can stretch, R.L.   

LETTER LI. To Mr. R. C.  
Dear Robin,  
I Hope thou knowest me too well to censure any thing but my weakness in my Pseudoprophesie; for the failing of which, I cannot suffer you to over-match my sorrows. I should give thee reasons why I apprehended those hopes which are now martyred, but they are not fit to be trusted with this Paper, and would new gall thy griefs to see there was a likelihood of being happy: and now though the common calamity may challenge a constant tribute of resentment from me, yet let me tell thee Robin that Divinity does not allow our eyes to be always dropping over a remediless evil, nor can it sure be angry if we do not suffer one wide-mouthed woe to swallow all our joys. I confess that is properly Misery which Oblivion cannot entomb; but heaven gives no griefs which may not admit of intermission: then for us to divert our speculation upon such objects as may contribute an innocent refreshment, cannot be unlawful; & though Fortune should spend her whole artillery of mischiefs upon me, yet still possessing thy friendship, in spite of all her malice I would sometimes be happy; for even while my Pen thus talks unto thee, methinks I have a truce with misfortune. 'tis not only the fruits, but the end of wisdom to keep fair weather in the soul; all that is called happiness without that is but a handsome Impostor. Vexations were the Vultures that fed upon poor Prometheus' liver; let us then try to escape our afflictions at present, and trust Providence for a full realease hereafter. To put this in practice, I give my fancy leave to range and turn over her world of objects, and (that she may cull content from something) I bid her mark the industrious Bee visiting every flower that may help to send her singing home with laden thighs. I bid her ransack Historical Records of former ages, and please herself when she finds an exemplary punishment tread upon the heels of unjust ambitions: I bid her help me to hug mine own innocence, and to be glad I did not part with it to grow by such considerable means. But I enjoin her as her best recreation to visit thee, and gently inform me, at least by an affectionate presumption, how kind an entertainment thou allowest the memory of  
Thine intirest friend, R. L.   

LETTER LII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
Engagement, Obligation, Requital, etc. are but Crutches for a decrepit friendship that cannot stand upon its own legs; such course hungry flames hasten to their snuff, unless they be fedwith the kitchen stuff of Compliment, while ours scorning such gross material fuel, are their own continual nourishment, and shine with such legitimate and unborrowed lustre, as difference themselves from the bastard light of the other Comets, by wearing beams that the malice of Fortune, Reputation, Calamity, etc. can neither quench nor dim.  
I am now beginning to be beholden to Custom, that mother of Facility, for rendering my demeanour suitable to my employment, which at the first made me the resemblance of an unweighed Colt, or an  Bowl, so that now I begin to wear my fetters with as much ease as if they were Bracelets. Nothing can come from you that shall not bid itself welcome; but your precepts that way will find an extraordinary entertainment. I fear the product of these uncivil wars will prove your Chaucer as much Prophet as Poet; but as it is not in our power to stay the hand that scourges us, so it is not in our knowledge how soon the Chirurgery of Heaven will drop balm into our wounds. I thank you for your account of our County; but were the reasons fit to be trusted with this Paper, I would tell you why I do now as much dislike the calm as I formerly condemned the storm. I could let you know the particulars of the Kentish affairs, whose number, discipline, resolution, etc. have rendered them formidable to the Parliament, Army, and City; but I presume you have them from a better hand. There is an old acquaintance of yours in Town which some call Mrs. E. F. and though she presents her kind respects to you, yet she cannot conceal that she takes your long silence something unkindly; three or four lines to her while she is here (which will be a fortnight) will mend the fault. Want of time and paper releases you from further trouble, and gives you the farewell of  
Your really affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER LIII. To Mr. H.  
Sir,  
YOur last parcel of Paper I received, not without admiring your skill in contraction, that could put so exact a Letter in the bounds of a Note. Methought it appeared like a fruitful spot of earth, whose fertility made amends for its narrow Continent. Your silence had been better excused with any Plea, than the want of compliment, for that is a commodity I never had any use for: 'tis a faint sickly friendship that is fed with such weak nourishment; and excuse me if I say I should make but an ill bargain to exchange my strong well-woven reality for such slim sleazy stuff. It is a Lesson only fit to be learned in the infancy of acquaintance, and absolutely necessary to be forgotten in the progress: it is the crime of my mistake if ours be not marched far beyond it, and it must not be my fault if ever we sound a retreat. I could wish propitious Fame would put you to the charge of more paper, and tell you such things, as would ask to be expressed in your paler Ink; but we must patiently wait Divine leisure. I thank you for your domestic intelligence. I pray in your next let me know exactly how the Treaty succeeds. We have nothing here deserves the telling, and I have said all when I have subscribed myself  
Sir, Your affectionate servant, R. L.   

LETTER LIV. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
SInce I ascribe your last week's silence rather to accident then design, I cannot justly take that advantage to say nothing; but especially since my sudden removal to a more remote place is like to heighten the price of these opportunities, I must have leave to cherish this, and like the parting of a pair of Lovers, to hug it with a tedious tenderness. For since necessity has made another my owner, I must bow my will to her proud injunctions, and suffer her quietly to strip it of that happy power that gave me the propriety of intention and determination: thus letting go the hold I had in my disposal, I must now like a Cockboat suffer myself to be towed by another sail; or like an inferior spring or wheel, obey the impulsion of a greater. My Lady C. is already in Nottinghamshire, whither I am to attend my Lord the next week; how long our stay will be I know not, but I fear too tedious, unless the bonny Scot drive us back to London, which I am very loath to part with, because I look upon it as the forge of my better fortunes: this journey is like to afford more pleasure than profit, and to prove a true resemblance of my present employment. But I thought it more fit to stay the stomach of my hungry fortunes with this bit, then to suffer them to famish in the vain expectation of a plenteous feast. If I had not learned the trick to be at home every where, this journey would have put me to some trouble; for I am to begin my acquaintance with every creature in that family, and to part with another, that if I be not mine own flatterer, do both know and love me. While I am there I shall be industrious to give you the true visage of my own particular affairs, and sometimes a touch of the general. In the mean time that your happiness may hold a perfect proportion with your wishes, is the zealous desire of  
Your entirely affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER LV. To Mr. I. E.  
Sir,  
ENmity has domineered so long, that amity is almost grown out of countenance and fashion; yet to this dear commodity I am endeared by a double reason; first because she was never more refined by persecution then now, Vice having this good property, that the injuries it does its opposite Virtue often prove her tiremaids, and set her off with more lovely lustre; but she is chief beholding to your virtues for the height of my esteem, the acquaintance with which I would not sell for a more gaudy jewel, to lose or forfeit which, by neglect, were worse then for a Schoolboy to lose his lesson; or an Artificer to sell his tools: this through the glass of your modesty may appear like flattery, but if brought to the touchstone of your worth, it will appear truths naked metal, undisguised in the Alchemy of Dissimulation. For news, that which is bad has lately got so much unhappy truth of its side, that I may well say its good news that there is no news at all. I do here wait upon employment, like him that is sick of the contagion of Love, upon a froward Mistress; and she has yet used me like that handsome Idol, vouchsafes a kiss at this, and gives me a frown at the next interview, though I stake my liberty against her kindness; yet if my blind enemy has stored up no unexpected spite, I am now near her embraces. But I think I can miss a fortune with as much patience as ever I did, and while such as you, and L— Family affords me to enjoy your innocent, though chargeable tranquillity, she cannot rob me of all my happiness. I desire not only my own profit, but the Ages, when I wish those judicious and learned Animadversions of yours were born to the World, as well as those that stand in the deserving rank of your intimate friends: by that means I might hope for a review. But I cloy your patience in this Festival time with the course ill-cookt fare that my Pen affords, while I hold a solemn Feast in my breast, garnished with the choice delicates of those thoughts, that I am and ever will be  
Yours, R. L.   

LETTER LVI. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
THough I believe you are in my debt for many Letters, yet because you do not use to be so slow a Paymaster of such obligations, I am willing to suspect that Fortune has used them as she oft does Travellers that undertake long and dangerous voyages, saluting their sails with contrary winds, that either affront their intentions with a forced delay, or wreck them and their desires together: however I shall continue to shoot one shaft after another, till I find you have found some of them. By this undaunted perseverance you may guess how well I esteem what comes from you; and I shall not need other Rhetoric then what lives in your own breast to set your Pen a-work; if you fancy as much delight in the task as I do, to give it the title of Pain will be to miscall it. We live in a Town, the description of which shall serve to swell this Letter to the ordinary bulk. First, it is seated upon a firm Rock, which makes most of the meanest inhabitants to live like Troglodytes, or Coneys, under ground, and are only obliged to the Pickax and Matock for their Mansion. It is beset with such a variety of Nature's blessings, as I know not whether it affords more satisfaction to the eye that hunts for profitable objects, or that which god's after delightful ones. On the one side it is overlooked by Hills of such a stature, as will require some pain to climb, but double requite it when you are up; as if Nature had wisely contrived a little difficulty in the purchase, on purpose to endear the possession: their proud brows are fanned with such a delicious Air, as if it be true that Cameleons receive no other food, here they might have a continual feast; here the eye may dally with a sweet variety of prospect, and is hardly persuaded to be weary, because so much diversity does refresh and renew the pleasure; there you have a full view of the flowery fruitful Meads that (crescent-wise in a rich bravery) court this sweet situation with semicircular embraces: the feet of it are washed by the silver- Trent, which seems to murmur as he passes by that he is forced to swim away from the society of so many beauties. If you send your Optics further, they are entertained with goodly houses, fair Churches, shady Groves, and with a Castle the same that was entered from a vault by King Edward III. when he ravished Mortimer from his mother arms, that (standing upon a tall firm rock) seems to bid defiance to time, and scorns to take his ruin the ordinary way by having his heels tripped up by a fundamental decay. I have dwelled the longer upon these my silent companions, because they are the best society I converse with; for consider how the newfound world (where the earth was lined with Gold) was peopled, and you have my meaning; only here's the difference, they were new people to their discoverers, and simple, these are of the new Edition and crafty: Only I am very happy in an old Italian Gentleman that serveth my Lady Dowager, one of the best Linguists in England; under his tuition I am now a serious student of the French Tongue, and have almost gained a general Theorical knowledge in the Language; within some few weeks I shall proceed to Italian, which will be much an easier task: you may make a silent question, what profit I expect to reap from a few varied fruitless words; but when I have gained them I shall easily solve that doubt, and let you know how I will make it give larger scope to my narrow condition here, or else transplant myself where I may thrive better. My trouble still continues, and is like to do while I am here; for this town affords none that profess the Esculapian art, but only one old dull thing, who when I tried him in some discourse, could quote nothing but Schola Salerni, and made me a very dexterous discove●●y of his own insufficiency. If you have spoken with the reverend Doctor since about it, I pray ●et me know his opinion of it without disguise, for if it be incurable, I shall try to make the best use of my own despair, and force a satisfaction from reason, since I can have it from nought else. I pray ask him if he thinks letting blood in the temples would not be good, or whether an issue in my neck would not infallibly check the course of the humour; but I confess I am scarce willing to try that, till I see all the rest fail: if you can prevail with him, let me entreat you to get a receipt of the neezing Powder, and enclose it in yours; for though I do not hope a cure from it, yet it may stay the increase of the humour till I take some stronger medicine. If your affairs shall call you to Norwich, or if you can send directions to my sister F. to do it, I would gladly have the opinion of Dr. B. from whose advice I fancy most hope of all. I would not be unwilling to give him a fee; for if a cure be to be bought, I would not stick to pay for it with all I can make, rather than go without it. Well, Brother excuse this trouble, and be confident that if ever you have occasion to call my love to the trial, either to serve your desires, or designs, or both, you shall clearly find that I am no less then totally  
Yours in unfeigned affection, R. L.   

LETTER LVII. To Mr. A.  
Worthy Sir,  
SUffer this paper to return your salutes with an affection unmixed and immortal as the soul from whence it springs, to which your own worth has given you a most unquestioned title. It has been still my custom to ask leave of Reason and Experience before I profess myself a friend: Sir, they have both voted you into my breast, and I wish I could as easily imitate your deserts, as love them. When you know me better you will find I am unapt to say these things and not mean them; and may be confident you have purchased a heart that will resign the resentment of happiness in such a friend to no other power then what at last will deprive it of all resentment. I confess I have done so little to make this good, as your thanks might well have stayed at home till more desert had invited them. What you call a favour in my transmission of Letters, is a perfect nothing, and a single remembrance over-values it; but since you will needs make it a courtesy, I will confess it, on condition you will give me leave to prescribe the recompense, which is, that you would believe me to be, as I truly am  
Yours, R. L.   

LETTER LVIII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Have a better title to integrity then ingenuity; and the robes which you with an over-partial affection term neat and handsome, are rather taken from the wardrobe of my heart then my brain. Indeed I find more cause to affect my own rude honest plainness, then by endeavouring bravery only labour to be suspected. Your apprehension strayed when you understood me so sudden a proficient in the science of serving; I lay claim to no such promptitude of parts to learn my lesson so soon as I have taken it out; my only intent in my last was to let you know that I had shaked off those daunting aguish perturbations that use to affect weak minds when they are dazzled with an unwonted presence: for in the first trial of my restraint, I fared not unlike a bird that formerly had ranged the large field of Air with a careless and wanton, unchecked wing, newly taught to know the narrow limits of a cage, where it will ask the documents of some time to instruct that little creature to forget her liberty, and reassume the alacrity of her former chirping; so I was a while to seek with what behaviour to personate my captivity, but custom has given me confidence, and I hope discretion will keep off insolence. I have not only received, but eaten your instructions; and am resolved (by rendering them the nourishment of my future demeanour) to show the proof of their good digestion: but yet both my deserts and hopes are of too humble a growth to fear the artillery of envy.  
I delivered your Letter to my sister F. who engaged my Pen to return her thanks and respects. I dare not venture to give you any news this week, 'tis so unsafe and incertain; only this of sad consequence, that my Lord is fallen dangerously sick of the Small Pox. Mr. W. presents his service to you, to whom I am deeply obliged. I have no more to say, but that I am  
Your really affectionate and desirous Brother to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER LIX. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Can think of no other interpretation for your silence but that you keep it to punish the mischance of some of my latest letters, and so I am made a sufferer for Fortune's fault: if so, let this deprecate my imputation of neglect; and did I not conceive that some of yours have met with the same misfortune, I should severely examine myself how I have deserved to be forgotten. However you resent your endeavours that way, I shall not injure judgement to indulge affection, if I say that I never read any thing with more delight than your lines, and so oft as I receive them, in spite of all my melancholy and the cause of it, they remember me that I am happy. If I were not still like a ship that has lost her anchor, and can therefore take no course but what she is driven to by the imperious winds, I had long since landed in Suffolk, and there unladed my breast into your ear: but though my long be still green and vigorous, my opportunities, like vegetals that die to revive again, are faded with the season; but they will bud with the eldest children of the Spring, and I am resolved shall be gathered at their first appearance. The main cause is, my Lady suddenly expects to increase the world by one more at least; and though I can never be less useful than in those feminine tumults, yet great ones love at such solemn troubles to have their servants presence signify they have such pertinents; and thus I must stay to piece up formality, and the important affair of being at home will be gravely dispatched in making a show that I am so. I have nothing to acquaint you with but what you already know, etc. This is the third since I received any from yourself; but I adventured to send them by some wool-men that came out of Lincolnshire to your parts; but if this miscarry too, which goes the same way, I will never trust men more whose wits go a woolgathering: the inch of time that is allowed me to scribble this, makes me commit as many errors as there are lines, and make as many blots as words, for I send this by my Lady's Bailiff into Lincolnshire, who is always in haste; and by plain force have rend this time from my other pressing occasions, thus to sin over my good will: do but pardon this, and the next week you shall have amends by the Post. When you see our Holt-friends, I pray mention my affectionate respects to them all; tell me brother W. he shall do me right to believe me less exceptious than I have been represented; and believe it I am, and ever will be  
Yours perfectly to love and serve you, R. L.   

LETTER LX. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
YOu had not missed a Letter the last week, if my Messenger had not missed the time of its delivery, so it fell short of the Post, and returned to my hands when I thought it at B. And indeed Fortune here seemed to withstand its passage with discretion; not deeming it fit that pieces of such deformity should scape unstifled in their birth, to shame their parents: but Fortune has no skill in friendship, and knows not that imperfections are more easily pardoned, then Neglect, at the Bar of Love; I have therefore sent it, though the same thing that will vindicate, must accuse me: resembling Physicians medicines in such ill-brewed constitutions as mine; the same thing that corrects the intemperate heat of the Liver, increases the unnatural cold of the stomach; and indeed the extreme opposition in temper between these two parts, I take to be the original of my miserable trouble, of which this enclosed does give a more particular information: and when you present my apprehensions of it to the Doctor, I pray let him know what I have understood of his son.  
He had, by the affability of his carriage, the solidity of his parts, and the success of his skill, purchased a high esteem with the best; besides the good will of all that knew him, having done many cures there, by relation, that might have proved problematical to the most greyheaded experience. When an unfortunate curiosity got into the head of young Mr. Bendish, eldest son to the Ambassador, to take a voyage to the Holy-Land, and particularly to Hierusaelem, to see the Holy-Sepulchre, with other relics and repositories that Time has not yet quite effaced there; the father's opinion of his prudence, made him join his authority with the son's amity, and his own curiosity, to make him a companion in this voyage. So they set out from Galata in February 1649. traveled by land to Smyrna, and there went aboard the Talon, which was bound for Lighorn, which young Bendish resolved to take in his way, with design to see a sister of his married there to an English Merchant, and so take his way by Scanderon; but passing by Porto Longone, which since the French had it, has been the Dunkirk of Italy, much about the time that the news arrived there of the fatal blow was given to Monarchy in England, their ship was assaulted by divers French men of war, who then took all English, without distinction, for enemies; and maintaining a desperate fight with them for some hours, at last an unfortunate bullet from the enemy happened into their Gun-room, and fired the Ship; the heat of the fight would not allow them leisure to hinder it till it was past hope of extinguishing. Mr. Bendish leapt overboard, and swum to the side of one of the enemy's Ships; but they barbarously cut off one of his hands, that had laid hold of the Ships side to climb the Deck, and so sent him to feed fishes: poor Mr. R. stayed in the Ship, and in all probability perished by the more furious Element; only one Gentleman, called Mr. L. escaped, which after the recepit of many wounds, had quarter given him, and was carried to Porto Longone; where the danger of his life being past, he was forced to buy his liberty, and returning to Lighorn made this relation, the same man is now in Genua. Mr. R. left behind him at Galata, in the custody of his man one T. M. two chests full of rich drugs, many silver instruments, besides wearing apparel and linen, 'tis said he left a sum of money besides, but of how much, or with whom, is uncertain: only this M. is now reputed worth three or four hundred pound, though before this in but a poor condition, he now serves the Ambassador. Mr. R. left a Shapet of Turkey-Carpets and Hang, which in all probability he designed for England, at Lighorn.  
And now to set aside all those fatherless Stories that fly abroad, as of the loss of all our Armies, Infantry, and Carriages, with the Generals being taken prisoner, etc. the truest and most modest intelligence tells us, that our Army being at Pinkland-hills, which is westward beyond Edinburgh about eight miles, had notice that the Scots Army was risen, and upon their march towards Sterling; which made us presently rise with ours, & with all expedition endeavour to prevent that retreat: the truth is, we did outmarch them, but 'tis more than probable they suffered us to do it by design, for they have since taken our station upon Pinkland-hills, so as our Army is now got into such a straight, as they must either fight upon local disadvantages, or endure the extremities of much want in that penurious Country, before they can reach their shipping. The last Post but one said the Armies were drawn up in Battalia in view of each other; but we are not yet suffered to know they have fought, though I am confident there hath been a signal battle, which gives the Malignants high hopes, because our Grandees do think fit to conceal the event of it. Letters from Holland speak very partially on the Scots side, and talk of a great victory they have lately gotten; Believe what you please of it, for my part I am something incredulous, because we make no more haste with our supplies thither. We lately seized upon eight ships laden with Merchandise belonging to the Hollander, which hath given occasion to the State's Ambassador to complain of it to the House, and call it in very disobliging terms a breach of League, but we hear not yet of a restitution. The Spanish Ambassador made a passionate complaint to the House of the interception of his Packet and breaking open his Letters last Week; but he had good words given him, and a promise it should no more be so; only 'tis thought the sparing of Mr. Ashcombs murderers hath made us a little angry, and jealous that the Spaniard professes more friendship than he means. There is a Letter intercepted, from the Prince of Orange to the Scots King, which assures him he has gained his desires upon the refractory Dutchmen, and in a short time will be able to send him the succours of men and money which he promised, leaving the time and place to his appointment: Report says he hath 14000. men, whereof 2000 German Horse, ready to be shipped, upon what design none knows: It seems they are raised by contribution from the King of Danemark, Queen of Sweden, the Marquis of Brandenburg, Landgrave of Hessen, with other Germane Princes. The Scots King has lately made Inchequin Generalissimo of his Forces in Ireland; who with his Army, made considerable by the addition of the Garrison-forces of Dungannon, Carlow and Waterford, is now in Connaught, and promises himself a successful Winter. It seems he was glad to be rid of those Garrisons, by reason of the plague which rages there, even to the depopulation of whole Towns; and appears by a most pitiful Declaration set out by General Ireton, which invites not only his own party, but all Christian Nations, and the very Papists themselves, to join in a humiliation to God for the cessation of his judgements upon them.  
This being my last that I am like to write from London, I have ventured to be the more tedious, and the rather because my short allowance of time hath hardly suffered me to make it sense; but you know lame things are objects of charity, and pity my present indisposition that assisted my precipitate haste to make it so. I dare not say more, lest the Posts departure make me say nothing, and so spoil this Paper-riddle that brings you the elder Sister in the belly of the youngest. Dear Brother far well.  
Eternally yours, R. L.   

LETTER LXI. To Mr. S.  
Monsieur,  
YOurs I received, and entertained with better welcome than can be expressed by a faint affection. You confess obligations that are not due, and so run the hazard of being suspected complimental; but I must allow the privilege that ingenuity challenges, and suffer your fancy to create desert for me, that it may show how handsomely it can acknowledge. Experience, the best Mistress, does daily show how to manage my umbragieux with more dexterity; only his uncouth pronunciation makes me sometimes put the bridle on his tail, and he kicks me for the mistake. The Matstre de Hostell still keeps his state with the better sort of petticoats, and we our station with the inferior ; which only serves to show you how much I can suffer for my own interest. I am not sorry to hear that you spur your Jade when he kicks, but you ride him with so much skill, that it were presumption to offer counsel. By this time you may think it fit that I should send you your own excuse for bald writing, being fitly applied to my scribbling, besides the faults committed in my English-French, which if you will pardon, I will one day travel into your Country on purpose to fetch you better French. Present my Baise les mains to all our friends, etc. Sarah writes to you, your friends here salute you; and I kiss your hands that am  
Monsieur, Yours, R.L.   

LETTER LXII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
AT last with much ado we are grown Citizens again, where since we lighted, we have scarce had time to prune our feathers; only my haste has snatched up this piece of a wing to tell you I received yours of the first of April, with a resentment raised to a fit height to measure with the tall strong affection that indicted it. I was about to say there was not a word in it but deserved a several welcome; but at the instant I threw my eye upon some praises which I dare not ; and if your love had but trusted your judgement, you had left them out. Distance deceives with both extremes, by presenting objects to the eye too little, to the apprehension too big: we no sooner begin to fancy any thing that is not with us, but we presently mend all its disproportions, and shut our eyes upon every blemish: this imperfection is almost as old as mankind, and few breasts can boast they never harboured it. I have grumbled at my Stars for placing some things beyond my reach, which I apprehended would make me happy, and yet I have seen them possessed by those that were quickly weary, & little less than displeased at what I overvalued. But I straggle. This Town is so metamorphosed by this last Edict since I left it, that bating my dead Companions, there is scarce any thing that I can know with safety. Certainly there is a mighty storm arising, but where, when, or how it will spend its fury, I dare not name. Error has humbled my Reason, and unbusied my reaches at futurity to a quiet resignation to the great Disposer. I cannot say my malady is more remiss than it was, and have little reason to hope it ever will be; but for that I told you my resolution, which has since lost no spirits. My trivial employments have not suffered me yet to struggle withit this Spring, but I am now about it. I sent you a Letter by Mr. B. which I believe you have answered; he had carried it with him into Lincolnshire, thinking to find me there, for we set upon this journey on a sudden, etc. Let these blots be pardoned. Let me hear from you by the next. Forgive my blind haste, and call me  
Yours eternally, R. L.   

LETTER LXIII. To his Sister Mrs. F.  
My dear Sister,  
I Had newly taken my Pen to send you a salute when I was interrupted by a Porter that brought (with some Bands and Cuffs from my sister Jane) your kind token; and it pleased me that the same hour which puts me deeper in your score should be a witness of my acknowledgement. Believe it I wish my thanks were as restorative as they are cordial; but take them as they are, and if it be possible to apprehend me more yours than you have done, do it; for it is impossible to be more than I am. I should be glad I might say these things to your ear as well as your eye; but London finds me too much business to grant me yet so much happiness; my condition still keeps the same countenance, and I am treated with the old indifferency. I am not insensible that I here waste my best days without improvement of my fortunes, but was contented to be no bigger ever since Preferment was put out of Honesty's reach. My old trouble still vexes me, and I am again in Physic for it; it has cost me much money, and I think at last it will cost me my life, for the distillation has given me a Cough with a bad presage. Heaven's Will be done.  
I pray speak my service to my Cousin W. my Cousin H. with the rest that know me. Let my Sweetheart know I am still her servant. And if I may serve you in any thing here, my dear Sister, command  
Thy entirely affectionate Brother, R. L.   

LETTER LXIV. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Received yours, and cannot conceal the delight I taste in these delicious repetitions of your entire affection; the true resentment of which when I consent to part with, I desire I might lose that and all my happiness together. I am glad your pen tells me that you like this way of escaping sorrow; 'tis not only the fruits but the end of wisdom, to keep fair weather in the soul; and I am sure Divinity does not bid our eyes be always melting over a remediless evil; 'tis not fit we should suffer one wide-mouthed Woe to swallow all our joys; and for my part I am resolved to be never so miserable, as not to have power to reap an innocent refreshment from the sense of what I possess in you: and be assured, that all the power I have to make this good is already in your possession. Methinks Man is not unfitly resembled to a stream, whose employment it is, to travel from its Source to the Ocean; the obstructions that affront its passage are the vexations we stumble at, which we use like Brooks, utter a murmuring complaint at the first encounter, and so pass by; but the deepest Currents swim past, and say nothing. Yesterday I received more Physic with instructions from the Doctor, which I fear (besides the dissuasions of the weather) that the continued agitations of my employment here will not permit me to take till I arrive in the Country of Nottinghamshire, which will be about a fortnight or three Weeks hence; where I hope to find leisure enough, not only to observe his directions with a specious care, but also to refasten myself to my studies; from which, the continued importunity of my London-imployment has kept me so long loosened. I shall there have time to improve my Physical endeavours, and to thrive I hope in my French and Italian; which I intent to set upon with the more industry, because I know not how soon I may meet with an opportunity to travel, for my allowance here is too small, etc. In the mean time the best recreation my fancy has, is to visit you, and to bring me word (at least by an affectionate presumption) how kind an entertainment you allow the memory of  
Your entirely loving Brother to command, R. L.  
POSTSCRIPT.  
I pray let your next make me happy in the knowledge of your designs; to which if I may be serviceable, no man shall be so happy as myself.  
He that cruciates himself because Fortune is mischievous, clashes with wisdom.   

LETTER LXV. To Sir. I. P.  
Sir,  
I Received your Lines, that came happily to confute some doubts that I was lost to your memory: but indeed I could not expect in reason a gentler punishment for the crime of my ill-woven words then your silence; all I can say for myself, it was a sin of ignorance that provoked it, and your clear judgement no doubt found it so, though your goodness allows it a better title. Sir, you have heretofore vouchsafed some propriety in me, and I wish I could find the way to so much desert as might persuade you, not only to own, but challenge that interest from these desires. I but show boldness to let you know that I still continue in the same condition of a servant to my Lord C. without any sensible alteration, either to better or worse: indeed if preferment were still the reward of desert, I might blush to want it; but as it is now rated, though it were laid at my foot, I think I should rather choose to tread upon it, then stoop to take it up. My chains are not so short here, but that they give me Elbow-room enough to lead a studious life; though I confess the fruits I have gathered from them, have been rather pleasant, then lasting. I have spent some industry upon languages, which has not altogether been unsuccesseful, especially the Italian and French; from the latter I have translated some pieces that I am encouraged to publish, but my more serious endeavours (for I call the other but my recreations) have been bend at the study of Physic, how prosperously, I am not fit to judge; & though they befriend me no further, I shall think they have done me some service in staving off idleness. But I should ask pardon for these impertinencies. I beseech you Sir present me humbly to your noble Lady, and believe me desirous to appear, what in heart I ever was,  
Sir, Your most humble and faithful servant, R. L.   

LETTER LXVI. To Mr. W.  
Worthy Sir,  
I Received yours with the enclosed, and the pound of powder, and with them a perfect confirmation of the opinion I ever cherished of your reality. I wish I could as justly applaud my deserts as my fortune, for the gaining of such a friend; but though I fall short that way, at least I shall be careful not to lose him by ingratitude. You have given me so clear an encouragement to put more figures to my debt, as I have got the confidence to crave an increase of my obligation, and to desire you to find some vacant hour to deliver this enclosed to my excellent friend Sir J. upon the receipt of it he will, etc. What you laid out for the powder, or what other charge you have been at in my behalf, either for sending Porters, paying for Letters, going by water, or aught else, I desire, nay I conjure you, you would take out of it, and to send me the rest, either to be paid to Mr. D. in Lincolnshire, or by one C. a Nottingham-Carrier that lies, etc. I am not so hasty of it, but that you may keep it till you have a fair opportunity. Sir, for what you have done already, and what you will do, give me leave to mention my hearty thanks, with my resolution never to appear insensible of these favours that bind me, Sir,  
Your faithful friend and servant, R. L.   

LETTER LXVII. To Mrs. L.  
Sweet Mrs. L.  
BEsides the civilities I had from you, which claim an ample acknowledgement, I remember I tied myself by promise to kiss your fair hands with a few lines, though all their errand be only to tender you the unfeigned service of the sender, and to mention his wishes for the accomplishment of yours; if the effects of which might but hold a proportion with your deserts, you would be sufficiently happy. I know you are Mistress of goodness enough to pardon the flow payment of my word, and it shall encourage me to amend it with future diligence. You will much oblige to honour me with a line or two, and let me know how the state stands in your Family, and when we are like to bid you welcome into the Country. One request more and I have done; put me into the number of those that you count your most faithful friends, for indeed I am, and ever will be so, etc.  
R. L.   

LETTER LXVIII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I See you will make me an usurper against my will, by laying desert enough to my charge, to dazzle the Eyes of Pretence, and even stagger the stoutest undertaking resolution. I confess I cannot keep off some wishes to be what you would make me; and if I could arm as much power as desire, 'tis possible I might endanger the Fort you say I am Master of; and I am contented to dislike my own weakness that I am not so: but I have too much Earth about me to fit myself for such a flight, that with dull enticement is still seducing me downwards to its own Element, and hangs like a huge Plummet upon my pinions, when they are stretching at such a pitch: sure some pale phlegmatic constellation threw a melancholy look upon my Nativity, and gave my Soul these blunt ill-tempered tools to work with: methinks I cannot behold the timely advantages of other Constitutions, and not upbraid my own. But certainly 'tis not amiss in some things to be unhappy, for if wants do not engender despair, they must needs be fruitful. Wisdom is a Coy Dame to all the World, but most inflexible to the Courtship of Fortune's Darlings; and 'tis one of the best reasons why that blind Wenches smiles are dangerous, because 'tis so hard a task to taste her kindness, and not surfeit; and indeed not to overvalue those ingredients with which common opinion compounds her false felicity, is the way to purchase the true one.  
If I were able to show you events as Astolfo's Logistilla showed the race of the House of Este before their Conception, I would not hid them from you, though I kept the rest of the World in ignorance; but 'tis long since I left off the pretences to Delphic divination, and resolved to shut the eyes of my Reason, ever since she looked through so false a Perspective. Certainly they that are now in the Saddle do sit very sure, and while they keep their feet in the stirrups of strength and vigilance, though they may receive a rude shock, it will be hard to unhorsed them. I should be glad if you could keep your shelter till the Clouds clear up; but whensoever you leave it, you have parts that will make room for you in the World, wherever you direct your steps; and I shall never take a temporal favour more gratefully of Providence, than a capacity to serve you in such a design, or any other. I am now suffered to say no more but what I must ever say, that I am, and must ever be  
Principally yours, R. L.   

LETTER LXIX. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
THough I had a confidence in your affection, that can never be tempted to be less, yet methinks I should not do right to your last, if I did not confess that it set my apprehension to work upon your perfect friendship: things may be incapable of addition that are not of agitation: there are some generous liquors that never give so clear a proof that they have spirits, as when motion calls them to their active task; so these dear repetitions of professed amity from you, though they cannot make me love you better, they wake it into a better appearing, and teach me to take a more exact account of myself, of the right you have in me; and these (if you dare believe me) are my pleasantest recreations, since love (the parent and framer of delight) predominates in the employment. If this world be well scanned, there is nothing valuable in it but a true Friend: Community is not only the hinge of the Universe, but the signet of every single delight; for were it possible to domineer over the whole Earth (packed into an entire Monarchy) and to be Master of all that wears the stamp of sublunary happiness, yet if the possessor be not allowed to latch his own felicity (at the rebound from others approbation) he will but brood his tiresome pleasures as an Usurer does his Gold, only own, not use them; and all his Joys (like Witches banquets) will only seem and serve to cheat the appetite with a few false promises of sweetness. It were easy to prove, that, since communication coins our earthly delight, that there it comes nearest to perfection, where it receives a Copy of itself. By this it is fit you should guess how happy I deem myself in your kind invitation, which is backed with abundance of such tempting Arguments as Love and Reason, when they are joined in Commission, do use to urge; and believe it they are received as the legitimate issue of your entire affection: what resentments such use to produce in a breast that has no harbour for ingratitude, cannot pose your apprehension; by that fancy the influence they must have in me, and therein read my thankfulness. But the quality of my employment here is such, as I know it cannot yet consent to make me so happy. I have now almost destroyed a years time in this scurvy Country, since we last wandered from London, etc. You may find out many reasons to induce you to accept my Cousin C's invitation of your Company into Lincolnshire; I shall not need to mention my wishes to see you there, nor tell you how happy you will make me in such a meeting, for the repetition is needless: if you come while I am on this side London, I will enjoy you in spite of all my Fetters; but make as much hast as you can, for this morning my Lord told me we should set out for London in the beginning of May. Your Picture I received, and am sorry I have no token to return you, that may deliver a visible Message of my gratitude; it is applauded of all that see it, only your Pencil has left out some grey hairs that the Epilogue of his misfortunes had planted on his visage. I have enclosed the translation of a mad fantastic Dream, which is the fruit of my first Enterprise upon the French Tongue; I met it in a Romance called Frantion, and it pleased me so well, as I was easily enticed to spoil it thus into English. I was tempted to make the whole Book speak the same Dialect, but could not consent to lose so much time as the work would have demanded. Read it over, laugh at it, and return it again when I come to London; and now I have almost tired my Pen and your patience, it is time to subscribe myself, as I ever must be,  
Your truly affectionate Brother to Command, R. L.   

LETTER LXX. To Mr. L.  
Sir,  
I Received yours, & delivered those enclosed to my two Lords; the younger has in this returned a reply. Sir, the report of Mr. W. and others, has given you so fair a character, as I shall deem myself happy to enlarge your acquaintance in my Lord's house, and increase the number of your servants. Mr. W. if not lately removed, is still at Antwerp; we do now and then exchange a line or two, though many miscarry. If you will venture yours in mine, I shall do my best to make it reach his hands, for he has right to much more service than I can do him; we say nothing to one another, but what we care not if it be construed by the way. If Mr. B. once Fellow of Christ's, be in those parts, I pray speak my service to him. Sir, if I may serve you here in aught else, I desire your instructions that am  
Sir, Your most humble servant, R. L.   

LETTER LXXI. To Mr. W.  
My dearest Friend,  
IF the sky had been clear, and the passage free, your satisfaction had not been so long deferred. The Letters mentioned are irrecoverably lost: whether any busy hand, or prying eye be guilty of their interception I know not; but though I am confident there was nothing in them that could find work for a jealous construction, yet better judgements concur with my opinion to lose them quietly. What you would say to the other two, if you think fit, speak it to me only, and if I do not get your desires effected, the defect will only be found in my power. You are saluted with much kindness by the Gentleman, and entreated to let him know by your next to me, whether you received a Bill of Exchange of 5 l. which was sent in Compensation of the charges you expended in your visits to the Prisoner; if it miscarried, as he fears, signify so much, and you shall receive another enclosed in my next. Methinks you are very tardy in showing me how I may serve you. I must never suffer any to love better; and if you can think, as it is, my trustiness equivalent, spare not to command  
Your own for ever, R. L.   

LETTER LXXII. To his Brother Mr. F. W.  
Sir,  
THe mistake that begot what you call your trouble, is become mine, and I am much afflicted for being presented to you in an exceptious character by the misapprehension of another; and should be more if it were no error. Indeed Sir, I have severely examined myself for the words I let fall that might provoke this gloss; and my memory can acknowledge none but those: When your brother asked me when I would write to you, I told him you were already in my score for a Letter, and till you had leisure to reply to that, I thought my silence might be well taken. If these words will bearsuch a Comment as displeasure, etc. I am sorry I did not understand them, and do beg the charity of your belief that I did not mean them as they are taken. I have been taught to prise your good thoughts at a higher value then to forfeit them with such a frantic piece of arrogance, which would render me as weak an understander of your worth, as a deserver of your friendship. I was in good hope when we left London, if a sudden occasion had not prevented, to pay you my personal thanks for your kind invitation; but we rather dwelled then visited by the way at my Lords of Lincoln's and Westmerlands, so as we are but newly arrived at Nottingham, where my Commanders have found me such employment as will scarce dispense with my absence on this side Christmas; and when I come, though I must bring that along with me that will give me a better title to your contempt then admiration, yet I make myself happy with the hopes of an opportunity to assure you that I am not the same which misinterpretation had made, but will ever be industrious to appear,  
Sir, A true respecter of your worth, and an earnest desirer of your amity, R. L.   

LETTER LXXIII. To my Sister F.  
Dear Sister,  
BY this time you have accused my absence and silence of much unkindness, and I stand condemned by your judgement for a forgetful promise breaker; and indeed did the reins lie lose upon my neck, I should deserve the censure. I confess the receipt of a Letter from you that overflowed with Love; and, if I have not lost all my credit with you, be confident I met it with as high a tide of affection. I should have returned a Paper to tell you so, but that I cherished some forward hopes to do the message with more content to us both in person. When yours came we every day talked of leaving London, though our stay was prolonged from day to day, above six weeks after; and when we did, we consumed as much time in coming down: and thus my ardent desires to see my friends were dallied into torment; and I brooked the delay so much the worse, because I I had still a likelihood in gaze: but now I am forced to wait with an extended patience for a remoter opportunity; for the Lady that I wait upon has got a belly so big, as till that swelling falls, and the thing be made a Christian, 'tis impossible I should break away. I confess, Dear Sister, I have been so often forced to deceive your expectations, as you may think I rather make then suffer these delays; but be assured they have been as unwelcome unto me as yourself: and if it be a property of love to desire the presence of the thing beloved, I may claim the restoration of your good opinion, for none is more desirous to see you, then, Dear Sister,  
Your perfectly affectionate Brother to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER LXXIV. To his Sister J.  
Dear Sister,  
I Have no other way to express myself to thee but the old one, which is, that I am still thy Brother as well in love as blood. I have contracted nothing from my acquaintance in three years' absence that can deface the remembrance of thee and thy deserts; for though the world preaches that doctrine, it must ever find me unapt to learn the Lesson: and believe it, however you apprehend my condition, I have no enticements here that may help to excuse the forgetting of my friends and kindred; it is so little impaired or amended, as I must desire you to understand it where it was, only in one respect rather worse by the help of my maladie's increase; how the Divine hand intends to use me by that means, I am uncertain, but will learn to welcome the worst. And now dear Sister, I will give thee back thine own frequent expressions; I do impatiently long to see thee and the rest of mine, and cannot fancy the world has a delight that exceeds the pleasure I shall then reap; and what ever you think, I have often fallen out with my narrow fortunes that have thus transplanted me. Well, I will set no more times of my coming, lest I be forced as formerly to falsify against my will; but when least expected, 'tis probable I may surprise a welcome, and be restored the happiness of appearing what I must ever profess myself, Dear Sister,  
Thine own, R. L.   

LETTER LXXV. To his Brother Major W.  
Dear Brother,  
YOurs came very welcome to my hands, for it brought me a present that I have laid up in my breast, I mean the confirmation of your amity; and now 'tis no more a guest, but a dweller; no longer hath a single Lodging, but commands the Mansion, and shall do till time demolishes the Fabric: in requital I represent you with a Copy of itself, or another of the same, and entreat you to keep it with as fair an allowance of credit, as I shall make it, or at least would have it deserve: and I hope nothing but a summons for one of us to leave the world shall persuade us to draw stakes But I cannot pocket your praises without despoiling myself of a parcel of modesty that I must not spare. I would tell you they are more due to their Author, but that I hate flattery so hearty, as I scarce dare speak the full truth, lest I seem to design it; in the mean time pray take them back, and keep them for me till I have learned to deserve them. But now after all this, I could almost consent to chide you for representing me to your Brother in so unbecoming a character, that has made him charge me in his Letter with taking offence, unkindness, etc. at his silence, of which he has almost made it an entire deprecation: indeed I was not willing to be apprehended so exceptious, and thus before I am seen to be known by a solecism in good manners, was not convenient; and considering how much his worth outweighes me, I ought to have stayed his leisure of writing with less impatience than you have made him sancy: But I apprehend your generous clear ingenuity in it, and that stops my mouth. I pray you give your Pen leave to make me acquainted how it is now employed, with what kind of gale Fortune kisses your Sails, whether you intent still to anchor there, or to hoist for another Port; and what time you will take to air your ingenuity in Norfolk: these Queries are not the children of a bare Curiosity, but of such an affection as must ever render me, dear Brother,  
Yours in all requisites of a Friend and Servant, R. L.   

LETTER LXXVI. To Mr. W.  
My Dear Friend,  
YOur last endearing lines I perused with as much delight as ever love engendered; I found things there not only worth the reading, but the using; and, which is not ordinary, gathered beauty and medicine from the same stalk: I will not be ashamed to confess I have received much assistance from it; for it was capable to charm the most unquiet thoughts, and to assure the most unsettled and irresolute spirit. By this you may judge it came welcome, though not to welcome me home; for my Norfolk-journey is yet to take, and I think must be per force deferred till the Spring, and so I shall be welcomed with Nosegays: the reason is, besides the inclemency of the season, my Lady, etc. I hope my last that gave a particular account to your desires, got safe to your hands; I pray let your next tell me whether Mr. K. hath done any thing in what I intimated concerning the young Gentleman, etc.  
Your own, R. L.   

LETTER LXXVII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Am glad to see you are so well armed against your Domestic Enemies, and can pull out the stings of vexation so dexterously: 'tis a Science that comprizes the whole art of living happily; and he that has perfectly learned it is rich in despite of the frowns, and without an obligation to the fawns of Fortune. Discontent is the Gout of the mind, and so much the harder to be cured because it is hereditary, and as old as succession in posterity; but if we often repair to the great Physician, he is always able, and for the most part willing, to ease us: though it springs from the wombs of various causes, that are themselves complexed in the concupiscible and irascible faculties; yet most commonly it proceeds from a surfeit of unsatisfied desires, which run madding after that they cannot have; or if sometimes they chance to overtake it, commonly they are as much tired with the fruition, as before perplexed with the defect; and like Huntsmen, reap more delight in the game than the Quarry. But I draw faces with a blunt Coal. We are suddenly resolved to morrow without fail to begin our Journey to the Bath, and so from thence almost to the Lands end Westward; which precipitate resolution does almost put me to my wit's end, having so little elbowroom of time for preparation: this makes me that I can yet say nothing to the latter part of your Letter; and when my leisure is largest, my poor abilities will not let me say much to purpose, however I shall stretch them to an equal contribution in that charitable design. My multiplicity of business does you a kindness, and shortens your trouble, by enforcing me to subscribe myself, Dear Brother,  
Yours in the very abstract and spirits of affection, R. L.   

LETTER LXXVIII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Am advised by many reasons to copy your content for my nearer approaches, but none so powerful as what you alleged; for, believe it, I study nothing with more circumspection and delight, than to preserve the perfect heat and health of our friendship from those cold Diseases that use to ruin others. I am proud of my friend's affection, though not their praises: yet I could wish (though only to save the credit of their Judgements) that the one were as due as the other. Pray return my service to Mr. S. when you see him next, and tell him I am much in his debt for being preserved in his thoughts. I could never be at quiet with a Bookseller, till I promised to make him ready the second part of Hymen's Praeludia against the next Term; but my short allowance of time will enforce me to huddle it up in such haste, as if I got any credit by the first, I have much reason to fear the second will forfeit it: he offered to be at the charge of cutting my own face for the Frontispiece; but I rejected his offer, resolving the World should have no cause to smile at the vanity in putting my Picture to a paltry Translation; but finding him still eager to put a gay before his Book, I designed him this, which is now a cutting,— upon an Altar dedicated to Love, divers hearts transfixed with Arrows and Darts are to lie broiling upon the Coals; and upon one of the steps of it Hymen is represented in the habit of a high Priest, with a Mitre on his head, a Censer in one hand, and a Taper in the other, holding it in a posture as if he were going to light it at the Altar; when Cupid is to come behind him, and pull him by the saffron-sleeve, with these words proceeding from his mouth, Nondum peracta sunt praeludia, as much as to say, 'tis not time to light your Marriage Taper, for the woo are not past: which alludes to the unfinished Story, as well by the Author as the Translator. I should gladly have been obliged to you for the Draught, not ignorant what advantages the Cut would have borrowed from your hand, which it now must want; but our scarcity of time could not permit it to stay for so much perfection, and so he that graves it has drawn it, though methinks but unskilfully, etc. If I altar not my intentions, I think I shall dedicate my Book to my Lord C. J. W. is gone to one Sir A. C. in Cambridge-shire, near Newmarket, and made me half a promise to visit you at Barningham before his return. By this time I have tired you most unmercifully with my tedious stuff; but you have learned to pardon, by oft enduring these tricks from, Dear Brother,  
Your really affectionate Brother, R. L.   

LETTER LXXIX. To Mr. R. C.  
Dear Robin,  
THe now silent Nightingale does not with so much ardour wish for the flowery month that gives an harmonious Tongue to his sorrows to deplore Tereus' cruelty, as my soul labours with the throws of the same desire that thy expectation pants with; for thy love to me, it is celebrated by every thought my heart wears about it with a firm belief, the weakest of which was never spotted with the least suspicion: and for my affection to thee, though the defence is needless where there is neither accusation nor jealousy, yet I dare defy the Witchcraft of Time, the stupifying charms of Absence, the frailty of mine own memory, and all other Promethean accessaries to forgetfulness, to steal away a spark of that fire of love which thy virtues kindled; and Heaven (to which then pure love nothing can be more acceptable) has refined to one Elemental substance which is neither capable of decay nor change. And though we own little to Fortune, for suing an unkind divorce betwixt us, yet the influence of her malice had no operation but upon our earthly parts; when those more noble disdaining to owe a circumscription to her coy wayward power, I mean our souls ordinary Messengers, have winged with love after, and mutually visited by a secret sympathy our intelligentiall faculties; and sometimes laden with wishes and prayers for one another's happiness, have met in the Aethereal journey to Heaven, and there congratulated the reciprocation of each others affection.  
I have now gained an unhappy liberty by the loss of a dear Mother, and the cold unbribed hand of Death has cancelled that obligation of duty which I did owe, and to my power paid her. The World will therefore shortly be my large home, and the enjoying thy Company my delightfullest repose; and till we shall again complete our contract, I shall truly rest  
Thy most affectionate, but unsatisfied Friend, R. L.   

LETTER LXXX. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
HAd not my employment made me a just excuse, my saying nothing would have been more criminal than bad language; neglect in friendship being less pardonable than injury, because 'tis harder to bring up coldness to a just temper, than to bring down anger; a fever being much easier to cure than a Lethargy. At my return to London (for I have been all this time in the Country) I found no less than three of your obliging Letters together, in which I read such an excess of affection, and that so pure and so near approaching to perfection, as if I did not find something in mine own breast of the same stamp and impression, I should give you the prize of friendship from all men yet that ever struggled for it. 'tis not a bare speculation of things in their causes and effects, nor a notional penetration into the Pedigree of every single Essence can render a man wise, without an Apprenticeship of use and practice: so to be able to define friendship, to know her just basis & true Centre, her constitution, temper, object & end, will not all make a true friend, unless that knowledge (after a fit choice) can make its way through the affections, into such proofs as either necessity or occasion shall dictate; that you have both the contemplative and the active part, has appeared, not only to my opinion, but experience; and will never want a place in my memory, and shall always be a task for my Industry both to pattern and requite. I am most sensibly afflicted at my poor Sister J's. Fever; and though I even fear to know how it stands with her, yet I pray put me out of my pain as soon as possible: in the mean time I shall not fail to solicit Heaven in her behalf, which is the best assistance I can lend her. My Lords only Son and Heir is newly arrested with the same malady, which I believe will make us remove for Lincolnshire next week. I pray present my hearty thanks to the Doctor for bestowing his Receipt upon me; this day I intent, God willing, to make it. Let your next tell me whether my Nephew Anthony spoke of a Letter I sent him, with a Book, wherein was enclosed another to my Uncle. This Fever is grown almost Epidemical in the Country, and the small Pox here, etc. Well, my dear Brother, I am  
Yours, and will be so, in all places, times, qualities, conditions, etc. R. L.   

LETTER LXXXI. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Am resolved to keep our intercourse alive, though scarcity of subject, and barrenness of ingenuity allow it but course far with friendship: 'tis Termtime all the year, and when it grows weary of sealing alternate Writs, it becomes a burden to itself; like a sickly stomach, perverting that into humour which should convert into Chylus. My cloud that our last parting exhaled, is not yet dispelled; which for the same thing does both accuse and excuse me, indicating the imbecility of Reason, and strength of Love; but necessity is the daughter of Fate, and her Laws as indispensable. I confess, resolution drawn from reason cannot fortify my soul so strongly, but sometimes the battery of this malady makes a breach wide enough for anguish to enter; but since I cannot overthrow it by encounter, I am resolved to evade it by diversion, and no more to invenom my wound by handling it, etc. I do passionately wish fare more power, that I might increase my happiness by it in serving you: but I fall short in every thing but affection, which makes, and will preserve me  
Eternally yours, R. L.   

LETTER LXXXII. To Doctor B.  
Dear Doctor,  
I perceive by an hint in Mr. H. his last, that the Carrier has been the miscarrier of two Letters that were levelled at your hands, and seduced by his neglect to an irregular motion; if Chance ever yet conducts them to their Centre, they will tell you the same that this has Commission to say, though perhaps in another dress; like several Structures, that express variety of shape and contrivance, though they derive their pedigre from the same Quarry and Architect. And now D. D. I am sorry I was never so great a favourite of Fortune or Nature, as to raise any just pretence to the tribute you speak of; all that I dare claim is but the due to such a friendship as you have charactered, and drawn so lively, as it would bring the most unapt soul in love with the love that feeds it. In the mean time I can give no precedency to those wishes of yours that would cut off the large distance betwixt us, since I have some of the same mould and making of an equal ardour; but since necessity votes them down, do but send H. to London as oft as I shall L. to H. and we need not court a dispensation of her severe Laws for a meeting. Pray mention my due respects to your virtuous Bedfellow Mr. H. honest C. B. and the rest that know me; and do him the right (cujus pectori nunquam decedat amicitia vespere surgente, nec rapidum fugiente salum) to let him keep the same place in your affections that will ever continue, Dear Doctor,  
Immortally yours, R. L.   

LETTER LXXXIII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
MY last weeks failing was not because I did not write; but I think my woman was drunk that usually calls for my Letters, and so let the last lie like a dead Commodity in my hands, resembling some infects here, that are born, live and die to no purpose. I shall not have room enough in this to raise a bank against the overflow of your unmerited praises, and confute the height of your esteem as I ought: but it shall be my task to make the best use of them, and make that my mark which you have made my Quarry; for since they are not Essences, as your good opinion would have them, 'tis but fit I should keep them by me here as Ideas for imitation. I know not the constitution of your Interests where you are, and therefore cannot judge whether they be healthful or sickly; only I know your ingenuity is so well tempered with Judgement, as you need no assistance at the forge of your own fortunes; all than I have to do in relation to that, is to wish all your hopes prophets, and your fears impostors. I know not what to say to the Bark you spoke of, because I am ignorant how she is built, and therefore can give no opinion whether she be worth the manning: but 'tis yours and not mine that must either keep you ashore, or set you aboard; in the mean time methinks her Lading is not inconsiderable, especially being to be coupled with your industry. I delivered your Letter to Mr. M. W. who resents your well-exprest affection very kindly, and desired me to give it you so with his service. I need not say more of my virtuous Friend Mr. W. than you find, or at least may apprehend, by judging what he is by what he says; and believe it he is no dissembler. There was nothing but my haste in fault that I did not acquaint you with the contents of my Sister J's. Letter, and therefore you might have spared that excuse for breaking up her answer; there is nothing in it but you are equally concerned in with myself; and were your Interest less, I never had cause to think a secret less safe in your breast than mine. I hope I need not conjure you by all that here is dear betwixt us, to strain your endeavours in J's behalf, who has deserved so well of us all: her other Friends that approve Mr. B's Propositions may perhaps look no further than the Bark; but I know you will not content yourself with likelihoods and appearances, without a subtle and solid penetration into true beings and realities; and I shall never doubt that metal that comes with approbation from your touchstone, etc. My Messenger stays for my Letter, which posts me to a period. Dear Brother,  
Ever yours with all my heart and soul, R. L.   

LETTER LXXXIV. To his Brother Mr. F. W.  
Dear Brother,  
THough you own me for a Letter, yet I am so much in your debt for things of greater value, as I cannot be unwilling to lessen the engagement, though such petty payments are like to wipe out but little of the score. I have ventured to send you by this bearer the misshapen issue of my idle hours, hatched at such sit when my wanton Genius was too lazy to follow the pursuit of more serious studies. I confess it has some deformities which I am not guilty of, I mean gross faults escaped in the Press, which you will easily find & amend, if you lose so much time as to read it over; but if you think it unworthy, you are of my mind, and may bestow it on some that does not exact from himself so weighty an account of his hours. I have no more to say but what I must ever say,  
Your really affectionate Brother to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER LXXXV. To Mr. R. W.  
SIR,  
I cannot suffer the Fate of my former Letters to discourage me into silence; for if but one escapes Ship-wreck, it will do the business of the rest, and tell you all that they treated of (though with less variety) which is, that I am perfectly yours: and till you find out some command that may engage my pen to some other discourse, I must still only talk upon the same subject. You know I was never prone to meddle with news; but now it is forbidden with a penalty, I hug my aversion. The other day I casually met this enclosed page in a Pamphlet, and though it was directed to a Gentleman I know not, yet being dated from A. and subscribed with R. W. I guessed your acquaintance Mr.— the Author; if you have interest enough in him to wish him well, let him see it for his future caution; if I be mistaken, I hope the error will find an easy pardon. I have not yet been long enough in London to give you account of your Eastern friends, I hope my next will do it. I must still repeat my desires, that you will use me while I am here; for I must ever be  
Entirely yours, R. L.   

LETTER LXXXVI. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Should be as unwilling to be overprized as undervalued, since every man is obliged to preserve as strict a guard of modesty as courage. There are some species of virtue (according to Moralists) though they all aim at the same mark, and agree in their end, yet in their operation are so vastly discrepant (not to say contrarious) as they are scarce compatible in the same subject: and thus (unless the oeconomy of ourselves be very cautiously managed) to con one virtue thoroughly, is to forget another; nor can there be an higher proof of wisdom, nor is man ever so exact a Microcosm, as when, in imitation of the Elements, opposite qualities are equally mingled to a just temperament, and so tame themselves to a perfect harmony. But to return to yours; had the Frontispiece of it been drawn by another Pen, it would have been constued Compliment; but from you I give it the usual reception, and only believe (though the expressions much overtop me) Love guided your hand when you set down those mistakes. To judge aright is a task so difficult, as they that come nearest (bating things demonstrative) may be rather said to fancy, then attain it; especially every man being subject (at least sometimes) either to opinion, passion, or partiality, great enemies to a clear Judgement: but I show the weakness of mine, by tiring you with these unnecessaries. This week contributes little satisfaction to your appetite of news, etc. But I outrun the Constable: Dear Brother,  
Unconfinably yours to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER LXXXVII. To Mr. E.  
Good Landlord,  
I Received a Letter from our Friend, enclosed in one of Mr. H's. by which I perceive he found it unsafe to abide in a place so unworthy of his residence: 'tis a sad world that your treacherous Ocean should only rage's with such storms as threaten wrack to none but the virtuous and deserving; but you had the advantage of me, and had a taste of his society, which I pine for, but love you not so ill to grudge it: he tells me you are suddenly to remove to Bristol, which renders me (though sensible of my own loss, in the discontinuance of our friendly intercourse) truly glad for the advancement of your condition, I never found it a difficult task to make my own interest do homage to my friend's felicity; which if you purchase, I shall taste the fruit of my own well-wishes. For my Trunk, I desire you would use the means to send it down to my Landlords in Holborn, I will write to him to pay for the carriage. My true love and respects to my good Landlady, and Mrs. B. with the rest, and if ever my affairs carry me near Bristol, you shall see you are not forgotten by  
Your true friend, R. L.   

LETTER LXXXVIII. To Mr. W.  
Sir,  
THough this shall run the hazard of missing the way to your hands, yet I cannot content myself only to remember you, without endeavouring to tell you so. I received yours dated the fifteenth, the last of May; which pained me with no little regret that Mr. R. finds his affairs in so bad a condition, and my judgement of them so erroneous. I have not yet left admiring the last rare proof of your affection, nor reproaching Fortune's spite that would not let me tell you how tenderly I resented it. I am not friends with our fruitless residence here, when I consider how I might serve you at London, and I blush to think how little I have performed to deserve your ingenious acknowledgements; but my remote abode does now increase my despair of mending those faults. I am not able to tell you how well I love you; for I have it better expressed within then I am able to utter: but of this be assured, I would not be master of all my other wishes, on condition not to render them serviceable to yours, whose joys and griefs shall be infeparably twisted with those of  
Your unalterable friend, and faithful servant, R. L.   

LETTER LXXXIX. To Mr. H.  
Sir,  
I Am sorry for the first impediment your pen acknowledges, viz. the want of good news: for the second, you must give me leave to imitate yours, and play with it, for even my own imperfections do delight me when they make you merry. Your profession of a ragged garb is but a modest disguise of your inward bravery: & thus you go backward in your own esteem, that you may take the farther leap into others; thus being over-lavish in my commendations, you are too much a niggard in denying your own abilities. Mrs. B. is nothing so much beholding to your pleasant humour as myself, for it has created her an unworthy servant, and made me a very deserving Mistress before I thought of it; but I believe distance and absence will conspire to continue it still a jest, as sure you meant it; however Sir, notwithstanding you forbidden it, I must renew the profession of my engagements to you, and do but wish for so much power as may make you find that the reality which you suspect the compliment of  
Your truly affectionate friend and servant, R. L.   

LETTER XC. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
WHat you are pleased to miscall extravagancies of your Pen, are better construed by him that receives them, who never reads these welcome repetitions and confirmations of your amity, but (referred to that) he boldly concludes himself happy in spite of all the affronts of Fortune, and defects of Nature; by this you may guests how deeply you may oblige me in being still so extravagant. You had not been last Week unsaluted, if an accidental emergency had not snatched my Pen out of my hand, and alarmed my obedience to an indispensable employment (imposed by the commands of those I serve) which swallowed all the time that offered the opportunity. I hope my sister J. received my last Weeks Letter, which had lain three or four days by me ready written, or else she had miss as well as you. I am contented she should think me willing to the matrimonial bargain she has made, and am sorry my enforced absence has rendered me incapable of disposing my endeavours to serve a person I love so dearly, in an affair of so much importance; though since you condescended to accept the Province of treating & concluding in her behalf, my confidence in your caution and prudence tells me, that all other assistants would be superfluous and supernumerary. I am extremely melancholied at your dilated resolutions of seeing London; and the rather so, because I fear we shall spend the two following Terms in the Country, and so miss the happiness of your society. I have not yet received so much as a tittle from the Lord C. when I do you are sure to have a sudden account. You will oblige Mr. W. to inquire of his friends present condition and welfare. I have here enclosed his little token to you, the stone may boast a very ancient pedigree between his birth and his present being; the face was intended for one of the Roman Emperors, but whether the hand was happy that graved it, is best referred to your judgement. Let me entreat you to pay my respects as they are due to all my friends you shall encounter in your voyage, especially at L. hall. If I may have the opportunity of writing once more before you set forward, I will venture to trouble you with a book or two to L. and my Nephew. When you next see Mr. P. pray return him my respects proportioned to his civilities. I have much sorrow for my poor sister W. and as much wonder at her husband's silence, from whom I have not received a line this half year. Present me very kindly to my Cousin W. and tell him since he liked the first part so well, if I knew how to send it, he should have the second. But I have made no conscience of tiring your patience: Pardon all my faults, and believe me, Dear Brother,  
Your own to honour, love, and serve you, R. L.   

LETTER XCI. To his Cousin A. L.  
Dear Cousin,  
'tIs time to recover my credit, that I doubt almost languishes in your esteem through the slow performance of my promise. But sure you have goodness enough to make the interpretation gentle, and I hope faith enough to believe what I profess, without a spot of compliment, that I am to you all that you can desire in affection, though less than what I passionately wish to be in the proofs of it: would my occasions have allowed time enough, I should have ventured fair for the best of Titles, I mean, a Peacemaker between you and your Father-in-law; but that was denied by the severity of my affairs, requiring more time than I was master of; and indeed treaties of that nature are better let alone than not perfected. I know not how your Mother interprets my forbearance of an expected visit, but I fear unkindly; though indeed only these considerations, and not any coldness of affection to her would hase it so. Well, if you want any thing that London affords within the reach of my poor power, I am here to serve you; for take my word I desire nothing with more ardour then to appear as I am, Sweet Cousin,  
Your truly affectionate Uncle and servant, R. L.   

LETTER XCII. To Mr. G.  
Dear Sir,  
I Am once more grown into a condition to claim your promise of correspondency, and shorten the distance betwixt us, by a literal intercourse. Upon Saturday night we reached the Bath; and as if the Heavens intended to inure us by degrees to what we went for, we were bathed by the way by an almost continued rain; thus against our wills imitating nature's method in the conduct of her masterpiece, Man, to his perfect growth; first she teaches him to creep, then go, and so forward: so we began with drops, and are now succeeded to Fountains, but whether those will (like Bethsaida's Pool) cure our Diseases, is yet an Embryo in the womb of Time, when their own resolutions are better known to themselves, perhaps like the nature of weighty things they may descend to me, however to give you my guess, I think we are traveled to the West like a Winter's Sun, where our stay will take up more than our voyage; and to make the Simile run upon more wheels, all the days I stay here, will be as tedious as so many long nights without sleep. Present me cordially to my Brother, and tell him, if I thought I should not lose my labour, he should not receive them thus by a glance, but by a level pointblank from my pen. You may assure Polycarpus, I have no more leaves to take, unless he will give me leave to wish his wit may never shrink in the wearing, nor his mirth in the wetting, so long as he has use for them. If you can, let me feel how the great pulse beats, and preserve me in your belief, as I am, Sir J.  
Your most affectionate Friend, R. L.   

LETTER XCIII. To Mr. G.  
Dear Sir,  
I Had sooner given you a receipt for your last, if the motion of my head would have given my hands the liberty; for since our arrival here, my Lord and I, like Don Quixot and his Sancho, have done nothing but seek adventures, visiting all the Towns of remark, and enchanted Castles we could hear of, as if we intended to give the World a more exact Geography of the place, and mend Cambdens' Map of the County: only we have charged no Windmills yet, nor any thing else but his purse. We are now issuing out upon a second enterprise upon Bristol, but I think we shall quickly finish that adventure, unless we meet with some distressed Damosels. The I's and No's you speak of, put them and their power all together, I think spell nothing but I nose. I would fain live to see the day that the sweet singer may have cause given him to set his Psalms to the Tune of Lachryme, first hang up his Harp and then himself, for an imitable example to the whole Congregation in the Chapel: methinks the Members falling out about the reckoning upon the marriage day of their new authority expounds the Fable of the Lapiths or Centauris; make you the construction. We are now in a Town where most of the people get their bread by their water, I mean, the Bath; and to strengthen the Paradox, those that never knew how to govern themselves are yet guides to others. Of a City 'tis doubtless the prettiest of England, in a double sense, as it is little and handsome. Most of the inhabitants live the life of fishes in Summer, and Flies in Winter, for than they have nothing else to do but sleep in their crannies. He that comes of the best house of the B— is come to Bath, and we drank your health yesterday. Present me as is due to all: but 'tis time to make an end, and call myself, Dear Sir,  
Yours perfectly to his power, R. L.   

LETTER XCIV. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Am very glad your Ague has once more taken his leave, in a double respect, because it has released you at present, and (in all likelihood) of future trouble, at least removed them to a remote distance; it being the property of those concussive maladies, (resembling a friends reproof, or a Parent's correction) to trouble the body into amendment, and pinch health into a greater purity: and indeed methinks the turns of health and sickness, like the vicissitudes of joy and grief, while they overflow not their banks, are not only tolerable, but sometimes necessary; no Halcion-day so pleasant, as that which succeeds the precedency of a lowering morning. Your decoction no doubt was very safe, and the admixture of Diagridium and Sal Absynthii not improper; but believe it, this constant taking away the bran by an artificial Sieve, does but tie the hands of Nature, which if let lose & at liberty, no doubt would do it better herself: health hastened by a Physical assistance is like fruits ripened by artificial glasses, which are neither so fair to the eye, grateful to the taste, nor so lasting as those that stay the leisure of time for a genuine maturity, and I am confident that a good Diet, moderate Exercise, and a merry heart, are the most sovereign Remedies you can take to perfect your recovery. My Brother W. came hither on Thursday last, and parted hence for Oxford on Tuesday; his Brother the Major keeps him company in the Journey, he excused it, that he did not visit you by the way, and is resolved to mend his fault in his return, which I believe will be about Tuesday next; I think we sent your Ague to flight by drinking your health. I pretend not to any confidence, or indeed belief of what my last told you in reference to news, but rather take it as the child of some single conjectures, that are ever limming likelihoods of what they would have, and conceiting themselves into their pristine happiness; yet I will not swear that all is Apocrypha. I am acquainted with a Welsh Prophet here, one E. which seldom dreams without a Revelation, or sleeps without a Vision as he calls them, who tells the world of a sudden return of Monarchy to its old bias, and has been so saucy to petition our grand Council to bring home Charles Stuart to his English Throne, and threatens their disobedience with an utter destruction; yet this man has not only scaped hitherto with impunity, but they say is privately cajold by some Stars of magnitude; 'tis true, his former predictions have been strangely credited with events, as the death of the King, the lifting the Lords Essex and Fairfax successively to the General's place, the downfall of Presbytery, and dissolution of this Parliament, which he hit to half an hour: but I suppose you have seen most of this in his Books: if you have them not, I will send you them next week bound in one: for my part I read them for nought but sport, but he is not half so much laughed at as he was at first. I did intent to put out my Letters next term, but I see I shall be hindered by a sudden resolution my Lord and Lady have lately taken, to make a Journey to the Bath, and so from thence into Devonshire and Cornwall, to visit two Sisters of my Lords, which are there richly married. Present me duly to all my Friends, and preserve me in your affection as I do you, that am (dear Brother,)  
Indispensibly unreservedly Yours R. L.   

LETTER XCVII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
IF this ample interval and vast intermission that has insensibly crept between our last correspondency, had not on my part been constrained by the invincible and indispensable laws of Necessity, I should affix an Apology to the forehead of my Letter for neglect, and torment my head to excuse the offence of my heart; since he that can take commission from his own sloth, to let fall the thread of a friendly intercourse, betrays a labascency and a languor in his amicable resentments, and is no better than the shell of a friend, that would be thought to hid what he has not. I am now freshly returned from the English-Scythia, viz. Cornwall, which entertained us as the land of Canaan did the Israelites, with all that plenteous variety which was complext in the general terms of milk and honey, etc. But really I found as little correspondency betwixt them and London, or any of the Eastern parts, as if they had been as well of another Nation as Language; and venturing some Letters twice or thrice in vain by a lame Post, in which Packets still something to you, and finding they all fell short of the marks they aimed at, I sat down half angered into an obstinate resolution of adventuring to say to more to my friends till I could do it with greater assurance; which made some of my intimate acquaintance in London to conclude me dead or sick; and their conjectures were not altogether so wide as I could have wished them; for I scarce enjoyed one well day in ten Weeks absence. At my arrival I met the deplorable news of my dear sister W's death, which has afflicted me beyond expression, as well in reference to my loss in her, as to the poor boys she has left destitute of a discreet and induigent Mother. I pray let me know by the next missive without fall how the condition of our family is stated, in relation to the health and affairs of those persons that compose it, especially yourself, who ever led the van to the whole World in my wishes, etc. I have now nothing more to speak, but my desire that you would pardon my haste, with the faults it commits, since my time is too penurious to allow me a present circumspection. Expect an amends in my next, and continue me still in your thoughts, as I am, Dear Brother,  
Sincerely, solemnly, unreservedly yours to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER XCVI. To his Aunt H.  
Honoured Aunt,  
SHould I suffer Oblivion as well as myself, to swallow your last excellent entertainment, besides the proof of my own ingratitude, I should silently accuse your goodness for misplacing itself upon a subject so unworthy; give my Pen then leave to return you what I can, my true thanks, since what I would is beyond the reach of my power. I should willingly give you fewer words, could I make my deeds Rhetorical; for though acknowledgement seems the cheapest kind of requital, yet could I find out the other way, I should ease myself of many passionate wishes that have yet been lost upon mine own inabilities; but I dare go no further in this subject, lest circumspection to speak all the truth, should make all look like Compliment. I was lately importuned by a friend of mine, to give him my opinion, whether H. would not be a fit place to set up an Academy for the breeding of young Gentry, in all such qualities as pass in the opinion of the world for Ornaments: he professes to teach the French, Italian and Spanish Tongues, Mathematics, the use of the Globe, besides Latin and Greek, and I am confident will prove no Mountebank in any thing he undertakes, for I dare speak him one of the most complete Gentlemen of this age; but I suspended my opinion of the design, till I knew yours, by which if approved I shall render mine with the more confidence, because I know your Judgement so little acquainted with error, as it seldom misses to miss of it. Dear Aunt, if you vouchsafe to give me in a line or two how you relish it, he shall steer his course accordingly, and I shall range it among those favours that have made me your desperate debtor, but, dear Aunt,  
Your most humble and faithful Servant, R. L.   

LETTER XCVII. To his Brother Mr. F. W.  
Dear Brother,  
BEsides the desert of your kind expressions, which called to a slow hand for a reply, I am hinted by the news of my Sisters safe delivery, to wish you as much joy in your young Son, as if the present hopes in him were already ripened to their future perfection, and expectation were changed into assurance. I know not whether you should more skill in the diminution of your own, or extolling my deserts, in the first act put on the face of modesty, in the second of kindness; and fight with such Weapons, she cannot choose but triumph. I dare not enter the lists that way; but if an honest heart that speaks plainly, and means well, that takes care to preserve its own simplicity from such mixtures as will harm it, I have it for you, and will keep it so. Present my dear respects to my Sister, and tell her, I wish you may make her Mother to a numerous offspring, on condition they may all prove as so many accessaries to the Parents happiness: by that time this is like to reach your hands, perchance the guests and gossips may be assembled at the Christening, to each of which, if I know them, I beseech you Sir present me as is due: I cannot choose but mention honest Mr. H. Mr. B. Mr. D. etc. So oft as your Pen gives me a taste of your welfare, I relish much happiness; for Sir, believe it, you cannot lose any confidence upon my affection, that desires to appear to you,  
All that is requisite in perfect Amity and Service, R. L.   

LETTER XCVIII. For Mr. J. E.  
SIR,  
I Received your last, with your thanks for those blots, whose ill contrivance may rather summon my own blushes than your acknowledgement: all the disposal I will challenge in the noble proffer of your heart, is still to reserve him a harbour there, who is never so angry with his stars unkindness, as when he considers he can pay down no greater earnest of desert for these favours than a few cheap words. Sir, I know no greater encouragement to any endeavour than obedience to your Commands; for which the employment itself would be an ample recompense, and I should reap a plenteous Harvest in the very tillage. I know you are all thirsty of happy news; but this week affords not a drop to quench it: you have not deserved to be cheated with hopes for realities, nor do I think it fit to send you Conjectures for Positives. The strongest encounter with our fears is given by the etc. what that may produce, I leave to the steadier balance of your Judgement. Our expectations have been so oft, like the early blessings of a forward Spring, been betrayed to the tyranny of a following Frost, that I am resolved mine shall bud no more till the uneclipsed Sun shall chase keen winter before his victorious rays, etc.  
R. L.   

LETTER XCIX. To Mr. R. W.  
My dearest Friend,  
I Received those lovely Copies of a virtuous and knowing soul in the last lines, with such a gladness, as none but you that had power to create it can fancy: this Paper will not hold the description, and therefore think it but the result of an affection, so simply pure, as has long since left off the capacity of growth and decay, and then you have it. You do well to say we cannot be divided; for the remotest corner of the Earth cannot hid you from me, and even at such times when I know not where you are I visit you: you have put such sweetness, and yet so much gravity in your words, as I know not whether I am more ravished or instructed, and have much ado to scape self-love, because I am so loved, though I do more than like the Character of dispositions, observation of national propensions, and proper distempers; your tracing the footsteps, skilful reading upon the decayed skeletons of Antiquity, with the rich embroidery of a clear judgement upon all; yet when such a Bee flies among Flowers, I cannot wonder if she carries home store of Honey; when so active a fancy encounters such apt materials to frame Ideas, 'tis not strange if she brings rich ladings to the understanding. But above all, my dear Friend, I must remember to thank you for those sweet and candid insinuations of Piety and Virtue, which with a cunning affection you gently communicate, by presupposing that I have them already; and thus your skill and kindness combine to interweave delight and profit, and conspire my happiness. Well, could I but take my visible Example where I had my Precept, the Lesson would be less difficult, and I sooner shaped to your mind; for though I strive to love as perfectly as possible, yet I dare not think myself qualified enough to deserve such a Friend, etc.  
Eternally yours, R. L.   

LETTER C. To—  
Madam,  
I Cannot pocket your excellent lines, without expressing my own unhappiness in aspiring to what I should only have been contented to admire: had I but gazed, and then given over, the impression had not gone so deep, and I might have outworn the wound; but it was too hard a task to begin to understand you, and not suffer Love to undo me with ambition. Had my eyes only betrayed me, and your face and feature tied on my chains, I might have trusted time and absence for a Cure, and read for it in the variety of other cheeks that are white and red; but 'tis your diviner part has charmed me, that Soul of virtue and discretion that guided your Pen took me prisoner: nor can I hope a release from Reason, since Reason itself is a fellow-captive with the rest. I confess I am staggered as well as you in my resolution of seeing of you no more, and fory I did not except visits, when I forswore addresses; but 'tis in your power to interpret the Oath with that condition; and though more reviewes cannot mend the sculpture of your Image in my heart, nor a perpetuity of absence deface it, yet I could willingly (before the wind carries me away) take encouragement from you once to see the dear cause of my unpitied sufferings; which you may safely grant, because I reinforce my promise to let alone that subject that so much offends you, and torments your servant. I should now endeavour to confute the modest injury you have done your own deserts, and tell you how your striving to extinguish increased the ardour, that you vainly bestow the title of Candour and Sincerity upon the same thing you scorn, or at least misprise: besides, I should gratefully mention the cruel charity of your wishes, that would have no thought of yourself disquiet me, which you know is impossible; but this would be to answer your Letter, and coldly to dispute, which my present transport will not allow: well, though you have razed it out, I must ever fasten the Epithet of loving to the title of  
Your eternal Servant, R. L.   

LETTER CI. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
YOur last undated Letter I received last night, and perused the well-woven variety in it with so clear a delight, as it resembled the Sun's victorious glory in a Cloudy morning, dispelling the mists of melancholy which has lately got a trick to sit something heavy on my dull spirit; but I am resolved to rouse it: how Sir J. has digested my mistake, and the stupid effects of it, I know not, nor do I much disturb my thoughts about it, for he has parted with much of his Candour, if he does not resent true affection in it, (though ill expressed.) It is not in my power to overvalue your last kindness, such cordial condescensions in a true Friend being (like the greatest number in Arithmetic) impossible to be expressed; and had my will a power adequate, you would soon see the requital would much furmount the acknowledgement. I suppose my last (if it scaped the danger of so long a Journey) told you, that I am now a Patient to one Mr. D. whose Physic I still daily take, (though yet with little apparent success;) but he is confident, and therefore I do not despair; however if you have a Recipe from Dr. B. of some sovereign lotium, it will be gratefully welcome. I am invective against cruel Interest, and do upbraid my narrow condition that will not suffer me to meet you at Norwich, (so much love being the inviter, and would fain be the Guest) but my Chain is not long enough to reach so fare, and (till opportunity grows ripe) I am losh to break it: I will therefore content myself to wish your meeting happily divided betwixt success and delight.  
I cannot disapprove the Character of the Gentleman, and not be Cynical; only I could have wished (for my Sister's sake) that his mind had not held most of his Treasure; but it seems, affection makes her willing to accept of an Utopian Jointure. The joys are confessed more purely genuine that wait at those Nuptials where Love makes the match, and not Interest; but this age is swayed with such a blind injustice, that it even forces a by as upon the most prudent virtue. Indeed I always observed in her a discreet foreseeing Providence, while she stood at the stern of her own Cockboat. In which, (if he does match her as well as in affection) no doubt but the bigger bark of their Family will be well Piloted, and so by a joint Industry their stock daily increased. I do exceedingly applaud the solidity of your caution, in making sure of that sum; but if I were able to advise better (as I am not) it would be fruitless, since you know with resolution all counsel is incompatible. This day I wrote to my Sister J. and enclosed it in one to my Sister F. wherein I do (not without much regret) acquaint her with my unfortunate failing in her behalf, though I stirred in it with as much dexterity both of mind and body as was possible; but the main cause of our failing was, that I knew not the opportunity soon enough. I am not now in so good a condition to serve my Cousin C. as I was when my Lord of Lincoln resided at Tattershall, within four miles of his Uncle; for now he is come to Sempringham, much more remote, where I think he will winter; so as I do much upbraid my own negligent omission to see him before I came from thence to Haughton, though I was fooled into it by a promise of my Ladies, to return thither in ten days, though we have already worn out the tedious Age of six weeks in this unfrequented Cave: nor do I look for a sudden deliverance from this solitary confinement; but indeed it is not much unsuitable with my present disposition, which can relish nothing delightful, till I get rid of this deplorable trouble; but when we return into Lincolnshire, it shall go hard if I break not prison for one day to see the old Midas, and then I shall not forget to urge what you hinted concerning the etc. Excuse the extravagancy of these inconsequent diversions, and expect method when health bequeathes me a more fixed temper; but you should never be thus assaulted with the sallies of these petty discontents, if you were not perfectly confided in, and peculiarly loved, by  
Your most faithfully affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER CII. To Mr. J. P.  
Dear Jack,  
I Am sorry thou couldst not carry health out of Town; but here is never a shop that sells that Commodity. I hope it waited in the Country, to welcome thee home; for if well-wishes may make thee well, I have redeemed it for thee, and thou art restored to its possession. My pawned promise is redeemed by this enclosed, which though it be too plain to be precious, I would be loath to forfeit it to a Friend. I prithee entreat sweet Mrs. Mary and thyself, not to spoil these course lines with expectation. My haste has done it too much already, they being the deformed issue of a few minutes stolen from my serious occasions; but if my mistake did not miss your directions, I have not shot much wide of the design. My belief has been so often abused with news, that I am resolved not to adventure the cheating of thee with some such unwilling falsehood. Let me enjoin the happiness in my behalf to kiss Mr. M ' s. fair hand, and lay the presentation of my service at her foot, and let her know that if the dull performance of this first has not discouraged her bounty in bestowing further commands, I question not but to give her a better taste of my zeal to serve her. In the mean time, honest Jack, if it requires it, I commit thy peccant body to belly-racking discipline of thy guilded Pills, but thy mind and senses to the sovereign cordial of her precious society and rest.  
Thy cordial friend to serve thee, R. L.   

LETTER CIII. To Mr. W.  
My dearest friend,  
WE are at last got lose from our Western entertainment, and delivered from the punishment of an importunate kindness, which was always in travel, and every day delivered of an overflow; but I hope we have escaped all the danger (viz. of surfeits) for which we ought to keep a solemn thanksgiving, and are safely arrived at London, which we shall only make a baiting-place by the way into Lincolnshire, and there spend the remains of the Summer. At my return to London I met a pair of your Letters that had long stayed my coming, I flew to their perusal with a greediness as great as ever was the child of a teeming impatience, and found that in them which at the same time sated and justified my longing. I was truly glad to hear my friend had so happily pleased my Lady L. in his Factorship, which was confirmed by a Letter I received from her out of the Country, (for they left London upon the brink of our arrival) which commanded me to return you with her thanks by Bill of exchange as a gratuity for your prudent care in her behalf, and a request from my Lord that you would (if possible) procure him some more Italian songs. I have enclosed this Bill from your friend Mr. B. whereof I desire you will signify the receipt with as much expedition as possible, and direct your letters again to— for I shall be out of Town till Michaelmas. But now my dearest friend, I know not which way to turn my Pen, nor how to shape an answer to those praises you lavish upon a toy that I cannot own without some blushes; which was the only reason it was kept so long from your knowledge, for fear it should get me a deserved chiding from your severe affection, for laying out my time with so much improvidence and ill-husbandry: nor do I traffic with that stolen piece of modest policy for an improvement of reputation, because I disavow it, like a cunning Angler, drawing away the Bait that the Fish may follow it more greedily; for really I speak my thoughts without a dress, when I tell you that I have much wondered how it comes by the credit it carries in the World, and that so many judicious palates should gust a piece so insipid; however it is, I cannot content the importunity of some of my best qualified friends without I go on with this story, and I think there will be another part out at Michaelmas Term, if I come time enough to London to oversee the Press, etc.  
R. L.   

LETTER CIV. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
YOur advertisement of the happy Error came too late to intercept the abortive issue which my Crestfallen Muse miscarried with: but I was never more glad of being abused, and am friends with Fame for the deceit, since it is like to cost me no more than a laughing at. But reports of this nature shall henceforth only play fast and lose with my ear (as Jugglers do with the eye) and claim no credit till backed by apparent certainty. Your imagination cannot fancy a more grateful heart than mine, made so by your last courtesy, a trouble which none but so perfect a friend as yourself would have undertaken; and though I know you are none of those that can put their courtesies to use, and so become kindest to themselves in being kind to others, yet I shall never judge myself truly happy till I be able to return yours with interest. I would gladly find Doctor B. not mistaken in the situation of my malady, and I hope my experience will hereafter assure me, as now my observation gins to persuade, that there is no flaw in his judgement. I have a strong fancy that I shall reap much benefit by those lotions he speaks of, and therefore when you go next to Norwich let me entreat you to take a note of the ingredients from his dictates, for I conceive no time of the year unseasonable to take that kind of Physic. 'Tis possible Mr. R's directions, as one well skilled in such medicinals, may prove available, though I intent not to straggle the breadth of a hair from what Doctor B. prescribes. We are now retired from my Lord of Lincoln's to a house of my Lord of Clares in Nottinghamshire, where a Hermit is not more alone than I, this Country affording nothing fit to converse with but dumb companions, as pleasing walks in Gardens, Groves, by Rivers, etc. of which it is not unfruitful; that had I Adam's innocency and knowledge, my present condition would resemble his before Eve was created. I have lately not without much regret lost my French and Italian Tutor, who is parted from my Eady D. I am unfeignedly glad to hear of the health of my sisters, and that they manage their deserts with so discreet a providence to improve reputation. If you find Hymen is like to light an auspicious torch, and the truelove's knot be worth the tying, I shall not give a faint applause to the change of my sister K's condition; I shall be glad to hear in your next that she draws in a happy yoke; they shall have my hearty wishes that their sweet bondage may know no other fetters then what are woven by the soft hand of virtuous unfading Love: might I hope the happiness to meet you at London, nothing would be able to out-glad me; but I do more than fear that we are to consume this winter in these parts, unless a new kindled War do send us packing, and then I am sure that unsanctified City must prove our Sanctuary: that which makes it too probable is, that my Lord of C. is coming down thence with his whole Family, to increase ours here. I pray present my humble service to my Cousin H. C. and tell him, that if I can serve him in aught with his Uncle, who lives within five miles of my Lord of L. Castle, at T. (which we shall often visit) he shall not find my endeavours tardy; I have not yet seen him, but intent at our next going: 'tis reported there, that the other H. C. is grown a great favourite; but if report says true, he is like to plague their expectations with a most unconscionable long life, as if Time had forsworn to swallow his humidum radical, to whom he yet has denied the homage of either stooping or drooping; I intent to send him a pot of red Dear, which they say will be welcome. I pray present my affectionate respects to my Sisters, and tell my Sister J. that I am now in chase of a place for her, which if obtained will pay for all her patience; 'tis to serve the Lady A. W. and I intent to engage no worse Solicitor than my own Lady her Cousin Jerman; but I am afraid 'tis promised already, and therefore let her not hope too much; only if such a thing should happen, 'twere fit I had notice where a Messenger should find her; for I intent to send one on purpose. But I grow intolerable: pardon this rout of words, and call me as I truly am,  
Your own for ever, R. L.   

LETTER CV. To Mr. R.  
Sir,  
MY short allowance of time will only suffer me to tell you, that I am (what your friendly Courtesies have made me) truly yours, and will be ready to appear so, when any of your Commands shall direct me how. In the mean time, take my hearty thanks for the trouble you have undertaken. It was a request of that nature as (without the aid of much Candour) you must needs have construed Presumption; but your ingenuity has helped you to give it a better interpretation: be assured I will strictly require of myself such endeavours as may learn to deserve these favours. So if you please to let me know your clear opinion of this man's intentions, I shall steer my course accordingly; and (if you find it requisite) come to Nottingham myself, and get him arrested before Occasion shows her bald pate. I beseech you Sir return my Love and Service where they are due to my Friends you have with you. Pardon my rude haste, and do me the right to believe me  
Eternally yours, R. L.   

LETTER CVI To Signior G.  
SIR,  
I Understood by a late Letter of Mr. H. and since by your last to Mr. H. that you had sent divers Letters to me; which if so, I cannot do less than wonder at the strange contrivance of Fortune, in not suffering so much as a single line to arrive at my hands since I saw you; when none of those that weekly travel between me and my remoter Friends ever met with the same fate. Indeed I was glad to hear that Signior G. was yet among the living; for I judged nothing but Death could have struck him so dumb. I understood your desires, and the reasons of them by Mr. H. to receive your Seamozzi, which I presently communicated to your vale Milner, and prevailed so well by persuasion, as you will receive it by this Carrier. I am sorry my Lady D. does not accept your present; I suppose Mr. H. will render you a larger account of it. In the mean, I shall (using the Books carefully) read over your Translation with the Original, and so keep them till your reply to this directs a further disposal. Hast will now let me say no more, than that I am  
Your constant Friend still ready to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER CVII. To Mr. A.  
SIR,  
AN unexpected Command for Lincolnshire with my Lord beguiles me of the happiness to kiss your hands. Before your Suff. Journey takes advantage of my deferred writing, and forces me to say nothing to my Brother by you, to mend this unintended default, you may much oblige me to summon him by a Messenger to B. while you are there, I know his affection will carry him further at any time to hear of me; where if you please to give him an account of what you know of me and my condition, you will put me much in your debt: tell him I will write by the next Carrier, but desire him not to expect my coming over till I tell him I will come. I pray let him know I received his last with the Picture in it. Sir, may the success of your journey compare with your wishes. Present me kindly to all you meet that know me. Forgive the haste that made these blots; and be confident I am  
Your faithful friend and servant, R. L.   

LETTER CVIII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
MY last had not been followed at such a distance, if the sudden news of a Lincolnshire-journey had not arrested my Pen in the very act. My condition scatters uncertainty among the broken parcels of my time; and I must be no less than a Prophet to foretell how I shall spend the next hour; my firmest purposes being still curbed with a conditional bridle. Thus I utter the larger part of my endeavours, as an instrument does sound, that only talks over the instructions of an imperious hand. Yet I cannot say that any new restraint does raise the price of my leisure: but the continuance of my trouble, which I now suspect will keep me company to the threshold of the other World (in spite of all the aid of reason) does often untune and discompose my soul, that (though I should blush to say so) it even faints my industry, slacks my career, and makes me halt after such designs, which otherwise I think I should pursue with vigour. But I take it as a fatherly correction sent with commission to set me the way to Heaven, and so I hope I shall use it. We are now more than two years older since we last shaked hands; which (when I look back upon at a lump) methinks (in reference to myself) looks as if woven into a Chaos. From some I have encountered affronts that have struck fire in my breast; from other (sweet ingenious spirits) I have been fanned with a gentle gale of serene affection; such humorous waves have flowed round my Bark, as (at the same hour) have mildly kissed my keel, and spit foam at my top-sayl: and for earth, I am a double debtor to the constitution of my body, and my fortunes, that my Chaos has been plentifully furnished with that melancholy element. It cannot pose your conjecture to conceive how tenderly I would hug an occasion that might revive me the delight of so dear a society; for (if I deem aright) you may easily cut out such an imagination by the pattern of your own heart. But if I gain my health, I taste what others call pleasure with a feverish palate; I am therefore loath to appear among the friends I love so well, till I can bid adieu to a dull humour that now predominates, and my soul may have elbow-room enough (at least) to render my company not tedious. If Providence does intent me so dear a Present, sure this succeeding Spring must bring it, and then I shall venture to ask my first leave to play, etc. I do much applaud the disgust the creature made you; I know you have a soul that loathes to sin so slavishly (though tempted with fairer hopes than any can court you that way:) 'tis the badge of a worthy heart that can rather endure to appear less, then to be less worthy; and 'tis a rare disposition that will not suffer itself to be cheapened in such an age as this. But (though virtue sometimes sets a long day) her pay is currant and sterling, all the rest false coin.  
My Lady has newly got another swelling in the belly, which I believe about five months hence will make us hoist fail for London (for there they apprehend is the safest unlading for such fraights;) if I may meet you there you will give me more happiness than I have relished since I last saw you: And be confident your person and parts will find a more easy task in the purchase of preferment, then mine have done (in so many respects their inferior;) and if you can safely manage the interest is still left you to make it last till then, it cannot be amiss. In the mean time you shall do me but right to promise yourself the clearest advice, attended by the most active diligence, and ready endeavours that may be performed by the soul and body of  
Yours while he is his own, R. L.   

LETTER CIX. To Mrs. F.  
Honoured Aunt,  
THe debt due to your obliging goodness I can better confess then satisfy; and till Providence enrich me with serviceable power to pay the whole sum, I must beg you will receive the interest of true thanks, a coin (though often counterfeit) has here the stamp of a true heart; in the Mine of which your kind engagements have digged for such metal, and though it be not precious, 'tis beyond the power of an Ordinance to make it no currant pay; for Heaven itself received it, and if the impress be not forged, returns an acquittance. I promised you news, but its scarcity bids me crave a longer day for the payment, only this, The Scots, etc. You have the abridgement of what this Week produced: if I may use my poor power any other way to serve you, let me beg you will continue your favours in commanding  
Yours, R. L.   

LETTER CX. To my Brother Mr. A. W.  
SIR,  
YOurs of the third of this Current was brought to my hands by your Brother, and now mine; a Gentleman so happily accomplished with what is brave and ingenious, as I am justly proud of his acquaintance, and must therefore render a just acknowledgement to you that gave it me. So you may safely believe there is nothing in me that sways with so great a power as affection to my friends; and therefore my remote abode spoilt the taste of other recreations, because it made that almost speechless. I hold myself much advantaged by the consent you have given to let me know you, and will gladly stir any endeavours that may show me the way to so much desert: what you are pleased to say of yourself could not be excused, if your own modesty were not the Criminal; and whatsoever that forbids, I see there was no error in those that spoke you, since one that has best reason to know you hath confirmed the Character. It will be none of my fault if I do not help you to entertain your Gossips; but I dare not venture a positive promise, lest something that has more power over me then myself should infringe it; but let me entreat to be thought as thankful, as if I had already tasted all that your Courtesy intends me. Good Sir, speak me deeply affectionate to my Sister, say as much in my behalf to my Sister F. and believe me  
Perfectly yours in all that I can serve you, R. L.   

LETTER CXI. To his Sister C. L.  
Dear Sister,  
I Have had too much proof of thy disposition, to doubt its integrity, and I hope thou hast known me too long to suspect my affection: let us then in spite of all mistakes mutually maintain such a plaindealing love as may well reject the gay discredit of a Compliment. But now though I find my head & hand too weak to cope with your ingenious Champion, yet lest no resistance should render her victory inglorious, these few words in answer, that I perceive she did not well understand, or at least willingly misconstrued my meaning, the better to introduce her own ingenious reproofs; & first I perceive she was pleased to understand some words (only merrily intended) in a serious sense, the better to let me feel how sharp the weapon of her wit is like to cut, when it has a just provocation. Secondly, I must take leave to say, I know not well what she means by impoverishing Fortune of glittering toys, etc. however, I am resolved to do her the service, rather to impute the fault to the weak eyesight of my own understanding, than lay any erroneous mistake to her charge. For the desire which your own hand expressed on the top, I am sorry my power is yet unable to promise any pregnant hope of its effect: only this, you may confidently assure yourself, I shall providently improve all means and opportunities that may give you a strong belief of the most unfeigned affection of  
Your truly loving Brother, R. L.   

LETTER CXII. To his Brother Mr. A.L.  
Loving Brother,  
YOur last kind one met me at Nottingham, whither my Lord's recovery, (if I may call it so, for I fear 'tis but an intermission) hath returned us; where in spite of all my fair hopes, and eager wishes, we are like to resettle. If this comes directly to your hands, (which because of your intentions for H. I am jealous of) I pray let it speak me as I have still desired to be understood, and will ever stretch the sinews of Industry to continue the opinion. You tell me of two potent enemies you have to struggle with, viz. Malice and Envy; indeed they are two of the most angry Wasps that Satan lets fly; but where they meet with integrity, (of which I know you are not unfurnished) they may seem to sting, but there rises no blister; and thus their emissive venom, like the foreseen Basilisk, (which for aught I know may be no more than an Emblem of them) will fatally recoil upon themselves: for the cause of it, because you think fit to bind it up in clouds, I will not strive to unwrap it; only I shall love my own conjectures well, if event applauds them, that it portends you some conjugal preferment. I am sorry C. T. grows so lavish of his reputation to go in danger of a Warrant, because he does things unwarrantable: I pray God he does not buy wit so dear, that he will have nothing left to make any other purchase; if I knew how to direct my Letter I would write to him, but will forbear advice, till I grow more able to give good Counsel, or at least he more willing to receive it. I could wish poor N. S. had managed his Merchandise with more providence than to be shipwrecked in a Dungeon; and 'tis much to be feared, since he could boast of the ignominy: that the Sunshine of his new fortune will but light him to such another Farm, and so leave him in it: but I desire my Augury may get no credit by the event; and indeed I should be chary in unripping others imperfections, till I have fewer to mend of mine own; no doubt they are deformed in others eyes, could they be so in mine, I were happy. I thank you for the hopes you give me of a Cure when I come over, which I believe will now be shortly, I am resolved to consult Dr. B. about it; but custom has taught me to fear the worst. I pray let me know how long you intent to stay in N. that when I come, I may certainly know where to find you; for if you be not there, I shall unwillingly go so fare out of my way as by B. H. being full as near; but I talk too confidently for one that has not yet asked leave, and may perchance be denied it. I am sorry your trouble has still such a spleen at your side; a solid constant virtue disheartens malice, and disarms envy, and could rival your own gladness, if the gold you spoke of, with a Matrimonial Plaster, could remove the Lead from thence; but I applaud your resolution of content, with what you have, and will endeavour to write after the Copy. In the mean time, I cannot better requite your wishes, than by paying of you in your own Coin, which (if it be possible) is done with interest by  
Your cordially affectionate Brother, passionately desirous to serve yond, R. L.   

LETTER CXIII. To Mr. W.  
SIR,  
I Received yours, and in it much more than was due, by way of acknowledgement, in reference to your Son. You are pleased to call that a Couttesie, which was a debt, and indeed not paid at the full; for I must ever confess, that I own much more to your preceding Civilities. I find your Son endued with all those qualities that may frame him a fair fortune, and a high repute, both by natural and acquisite parts, which are more than likely to render you a happy Father; his apprehension is clear and quicksighted, his memory strong and retentive, his fancy dexterous and lively, and these auspicious signs may well be construed into hopes of a well-built Judgement, which is the noblest faculty of man. I perceive his industry in his studies is elaborate, and his observation always ready to cull Honey from every Flower; in short, I think he will no way deceive your expectation, unless it be in going beyond it. Sir, I deemed this account due by obligation from, Sir,  
Your faithful Friend and humble Servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXIV. To Mr. C.  
Sir,  
GIve this Paper leave to present my acknowledgement of your last civilities at Tatshal, & my resolution of taking the hint to serve you from any opportunity that shall because me to it. It has pleased God to visit my Lord and Lady, one with a Fever, the other with a Tertian Ague; but as yet neither expresses any violence, and therefore persuades no fear of danger. The remembrance of your conditional promise to give them a Sermon next Sunday made me deem it fit to send you this notice, that you might preserve your performance for a fit time; unless you will convert your intentions to the charity of a visit. I should be glad to hear Mrs. C. had shaken off her shaker. As my promise tied me, I have sent her the Polonian Story, which perhaps may feather some tedious hours; when she has done with that, C. is at her service, or at least shall be at a Weeks warning. I pray Sir speak me much her servant, and conclude me  
Yours as far as the wishes and power can reach of R. L.   

LETTER CXV. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
THe three Letters you mention I confess I received; and if we had not still been shifting places, like feathers in the wind, my silence would want excuse, and in plain English be translated sloth; for I was forced to take an  Paradox from the hands of Necessity, for too much motion stayed my hand. Since we lost the sight of London, I have dated all my Letters not where I dwelled, but where I was; but now I hope we shall sit still and breathe a while, so my dumb Pen will come to its speech again.  
I am deep in your debt for abundance of loving expressions, and want words to tell you how tenderly I entertained them; the task is too big to let you see how dear you are to me: do me but the Courtesy to fancy an affection, pure, , unreserved, that scorns limits, loathes change, and is only less excellent than that which makes the Angels clap their wings, and you have a draught of mine; to describe which in particular were to let an Ocean through a quill. I am sorry you are fastened to Mr. B. with Gossomere-tyings; but though those Cobwebs were Cables, I believe you might find a more commodious harbour to let fall your Anchor in. If you think it fit, let your next a little more unmask your engagements, and show me how your inclinations stand, and whether you can draw off upon a sudden warning. My friend on the other side the Sea has not yet accepted employment, (this Age looks too much asquint on true desert,) he still redoubles his kind expressions upon me, and so far as he is mine he shall be yours. I pray if you can learn, let your next tell me how his Norfolk-friends do; for he desires to know. I am not yet likely to draw my neck out of the Collar; but when I do, I shall loathe to invite yours intoit: without flattery, your person and parts do deserve better, and must have it. If this wretched malady did not still haunt me, I should not long trifle away my hours in a dull and barren servitude. I am now my own Physician and Patient; from my own prescription I have taken a Vomit, a Purge, a Collution, a Dentifrice, etc. if these fail, the hopes of a Cure will sicken, and I shall only comfort myself in the calamities of a short life with eternity. Sorrow and joy chastised one another in my breast, at the news of my Sister F's gentle misery. I will not wrong your apprehensions to give you the reasons, I hope by this time she is perfectly recovered, and will congratulate it shortly in a few lines to her. I pray present me affectionately to my kind Sister J. and tell her I was not master of so much time to write to her this opportunity; for I am forced to blot you out these words I send you in exceeding haste. Let me beg your furtherance in my Physical Studies: I would gladly entreat permission to transcribe your Book; but 'tis an unfit request to venture it so long and dangerous a voyage: only this let me crave, that in your next I may receive the Copies of three or four of your most virtuous diet-drinkes, especially Dr. Butler's; and the receipt of your rare Balsam, with a little quantity of it, if you have any made. I am happy in my Friend's welfare, proud of their love, and wish I had worth enough to make it appear they have not displaced their affection. I will make amends for my last long ebb with a future overflow. Salute all that know me with becoming respects proportioned to them; and now give me leave to close all with such words as I must make till death close my eyes: I am  
Your truly affectionate Brother to serve you till death, R. L.   

LETTER CXVI. To Mr. J. E.  
Sir,  
I Am not wise enough to plot an excuse to defend my silence from your censure, unless it be, that I made a conscience to call you from your better employments to lose time upon my trifles; but since I thought better of it, I found it fit to choose the less sin of the two, and rather venture a reproof for importunity, than a mulct for ingratitude. Believe it Sir, I mean it no compliment in professing myself much in your debt; but you always ranged yourself in that small number of mankind that sow their favours without expectation of a crop, and place their delight rather in planting courtesies, then gathering their fruits. I beseech you Sir, mention me to my Cousin E. as I am a grateful resenter of their last excellent entertainment, and a passionate desirer to appear so, when either they or I can find a fit occasion: let my she-Cousin know that I did lately find means to serve her in the business we discoursed of, as will come a cure for the greatest calamity either of body or mind. But our great ones are so overflown with this springtide of success, as they have not leisure to mind the bubbling of little Brooks. I would fain say something else if I were sure I could only speak to your apprehension, etc. M. W. kisses your hands with much respect, and desires the liberty (since London will not afford any of the same) to make your books speak English before he returns them. I beseech you Sir; present my baise mains to that incomparable Lady my Cousin Is. Lady, not forgetting the terrestrial Cherubins, and take my word Sir, to you I will endeavour to be all that is requisite in  
A faithful friend and servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXVII.  
Dearest Sister,  
THough silence be sometimes a sign, yet it is not a proof of forgetfulness; I am sure in me it has signified no greater offence, than what a large absence from London (in such places whence it was almost an impossibility to convey a Letter to H.) has enforced me to commit; and therefore if my affection has got a blemish in your thoughts, pray restore it to its former credit and beauty, for really I have ever kept it fair in mine, and will always take care to preserve it so. There is so little change in my condition that refers to my present interest in this Family, as it is not worth my account; only I live and that's all, for my allowance is so short, that if my own industry did not draw in additions some other ways, I should find it a hard task to subsist. In requital of this, pray let your Pen tell me how, and to what degree, yourself enjoys your health and content; how my Cousin L. thrives in his studies, and to what employment and profession his inclinations are bend with the greatest ardour; and if I can find myself in a capacity, either by advice or assistance (though I want them both myself) to serve you or him in the choice of a Calling, procuring a Master, or aught else that may help me to express how cordially I am yours, you need not scruple to command it from,  
Dear Sister, Your own in all that a sincere affection can promise and perform, R. L.   

LETTER CXVIII. To his Brother Mr. F. W.  
Sir,  
To say nothing after the receipt of so much kindness can no way be excused but by the utter shipwreck of my memory; be pleased therefore to believe that I resented your friendly entertainment as I ought, & do passionately wish I could requite it so; however accept the acknowledgement of it from a heart that means as much as the most puissant gratitude can act. I beseech you Sir, speak abundance of affection from me to my dear Sister your bedfellow; tell her I do not suffer myself to forget how much her indearing are aforehand with me, nor will ever consent to slip any endeavours that may show me the way to overtake them: tell her I shall earnestly pray for a safe unlading of her freight, and wish, if I may use Erasmus his expression, Ut non majori molestia elabatur, quam illapsum est. My Brothertraveller and I made it Saturday-night before we reached London, as I doubt not but his enclosed specifies; but if you find the date old, impose the fault upon me; for accidentally meeting Mr. T. and gaining his promise to deliver this, I was rather willing to trust a safe though slow convenience, than a speedy hazard. I pray present me cordially to honest Mr. H. Mr. B. Mr. D. and their Wives. I shall only add this; be as happy as your hearts can wish, especially in one another; and take my word, I shall always be forward to prove myself, Sir,  
Your really affectionate Brother and servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXIX.  
Dear Brother,  
I Am glad you have shaked off your shaker, and begin to wear your health, which before you put on as people do new boots, for a trial how they will fit, and so put it off again; Pardon the course resemblance, for to him I mean so well I ever thought I might speak any thing: but I hope you are now recovered with advantage, and are grown so securely well by your conquest in this second encounter, as your victory is signal, and will disable your foe from reinforcing. In the mean time I must not forget to commend the aim of your pious reflections at the right mark; all the joys and griefs, pains and pleasures, falls and rise that start from those under causes we encounter here, should all lay their heads in the lap of Providence, and he that does not teach his thoughts, desires etc. the way to that centre, does but shelter a troup of dangerous stragglers, that may be more than suspected to drag him the wrong way. Though I think the World was never worse for true desert to traffic in, yet I know you are so well furnished with what few can dislike, as I hope it will cost you no tedious trial to get a prop, if not an improvement, for your Fortunes. The vacant place which I refused to fill up in my Lord of D. service, I hear is re-supplied by the same man that left it, etc. If I were able to show you future events like the Magician's glass, and strip all the high designs of their present disguise, believe it you should be admitted to the naked vision; but wiser men than I do but rove with uncertain guesses, and make good the Italian Proverb, 
— A Case troppo alte non si pigtia mira;  
— 'tis hard to take a true aim at things too high.  Let me conjure you to be as exact and circumspect in I's behalf as is possible; I know you are most able to penetrate and scan the business, have studied the man, with his estate and disposition, and can tell best how to sift the conditions of his kindred, and discover how their propensions stand in reference to the match; for believe it, this may pass for a Maxim, She must never long think to preserve her husband's affection that has only his of all the kindred: yet pray do not construe this my unwillingness to vote it, for what you deem fit shall never want my approbation. I pray deliver my respects as they are due to all my friends you encounter in your progress; and tell my Nephew, if you see him, that he owes me a Letter. At your return tell me how my Uncle does, virtuous L. and my brother P's Family. I have no room to enlarge your trouble, only this; not only a good voyage to you, but all the requisites that conduce to your perfect happiness shall ever be comprised in the wishes and prayers of,  
Dear Brother, Your own to love and serve you, R. L.   

LETTER CXX. To—  
Sir,  
IF I could grow studious in the illiberal science of ingratitude, the lesson of forgetting your courtesies would pose me, when every glance on my present condition must needs undo my endeavours with the unresistible thoughts of him that gave it being. But you have always tasted more delight in performing courtesies, then in receiving their acknowledgement; to which I have been so frequent a witness, that I have even feared to give you the full proportion of my gratitude, lest it should provoke your modesty to understand it compliment. What construction it will make of these words I know not, but they are only a rude draught of what I carry in the Centre of my breast, an artless copy in black and white of what is there far better drawn in vermilion characters. But I do but unskilfully repeat what I hope you knew before. Time has not lent me experience enough in my present employment to let you know whether I shall be able to satisfy the expectations of them that command me; but as far as I have yet read in my Ls. disposition, I have seen nothing that can discourage my endeavour of pleasing. A few words will hold the news we have here, etc. and I shall conclude with what hath the same duration with my life, that I am  
Your affectionate servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXXI. To Sir J. P.  
SIR,  
GIve these blots leave to mind you of a servant that does often recount to himself how much you have formerly obliged him; the remembrance of which compels me to tell you I must be ever yours; nor shall I ever consent to be wavering enough to write them in a wave. If I had not laid out some wishes in vain, my Pen had wanted this task, and I had done my becoming respects in person; but so long as I bow to the commands of others, I am like those that swim in stream non eunt fed foruntur; and like a Cockboat must content myself to stand still while the Ship I am chained to is at an Anchor. Some failings in designs for preferment have deluded my expectations, and detained me in the Lord C's service; but I hope I shall not long repeat my steps in the same circle, where I content myself to spend my time with as much studious providence as I can Sir, if I did not often retreat into my own heart, and find how much it honours you, I would not thus importune you: but methinks I am told by the perfect integrity it pays you, that it becomes me to presume you still wish well to  
Your faithful servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXXII. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
I Shall not offend truth to tell you that I thirsted for your Ink with all that ardour and impatience which are usually the troublesome Companions of perfect amity, when she is rend from her object by the double divorce of time and distance: and though few delights tickle so pleasingly as those that get credit by absenting themselves, and after an advantageous intermission return fresh and unhandled to the senses; yet true friendship has a constant and equal gust of delight, is never tired nor cloyed with fruition; and indeed, if it can be rightly stated in its perfection here, may be called the elder Sister of Angellike happiness, Love being one of the fairest plumes that deck the Crest of divine Beatitude. But enough. If my last told you I was well, I must give this Commission to unsay it, etc. But I am bound to suffer all without repugnance or repining, since whenever the Divinity corrects with the greatest severity, we ought to take alarms from those stripes, not only to give the onset, but persevere to the overthrow of all that stands in our way to eternal felicity. I am very glad to see so many repeated confirmations of my Sister J's. happiness in a Husband; in which my affection goes a large Interest, and if my wish can get her a Lease of it for her life, she shall not want it. I should be fearful to say any thing to my Sister F. though I were fare more able than I am to advise, because I neither know the man, nor his disposition, how qualified or inclined; but admit them all proportioned to her desires, for my part I should be hardly drawn to acknowledge it could much mend her condition, which, if I mistake not, was very happy, if she has but a true taste to relish it: when I return to London, which will be about Michaelmas, I shall endeavour to do her desires in reference to her Son; but am now upon the brink of our going into Lincolnshire. I am so full of business as I am not master of an hour's leisure; and therefore if you find any nonsense here, impute it to the constraint of my precipitation: we must set out upon Monday next. When you writ, (which I desire may be often) direct your Letters to Mr. G. the P. in Ivy-Lane, and by him they will be infallibly sent me, and my answers returned; in which I promise to be constant and circumspect. Well, dear Brother, I have now no time to say more; in my next I intent to be more spacious in the account of my own Condition, which in relation to those I serve does grow Hectical, and unlikely to continue; and verily, should I stay much longer with them, the non-competency of their allowance would undo me: therefore I intent to look out for some other employment at my next return to London. Dear Brother, pardon my abrupt Farewell, and call me your possession,  
Your own, R. L.   

LETTER CXXIII. To Mr. J. E.  
SIR,  
ON Monday last at once I received both your Letters, which like people of the same noble Parentage kept company; and I crave that their coming that day late to my hands may be called my excuse for not returning an answer. This is a better opportunity to tell you, Sir, that your modesty in expressing yours, and the Families worth, turns your artificial Pen into a Pencil, to which, if it were possible, your shadows would add excellence. I must beg you would take a ruder draught of my heart, which is, that I truly honour you; and what wants in that of art, is made good in reality. I am still an Archer at Fortune's marks, and the other day narrowly missed the white of preferment: the best of it is, I have many strings to my Bow, and the Proverb says, The blind man sometimes hits a Crow; but, ad januam virtutis excubant labour & sudor; and that's the hubbe I aim at, I must ever scorn to physic my weak estate with gilded venom. In the mean time, my breast leaves a swarm of well-wishes to you, and the Honey they gather is your happiness. Sir, to you, if I could, I would not clip the wings of my hearty expressions with Compliment, lest, like the new-voted-down money, they should not pass for currant. I will still wear the impress your obliging goodness has stamped upon me, and when I prove false coin, let me be punished in not being received for, Sir,  
Your most faithful Servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXXIV. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Dear Brother,  
YOu have so overdone your acknowledgement of what a silent acceptance had more than requited, as I can do no less than condemn you of a loving error. The eyes of Judgement are never dimmed with such Catarrhs as when affection shapes the Object to their Optics; and, like our dear sins, hid their ugliness in the maskarade of delight, profit, or whatever else is the fittest engine to undermine our frailty. If the trifle I sent you had not been spoilt before, your expectation had done it to purpose; and, like Esop's labouring Mountain, would have brought it to bed of a Mouse. But I will trace this talk no farther, lest too modest a flight from my friend's approvement should give suspicion of an ambush to surprise more, and palpably seem to act an Angler, who often draws away the bait, that the Fish may follow it the more greedily. I am glad you wear out your Pencils so fast to your own advantage, which, however you shadow, your deserts cannot choose but add fresh beauties to your reputation. I forgot to mention your quere about my Lord W. in your Cousin's Letter, who had buried it so long in his pocket before I received it, as it had put on the discoloured Livery of time, and proved its Resurrection, by wearing the dust of its Grave about it. But to the purpose; that Lord is so fare from Collonizing, as himself is newly transplanted from the Barbados (where he was Governor) by the Parliament forces, and is now coming home against his will, to refix himself in his native soil; and this is so generally known, as a Diurnal of two months old will tell you the Story. Major W. is much your Servant; we seldom meet but we sacrifice a glass to your health; and if there be the thing Philosophers call intelligence of spirits, you far the better for it. By that time you have read mine through his Book will be with you, and come like the second Course to a Dinner, which always consists of the most delicate fare. I send you this by my Mr. C's. man, who looks upon me as if he were scarce my Cater-cousin, for you know what; but in such cases I am partly good at carelessness. But I have said too much, unless I could have said it better; and 'tis high time to subscribe myself, Dear Brother,  
Devoutly yours, R. L.   

LETTER CXXV. To Mr. W.  
Worthy Sir,  
IN the forehead of your kind Letter I am charged with what I was never guilty of, viz. Scholarship; but should be of too much ingratitude, should I forbear to show you how kindly I relish these obliging Civilities, the remembering of which I must not part with, till I utterly lose the faculty itself of remembering. Let me beg then that you will fancy me as I truly am, perfectly yours; and suffer me to tell you without suspecting Compliment, that 'tis no light groundless affection, but a clear experience of what I saw was deserving made me love you; for I acknowledge much affection in your resenting what you call my sufferings; but it is my weakness if they be so; for believe it Sir, if the Peacock stirs any passion in me, it is laughter, which is the Daughter of contempt. I may find a time hereafter to show some scorn to be so treated; but that must sleep in my bosom till opportunity wakes it. In the mean time, I am more pleased that there are some which conceive me in love, then offended at the weak pride of others that contrived the comical indignity. Sir, I am sorry that I can do no more than acknowledge your favours, and blush that my defeated expectations have continued you still my Creditor; but at our meeting that score will be wiped off without fail, and if my wishes were not too weak, my actions, as well as words, should style me  
Your faithful Friend and Servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXXVI. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
IT has not been the least of my discontents, that I have been forced to let you want the content your last Letter mentions in the receipt of some of mine; but this let me entreat, that you will never suffer your conjecture to deal so unkindly with me, as to impute a literal intermission to a flaw in affection. If you knew how much my strict employment does instruct me to say for myself, you would grant I need not confess a neglect; and if you saw how well you are seated in my breast, your knowledge would suppress your doubts of my Integrity, and leave them no possibility of a new insurrection. The 100 Epistles did not speak all my heart meant you. It is only in visible effects that my affection will endure improvement, in my intentions it cannot; but as it can only that way appear to be more, so be confident it shall never find any way to be less: but time is now too precious with me, to instruct you further in what you know. I received a brace of loving Letters from my new Brother and his Bedfellow; their expressions, like themselves, lay lovingly in a sheet together, only in this a little preposterous, that he lay undermost; indeed the man does offer friendship so handsomely, that I should show myself ill seen in civility not to accept it. I perceive (though you confess yourself subject to the Palsy) your judgement was not levelled at his desert with an unsteady hand; the Character you have given him, with what he has spoke himself, hath helped me to a longing to be known his Friend as well as his Brother: but this will ask time, and perhaps more merit than I am master of. I am glad you do not yet let go your hold where you are; and though the wide miss of some former aims may discredit my judgement, yet he that has but a twilight of Reason may perceive the Cloud not fare off that is like to make us more foul weather; (and while the Tempest lasts) safe shelters are precious. If you knew how glad your Letters make me, and were less guilty of that rare fault of undervaluing your own Commodities, you would see less cause to confess the exchange gainful: but (as truth engages me) I must needs commend the beauty that breaks out into your literal expressions with a daily increase of lustre. I find you have thriving thoughts, (and though in men it always holds not) yet sure in those the height of the quality may be taken from the handsomeness of the vesture: if you go on thus, your Pen will plant Rhetorical Flowers, as skilfully as your Pencil paints others; and this word Paint leads me to lay hold of half a promise which your last makes to send me the K's face in a Letter: let me first acknowledge some eager desires of my own to possess it, and then inform you that I have a design to let some great ones see what you are able to do, and so make you known to them before they know you. I will shortly tell my Sister F. how glad I am of her recovery: present me dearly to honest J. and I pray take some occasion to let my Aunt H. know that I do passionately desire so to serve her as may speak her good opinion not misplaced. I am now about to struggle hardest with my malady, but I am almost forbidden to hope a perfect Cure by a rational Physician in these parts; but I hope I shall obtain so much power over myself, as to resign my wishes and will to his that is the Fountain of power. I snatch this time of writing this from some occasions that would hardly permit it: therefore impute these blotted faults to that mother of blemishes, called Haste. Expect another better polished at my nearest opportunity, and suffer me abruptly to subscribe myself  
Your perfectly affectionate Brother desirous to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER CXXVII. To his Cousin A. L.  
Dear Cousin,  
THough my silence since the receipt of yours may have done me some ill offices in your opinion, yet you may safely believe without incurring the danger of an error, that coldness of affection had no hand in the seeming sloth of my Pen: the truth is, I had a double persuasion to stay my hand, as well to wait this occasion of my Lady P. going down, that I might promise myself some security of delivering mine into your hands, as returning an account of those endeavours you hinted in yours, that referred to the removal of that unkind Law-quarrel betwixt your Sister and Father in Law, by a mediated peace: really, dear Cousin, I am sorry to find myself in no capacity to experiment my affection to both the parties, by rendering myself an instrument of so happy a Compremise and accord, nor is it want of will or wishes that I am not so; but after some attempts that way, I find your Sister has so entirely resigned that business to the conduct and management of a discreet person, that has now (as he tells her) driven it very near a happy period, as she cannot safely let fall, or suspend her legal prosecution, without running the danger of losing so powerful an assistant; and therefore I could wish that you, and the rest that cannot look upon her actions at this distance but through the Prospective of another's report, would not use her too severely in your thoughts, till the last scene be acted; for I am confident she has so fair a stock of piety and discretion, as will take off the imputation of disobedience to her good Mother, and unkindness to yourself, and the rest of her friends. But I have touched that string too much, unless I were able to speak to the purpose with more satisfaction. I should be glad to hear your resolution stand firm of visiting London this Easter-terme; yet I could wish your choice would direct you to begin your Journey betimes in the Term, because I fear I shall be snatched out of Town before it be half elapsed. Since affection helped you to relish the first so well, I have sent you the second part of Cleopatra, for which you will pay too much if you take the pains to read it; but, dear Cousin, accept it from him that will ever be studious to start better occasions to appear what I am and ever will be,  
Your most affectionate Uncle, R. L.   

LETTER CXXVIII. To my Brother Mr. F. W.  
Loving Brother,  
IF I were not skilled in the ingenuity of your nature, I should fear your construction of my silence; but you have done so much yourself in defence of that, as I hope I need not despair of pardon. I shall not pose your belief, if I tell you that your last Letter, like Xenophon of his Cyrus, rather spoke me as I should be then as I am: and thus I am beholding to your goodness for difguising precepts in the shape of praises; from whence I may take as fair a warning as the Dunce did that was commended into scholarship; thus you have gently given me a copy to draw by, and I cannot err in my choice, either in making your words or yourself my original. If you meant it not thus, your affection deceived your judgement, and helped it to pass by disproportions and deformities, which it could never have overseen, unless by looking with her optics; and I am contented to dislike my own want of worth, because it cannot render your opinion justifiable. I wish I could as easily obey as I do gratefully resent your kind summons to Holt: But we are shortly going to six nearer you in Lincolnshire, and then it is not unlikely but I may find an occasion to slip my collar for a day or two, for no man tastes more happiness in the enjoyment of his friends, then, Sir,  
Your really affectionate Brother and servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXXIX. To his Sister J.  
My dearest Sister,  
SUffer this to requite the sweet expressions of thy last, with such, as if they fall short of an equal kindness, it is not the fault of the heart that means, but the head that indites them, and be confident thou art still as dear unto me as thy wishes can fancy me; and (to speak it better) as thy own language has made myself to thee. I do pattern thy own resentments in thy own behalf, that thou canst not yet recover thy health; but Providence has made us parallels in affliction as well as in affection, and I fear borrowed from the same unfortunate cause, etc. though the effect be different; for my malady still haunts me like a Familiar, & spoils my familiarity with all the world beside: if this Spring restores my health, as I am resolved to struggle hard for it, I shall soon let thee see that my longing to see thee, and my friends about thee, is as passionate as thine, but I am loath to come till I bring myself along with me; and though my affairs here be none of the weightiest, yet, I thank those that contrive them, they are urgent. I am not idle, though yet unsuccesful in thy behalf. In the mean time, freely enjoy thine own, and let what thou hast help thee to hug thyself; and be sure thou shalt be happy, if it lie in his power to make thee so, that is  
Thine for ever, R. L.   

LETTER CXXX.  
Loving Brother,  
WHile I was most happy in the converse of the most ingenious and communicable spirits, I would have called your silence unkind, but now I sojourn in a Land of strangers, it cannot be called less than uncharitable; for though I am very civilly used from the top to the toe of this numerous Family, yet in this throng I am forced to find out solitude, none here being made of better Clay than will render them fit instruments for Houshold-affaires; and I confess I would be glad to overtake other qualities in him I fasten on with a stronger tye than the ordinary slipping knots of faint acquaintance.  
I remember in your last (since which you have had three from me) you desired news; then there was none stirring that deserved your knowledge, and now we are gotten so fare out of Fame's way, that (bating the Northern occurrences) she brings us nothing before it be stolen with the rest of the Kingdom. This stupendious Victory of C. against the perfidious Scots, has made our Town of Nottingham an entire Gaol. Indeed the delight I formerly took in writing news to my Friends has lost much of its former reputation with me; my most liquid discoveries, as I thought, of undoubted truths have so oft been confu●ed, that I would not have my Friends take it ill, if henceforth I prevent the censure of a weak judgement, by forbearing to give them any more incertain hopes and fears by such relations. My simplicity suffered me a long time to be cheated with that general error that gulls the whole heard of vulgar understandings; I weighed appearances in the common balance, my Imagination took the print of things from my outward senses, and I judged the constitution of affairs by their false complexion: But at length, perceiving how wide I shot at events, and what amazing effects started from unobserved causes, I found not only my inconsiderable self, but many that made a brighter show, and a greater noise in the World with their quality and parts, had been catcht in the same noose, and were still liable to the same abuse at last. I resolved to try whether I could learn to see without that Glass that had so often falsified the Object; at length, by the illustration of some clear Judgements, (whose acquaintance I won by inches) I arrived at this glimmering:  
There is a certain sort of active men, grown main actors upon one Stage, that only appear in their perfect shape to one another, to the World a homely outside hides an outlandish lining. Their Education has stored them with Principles of excellent Learning, a Taper they always keep in a dark Lantern, and either show or hid it, as the season of opportunity, the nature of affairs, and the inclination of Persons with whom they treat do either prompt or prohibit. They are the most exact Students of men, the nimblest divers into dispositions, the happiest in insinuation, and the cunningest in compliance with all humours under Heaven. In fine, they appear to every inclination in the same shape the predominant humour delights in; and with a provident policy and dexterous contrivance, not only make the virtues, but even the vices of their active acquaintance serviceable to their main design: no doubt they were furnished with better reasons than you are like to have of me why they waved the King's party, and adhered to this; such as the short arms of my conjecture could fathom are these: First, they knew a Parliament so universally desired as this could not choose but be strong in popular reputation, especially having endeared itself to them by that excellent beginning of removing unjust pressures from the shoulders of the suffering subject, by finding out abuses, and abusers of the Government, and by promising that same costly word of Reformation both in Church and State. Secondly, They knew they could hope for no Harvest of their endeavours, till they had sown pleasing and plausible insinuations in the ears of the inferior rank: the Royalists they knew were no fit Soil to entertain this seed; they of the lower Region being incapable of, and repugnant to any apprehension that at first gaze did not appear a visible aid to the cause that unsheathed their Swords; besides their too free and open hearts, their careless and (indeed) dissolute carriage, rendered them unfit to be trusted with any notion that demanded silence; and on those of eminent degree they had as little hope to fasten their designs, for besides that they hated any thing that but smelled of their best bait Innovation, they wanted unanimity, (the main Pillar that should prop such undertake) for the study of advancing peculiar interest, feeding the insatiate appetite of private ambition, indiscreet competition for priority, quarrels, and hunting profit and pleasure with too hot a sent, were the sad causes of that unfortunate parties undoing, and the reasons why these subtle Engeneers found them unfit instruments to advantage their obstruse intentions. Thirdly, On the other side, they met with materials aptly disposed to take that Impress they thought fit cunningly to leave upon the soft wax of their tender consciences; they were furnished with ready Mathematics, to take the height and latitude of these spirits, which were as fit to carry on their design, as a general discontent with the Government that was uppermost, a vehement desire of Innovation, the repair of ruinous fortunes, and the loud fame of a glorious victory (inscribed with Religion and liberty) could make them. Fourthly, They had the inexhaustible Treasure of the Kingdom at command, which they could renew at pleasure with the indispensible edict of an Ordinance: with this unresistible Engine they battered their enemy's fidelity, bargained for their strong holds, and even bought those victories that have cost the World so much astonishment; nothing being so injurious to the King's substantial rights as his own Pictures.  
To display the cunning these creatures used in spreading their nets, to give you a plat of the intricate and obliqne Path they trod to their designs, with what outward vehemence they at first declaimed against what they really aimed at; how, like cunning Hawks at the first whistling off, they seemed to fly from the Game they intended to fly at; lastly, what Religion they intent to usher in by the toleration of tender Consciences, why they lately crept into the shape and outward Profession of Levellers, etc. I should make a volume of a Letter; and what follows doth ask a more ingenious and judicious Pen to delineate.  
I thought it not unfit to give you this rude draught of my observation and informations; you have here certainties and conjectures blended. I would not have ventured them abroad in this ruffled undressed fashion, but that I hope you will only look upon them with the eye of affection, and so lay them by; however show not their imperfections to any critical or censorious eye, for it was huddled up in haste, and wants the beauty of method and Language.  
I am now about to give an eager onset to the study of Physic, in which I conceive by this time you have more than a taste: you cannot do me a more acceptable kindness than to vouchsafe your instructions, and impart your collections unto me; and I presume you make no question but that they will safely be returned, with the interest of true thanks from  
Your truly affectionate, but now sleepy Brother, R. L.   

LETTER CXXXI. To—  
SIR,  
IF reality needed an artificial dress, I would strive to put the acknowledgement of your last favour in the best attire I could cull from Rhetorics Wardrobe: but the true affection of a Friend is not so light a Huswife, to jet it in gaudy borrowed attire, such as the times politicians strive to  her Counterfeits with: I use no fiction when I say I love and honour you; no supple flattery, when in plain terms I thank you; and of both I hope you are so well assured, as I do but injure your goodness to repeat them. That I trouble you with these blots, pardon it; and be pleased to think, I had rather merit the guilt of importunity then neglect: had I thought my personal appearance could have been serviceable to you, I had gladly taken my Pen-imployment upon myself. I am loath that any slighted opportunity should accuse me of neglect to him I own so much to. I could pursue this subject with such delight as, non sic virginibus flores, non frugibus imbres; but I fear I have ranged too fare, and my Pen hath already too well shown from what wing it derives its pedigree. I shall not therefore farther tempt your patience, but humbly subscribe myself, Sir,  
Your most faithful Servant, R. L.   

LETTER CXXXII.  
Loving Brother,  
I Must take myself off with the old excuse for my last weeks failing, viz. employment; and preventions of this nature must be digested, since the weak brain of my estate will not suffer me to be my own man. I am sorry for the miscarriage of your Colours; if you desire to have any more, let your next tell me so, and I shall take a securer course for the conveyance. For these petty services, I would not have you disparage our friendship so much as to name them: 'tis fit we should resign such Ceremonies to those coldhearted Creatures that love to sell their kindnesses, and have a balance to weigh before they deliver them. Nor let the flame of our amity be of an ethereal nature, always true to an equality of heat and measure. Methinks the Poets should have meant such a fire as this for that which Promotheus stole from Heaven; and they that have virtue enough to stay it from evaporation may carry it thither again; while the other is kept alive with the course fuel of commodity, and as that flows or ebbs, so does it blaze or languish, till at last it 'swounds away in a socket. But I have talked so much upon this subject, and so often, that I doubt my repetitions may purchase me the account of a Confider. And now to sprinkle a little news; on Saturday last the fortunate and victorious Governor of Ireland, invited with as much Rhetorical importunity as the high opinion of his fortune and valour, joined with the suspicion of appearing dangers could indite, was conducted into London with a specious solemnity, and there had a loud welcome roared him by the comfort of Guns, Drums, and Voices; from the City he received a Present of about 2000 l. value, delivered with abundance of creeping thanks for his faithful gallantry. On Monday following, with a numerous train of creatures and admirers, he entered the House of Commons, where the Speaker welcomed him with a speech that tendered the thanks of the House, embroidered with lofty Praises, a rehearsal of his most signal services done both here and beyond the channel, mingled with the relation of his Pedigree; whereto he added, how much his Discretion, Fidelity, Religion, Policy and Fortitude, had ennobled the sleeping ashes of his famous ancestors; and closed with the cause of his invitation, told him that he had no sooner named what he had already done, but by the universal desire of the House he was to proffer him occasion of improving his own merit with their gratitude; telling him that he had received Letters from their Low-Countrey-Agent that assured him of the certain agreement 'twixt the King of Scotland and his subjects; that there was nothing wanting but a wind to waft him thither, and in all probability being once seated there, he would not long sit still contented with that Crown; and concluded with the choice the House had made of him to command their Army Northward: who returned his high resentment of their favours in a short modest speech, wherein he strove to extenuate his services, and to express his resolutions to spend his dearest blood in the service of his Country. This is all that time will grant me leave, but only that I am, and ever must be, cordially,  
Yours to love and serve you, R. L.   

LETTER CXXXIII. To Mr. W.  
SIR,  
I Am well satisfied concerning your love, by your last missive, which withal brought me the acceptable account of your health and best prosperity. Whether this will find you out or no, is very uncertain; yet, to exercise my affection, and to quiet my heart, I took up a resolution to write, though the Letter perish in the midst of the Alps. That long intercourse this way between us hath begotten in me both fears and hopes; which yet are not liable to exception, because they flow from that limpid spring which was never mudded with self-interest. I prized you for your virtues, and that sympathetical temper which I discerned in you, beyond which I had no eye; and yet I am secure in all my applications. But what doth my friend in those remoter Countries thus long? why must Belgia and Italy have so much of you, and England so little? what curiosities do you search for? what actions do you design? and what improvements do you attend? I will not believe you like him in the Poet, Securus quò pes ferat— and that you do ex tempore vivere. I have heard that a woman hath been defined— Ens Ovismatum; but this is not applicable to a wise man, who paceth the World with judgement, and asks upon every remove— Cui bono— Not that I desire to enter into your Cabinet at this distance, for I know you are arrived at that of the old Roman Courtier— Gli pensieri stretti & il viso suotto. You can English it better than I; notwithstanding I wish myself sometimes better acquainted with the project, that I may serve you better. I am buffeted with the whispers of men, that Thames hath swallowed Tiber, and that my English friend is Roman all over. Will you credit me? this I deem a witty suggestion of an enemy, which I can answer without you; yet to raze this to the foundation, I call for your help. It cannot be that we should vary here, when in those highest concernments we have been always one— Et quoad rem, & quoad modum; but enough of this. Your friends are yet alive both here and elsewhere; but the Orb of Learning has lost of late stars of the first magnitude, Dr. Collins and Dr. Cumber; the former had his Apotheosis a year since, the later is commemorated this day. Thus things and persons die, but the Lord abideth for ever; to him let us direct our thoughts and services, and by his revealed truth alone let us measure our best way to eternity— which you pray that I may find. If I hear no more from you, yet know that you live in my heart and prayers, and that the varieties of Providence cannot alienate from you  
Your own, R. L.   

LETTER CXXXIV.  
Dear Brother,  
SInce you are pleased to call that your delight, which with a safe conscience you might have named your trouble, I mean my tedious lines; I will learn of affection to make it mine, by a continued supply of that weekly satisfaction. Since thus, though debarred of a personal interview, our nobler parts that evidence our immortality, meet, converse, and exchange the dear entertainment of mutual embraces. I am beholding to your loving error as well as the World's, for setting my toy at so high a rate: But now for the hard words you speak of, I know they have made work for some of those Cato's of Language this Age has hatched, which came with a like intent to the perusal of books, as Balaam did to view the Army of Israel, on purpose to give them ill language; and I would fain know of those Censors, if preceding Ages, by a like design, had not providently inoculated some of the fairest Cions of foreign fruits upon our English stock, whether our barbarous Tongue would ever have been comprehensive of such rich and rational expressions, or grown up to that strength and beauty it now possesses: nor does my judgement deal less severely than theirs with such rumbling fustian words, big with nought but wind, that some affect; this were to humour Midas opinion, that preferred Pan's Pipe before Apollo's Harp, because it made more noise. The word Raillery you returned me for interpretation, signifies a kind of jesting, scoffing dissimulation, and is now grown here so common with the better sort, as there are few of the meaner that are not able to construe it; which makes me wonder by what mischance it should scape the knowledge of that living Library of Languages Mr. F. to whom I pray return my service; but he must allow me the Liberty to think he knows too little of the French to rank it justly with the rest of his Languages: but enough of that. And I now eagerly wish your proposal were improved to a resolution of seeing London next Term, since I am more than half assured we shall not turn our backs upon it till that be expired, and then whether we shall steer our course Westward or Northward, is not yet concluded in the thoughts of those that sit at the helm. But I am sorry I cannot wind you up to any forward expectation in what refers to my Lord R. for I daily perceive the fruits of my endeavours that way do rather whither then ripen; and I am glad you are struck in with so friendly a man mender. If you have not taken an oath of secrecy, I should gladly welcome the participation of those rare Recipes you speak of. Major W. is overjoyed at your promise to see London; he says he hopes to deprecate your censure for neglecting to give you his thanks for your kind token (which he is very proud of) under his hand. I cannot yet learn by my inquiry that my Lord W. has any such design for a Plantation as you speak of. But I have made no conscience of your patience: Dear Brother farewell.  
Your own entirely, sincerely, religiously, R. L.   

LETTER CXXXV. To Mr. W.  
My dearest Friend,  
THis should not have contracted an answer to two Letters, if the waiting a return of some others from Lincolnshire had not retarded my hand; but I know not how to construe their silence, and cannot tell whether I may call it sloth or design; however, my hopes are yet big enough to make my judgement charitable, and till we see more so I would have yours. By this time you have found out the reason of my hopes to see you on this side the channel, and the event that defeated them; wherein you have liberty to deride my purblind judgement, that has so much ado to see her, much more to see into the nature of such affairs; I never could make so strong a Party of Reason, as might keep out the invasion of overforward expectations: 'tis the hardest humane Lesson to learn to judge aright; which granted, a light reflection upon my weak capacity will soon get my Pardon, with a promise of endeavour to leave out my Erratas in the next Impression. And now, my dearest Friend, accept as many thanks, and as real ones as ever came from a true heart, for jogging my drowsy soul with those excellent Memento's of virtue and piety; it shows your Friendship has chosen the best basis, and you desire to cast mine in the same mould: well, my dear Friend, though the Scholar be very unapt, he loves his Master well, and especially because he gives such Lessons. I long for that same meeting you speak of with more impatience than I can well justify, since we must wait Providence with a total resignation, or else we cannot say that Fat, etc. Indeed I would fain knock off my bolts here, but would do it so that I might not afterwards repent it. I am still here like a wild Beast in a Gaol, who though he walks up and down in it all the day, yet at night he is got no further than where he was i'th' morning. I am glad with all my soul to find you the first proposer of L's affairs: I see you are confirmed; and could you read my heart at this distance, you would see I do not waver; but while here I must be enslaved, and at least in exterior subjecting self to that same Video meliora proboque etc. I am as sick of this World as ever poor passenger was of a storm at Sea, and would bless the hand that could set me ashore, where I might learn to look upon the vanities of it in their full proportion, and so despise them.— I have no cause to boast my health, and the less, because my disposition comes in such disguise as poses myself and all the World beside. I am sorry for the loss you dread so passionately; but whatever happens, say but that same Fiat voluntas, etc. hearty, and all will be well again. I will never release that promise you have made me, to let me hear from you wherever you go; for none has more interest in your happiness or misfortunes, than, my dearest Friend,  
Your own for ever R. L.   

LETTER CXXXVI. To his Sister F.  
Dear Sister,  
THough since my Pen last saluted you there has not past a day wherein you have not found work for my memory, and been concerned in my well-wishes, yet lest you should give silence the name of neglect (an error familiar with tender affections.) I am content to think it business enough for a Letter to repeat what I have so often made the only business of my Pen, and tell you that I truly love you: this from a stranger perhaps would ask more than a single proof to be believed not Compliment, but from a Brother that has so often shown you his heart I know you cannot sin so much as to doubt it; and let me say this, to the commendation of our honest-hearted Family, that though we are below others in the rich gifts of Fortune and Nature, yet for perfect integrity, unmixed with what they call politic ends, and sincere spotless affection one to another, we are not excelled by any that ever yet my observation meddled with; and since it traded with variety of humours and dispositions, it has not been altogether purblind. If there needed arguments to keep this affectionate temper from a cold decay, I would strain hard for such as should restore us the beauty of this lovely loving inclination; but I know there is little want of such restoratives in you, and I borrow a confidence from experience that bids me say as much for all the rest: well then, let us still cherish this mutual affection that makes our souls as near akin as our bodies; for by loving one another, 'tis the way to purchase his favour who is Love itself. If there were any alteration in my condition since you received my last Letter, I should be ready to let you know it, as one that has no little Interest in me; but while I am here, my endeavours do but labour like a mill-horse, still repeating their steps in a circle, always going round, but not a foot forward in the path of preferment. I am now once more in a course of Physic for my malady, and in hope it will struggle successfully with it: but I am like to buy these desires so dear, that to recover my health will sicken my purse; but of the two, 'tis a Disease less grievous. I pray present my much affectionate service to my excellent Aunt H. her good Mother, with the rest of the Family: salute the rest of my Friends with love or service, as they are due; and to yourself, Dear Sister, take the heart of  
Your affectionate Brother R. L.   

LETTER CXXXVII. To his Sister J.  
Dear Sister,  
I Have long forborn to write, out of an hopeful expectation to find thee such news as might claim a just welcome; but now I am forced to say, that my failing in thy behalf is added to the rest of my own misfortunes. I suppose my Brother acquainted thee with my hopes to prefer thee to the Lady A. W. a Lady in whose praise I will be silent, lest I should too much vex thee with the miss of so much happiness; and it was a narrow miss, for I procured a Letter from my Lady to her in thy commendations so soon as I heard her Gentlewoman was to part from her; upon which the motion was entertained willingly, only (she replied) that she had entreated her Aunt the Lady W. then at London, to procure her one there, but she would immediately write her word that she was provided; which she had no sooner done, but she received news that her Aunt had already agreed with a Gentlewoman, which was then coming down, and in honour could not be refused. Thus have my unfortunate endeavours born thee no other fruit than false hopes indeed; this failing does the more afflict me, because I know the value of what is missed; though we should besides have lived most of this Winter together in a house, a thing so passionately desired of us both: but we must not repine too much at cross events, lest in it we upbraid Providence; the younger Sister does yet take none, but when she does thou art sure to have it. Mr. W. in whom I reposed most hopes to effect thy desires, is now out of the Kingdom; besides, our residing in this barren Country will much disable my industry in thy behalf. I shall conclude with such advice as I believe thy discreet goodness does daily practise, be still the same thou ever wert, of a sweet virtuous winning carriage, ready to pleasure all, loath to offend any, and thou wilt engage even Incivility itself to use thee civilly, and Inconstancy to love thee constantly: keep still the complexion of Lilies in thy innocence, and of Roses in thy modesty; for if once sullied, the water is hardly purchased that will restore its whiteness: thy disposition was always intimate with virtue; endeavour daily to improve the amity, and trust Heaven with the rest, whose blessings, though they be long a coming, will richly pay thy patience: lose not a grain of that pleasant temper which makes thy company so much courted; for there is nothing so happy here, as those calm souls that can make unforced smiles shine through a harmless jollity. But thou art born to too rich a goodness to need the charity of my weak advice: but give me my Present back again, and I will take it kindly; and be sure you love me truly, or else you will die much in the debt of  
Your truly affectionate Brother, R. L.   

LETTER CXXXVIII. To his Sister K. L.  
Dear Sister,  
HAd I met with any thing that might justly have deserved thy acquaintance, my hand could not have been so slothful to withhold thee from that knowledge: but concerning myself, though my endeavours have not proved altogether fruitless, yet I cannot say their success has answered my wishes; but be assured, if kind Providence favour my designs, I will own no good fortune but what you shall claim a share in. I shall be suddenly called by my affairs to Yarmouth, and if I see you not before my return, it shall be the unkindness of my urgent occasions, not my own neglect. To conclude, if ever Fortune be disposed to smile upon me, I shall not debar my Friends of its reflection, in the number of which thy active affection has deserved a place in the former rank; and in that persuasion I remain  
Thy constant affectionate Brother, R. L.   

LETTER CXXXIX.  
Dear Brother,  
THough my present employment be something pressing and importunate, yet it cannot dissuade a reply to you with all the Arguments that Business ca● urge; for to hold my peace because time will not allow my fancy elbow-room, is to be confuted in Friendship, and nonplussed in the proofs of affection. I confess I love a little to be posed in these Lessons, to inure my Faculties as well to violent as gentle Exercise, and teach my Pen to run races as well as walk gravely. Promptitude in dispatch, when it keeps a fit distance to precipitation, often commits a happy rape upon preferment, and takes Reputation by surprisal; while that serious exactness that weighs and poises every hair and grain, does but clamber to that which the other flies at; and I think the maxim is equally fitted to this and Fowling, the first aim is best. But I should call back and unsay these words, because I have hastily shot so wide from the purpose; yet to you I dare draw my thoughts with bold strokes. I thank you for your last enclosed, though my intentions of printing my Letters be deferred till Trinity, if not till Michaelmas Term, by the late interposition of some Commands that have engaged my Quill, etc. Whoever of my friends you encounter in your Journey, pray give them my respects in a due proportion. You seem to hint some design of your own by the way that may prove advantageous; I shall be happy to hear it disclosed, because by that time I suppose it will be successfully effected; for I perceive you are master of that old prudential maxim, Neve to reveal a design, whilst it is in a capacity of failing. I cannot choose but applaud your happy blending of the Christian and Politician; which gives you a buckler of caution to defend yourself, but not a revenging weapon to return blow for blow. If you see my Sister F. before your return, present me to her with much affection. The Major sends you his affectionate respects, and bids me mind you of a promise to send him some Pictures upon Muscovy-glasses. I told you at first I was in haste, but have confuted myself by the tedious progress; but you know how to pardon all faults of this nature  
To your entirely affectionate Brother to command, R. L.   

LETTER CXL. To W. A. Esq  
SIR,  
MY last did but pay the obligation of my word; so your million of thanks are ill laid out for what you might challenge as yours: yet I love the reward, though no due, so dearly, as I should embrace the power with much indulgence, and use it with as much Industry in your service, that might help to deserve them. It was assurance enough of my safety, that it had a harbour in all your well wishes; for which my stupid weakness cannot find a better present requital, than really to wish they may effectually recoil upon yourselves, in which you shall but reap the fruit your fair deserts have planted, etc. I dare boldly affirm, you may promise yourself as much safety here, as in any part of the Kingdom. In the mean time, if I may be instructed how to serve you here, be assured, I will find out a no mean delight in the employment. I pray present my most humble service to that gallant Family, those fragrant buds of beauty in particular, whose happy society is armour of proof against melancholy, and adds wings to times feathered offspring: to each of which, I think it will prove no  Office to you, to reduplicate the old token; but lest my trifles should prove the trial of your patience, I will put a period to them; but never to my resolution, to remain,  
Yours, R. L.   

LETTER CXLI.  
My dear Brother,  
I Can scarce credit it, that you have quitted Holt, (though the Post tells me so) since so many of mine dispatched to Berningham have not been able to rouse you to an answer, yet I have always found you so forward in repaying these literal debts at your day, as I begin to suspect, that my two last which were sent to welcome you home, came to congratulate your recovery, either perished or loitered too long by the way, which has induced me to shoot this shaft after the rest, and hazard the solecism of a repetition to tell you again, that I have celebrated your return to health, with as perfect a gladness as the dearest and clearest amity ever yet brought forth. But now let me beg you will hold me no longer in a painful suspense, nor defraud my longing to see your perfect recovery confirmed by your own hand; for believe it, my wishes have deserved that satisfaction, and indeed have laid out themselves for your welfare, with a zeal so industrious, as if it had not only been my Interest, but propriety, and mine own vital thread been inseparably twisted with yours: for myself, I can neither say I have been sick ●or very well, since I saw you, but rather in that ●ame mingled condition, compounded of health and sickness; but a customary experience hath so familiarized me with that valetudinary temper, that a little patience serves to man the Works against all those faint Batteries. We are here in London, where I think we shall fasten for most part of this ensuing Summer. I still tread the old Circle, without any visible improvement or impairing, and would be glad to understand upon what legs your affairs walk in reference to your Interest at B. I am earnestly provoked by some of my friends to print a volume of Letters, to which at last I have consented, though not without much distrust of the world's approvement; however, I cannot lose what I never had, I mean much reputation. I remember your Pen once told me, you had preserved all such fragments as fallen from mine by way of Letters to yourself; I never prized them so high, as to reserve their Copies, yet in this design I suppose they may do me some service, though I intent not to print the fourth part of what is there expressed. I pray do me the favour therefore with your most expedite convenience to seal them all up carefully, & direct them to me at one Mr. G's. in— for that is now the Rendezvouz of my Letters, since my Landlord's death in Holborn. Well, dear Brother, pardon this haste that crowds forth my words in a misshapen form, because they could not stay for a mature conception, indeed much dreading Mr. A. should be gone without my Letter; but I will requite your patience in my next, and now hastily subscribe, Dear Brother,  
Your own cordially, R. L.   

LETTER CXLII. To Mr. E. A.  
Dear Ned,  
TO speak the full excuse of my silence were to give you a list of my Countrey-adventures, and to describe the chains of my leisure link by link. But that there may be room enough for something else, take it thus in contract; Our Family was scarce settled in the Country before it caught the headache, and began to grow dizzy by the sickness of my Lord and Lady, who still languish of this new Disease, that has almost engrossed all the business of Fate, and kills by Monopoly: if you saw what epidemic havoc it makes in these parts, you would think every Parish changed into a great Hospital, and every person the Physician's fee-simple, either in possession or reversion; for myself, I have been all this time in an Emblematic battle, where some are still dropping round about me, though myself be yet shot-free: whether I shall pass the Pikes safely is beyond the reach of my knowledge for Diseases, especially of this nature, give so little warning as the arrow is in us before we know the bow is bend; but among so many Patients at last, I have found leisure to be the agent of my own affection, and an opportunity to tell you, that it should be your fault, if our revived amity do ever relapse into another Lethargy. And now dear N. how dost thou? hast thou yet unsheathed thy Family of the Chamber? I would fain hear thou art crowned King of Elysium, and the honest souls of thy acquaintance like good subjects, conglomerate to pay their homage, and drink allegiance. I could wish to die to this dull Country, that I might be enroled one of thy Guests of good Fellowship; for we have none but such clods here in the shape of men, as by a forced imitation to hold up Converse. I am in danger to go out of my wits for want of exercise, yet never incur the aspersion of madness, but a weekly Dialogue which your Pen may prove a Sovereign preservation against such stupid contagion; but 'tis time to leave prating. Present me cordially to virtuous Mrs. A. kindly to Mr. N. and to yourself, take me entirely, Sir,  
Your own, R. L.   

LETTER CXLIII. To his Brother Major W.  
Dear Brother,  
IF like a slow paymaster I have too often adjourned the performance of my promise, call it not coldness of respect or affection, for of those to you I can never be guilty; but if I do not give you a sound reason for my silence, think it comes from a sick head, & let that satisfy; for ever since I entered this dull and unwholesome Country, that daily puts on the morning wascot of a fog, I have been such an useless thing to myself and others, as if I had left my soul behind me at London, and only lived at the charge of my sensitive faculty; and I have suffered such an amphibious interthing betwixt health and sickness, as it has posed me to christian it. I have had such a languishing pain in the head, ever since my arrival, with such a drowsiness to boot, as if the Heavens had mingled poppy with their dew, and shed it upon this Climate; and I have slept like a Snake in winter to that excess, as nothing but a Lethargy which I half feared could out do it; but quantus quantus sum, I am still yours at the same height and vigour of affection, as when the double discovery of your excellent qualities and inclinations to love me, first finished the fabric of our friendship, and took me in your toils; and though there may be allowed an Infancy, and a pubescency in friendship, yet when once it hath climbed by degrees to the full stature, none but bastard affections can grow old and show their wrinkles, as the scars of time or accident, since that friendship that is not ever equal, uniform and constant, was never so; but you shall ever find it invulnerable from him that will cease to be himself, if not  
Yours in service and true friendship, R. L.   

LETTER CXLIV. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
NOthing but impossibility could have forced me to intermit my weekly salute; for the last week we consumed at my Lord of westmerland's in Kent, where my Lady suffered her resolutions of a short stay to be overcome by the importunities of a gentile entertainment: my affection has as great a quarrel to the narrowness of my expressions as yours, and does even upbraid my Pen with the disgraces that its ill guidance puts upon it; but 'tis well I am not able to draw it in its full dimensions, lest the abundance should discredit the reality, and even pose your belief into suspicion with the incredible quantity. But upon better thoughts, I could be angry with myself for suffering such words to get lose from my Pen, and could willingly punish them with a great blot, if I had time to write new ones; for I am confident you do match me too well with the same materials to doubt its purity, and we never wonder at any thing that we can pattern in ourselves: your flint is a true Emblem of perfect friendship, which in the bosom carries fire ready to start forth at the summons of occasion: how soon I would obey such an alarm to serve you, I hope you will find proved in my future endeavours; but I have not skill enough to add beauty to that which never had a blemish. My old Cough, with a great cold to boot, do constrain me at this time to be bad Company, which you may easily perceive by the languor of my stile: this Cough I find has lately fed upon my flesh, & carried away enough from the poor store I had to make me doubt a Consumption; but whatsoever the hand of Heaven sends me I shall endeavour to bid welcome. I pray let us not fail in our intercourse while we are so near. My present indisposition, with some haste beside, will let me say no more, but that I am and ever will be,  
Your own to love and serve you, R. L.   

LETTER CXLV. To Mr. J. G.  
Hovest Mr. J.  
I Acknowledge the receipt of yours, with a Diurnal, Proverbs, and Tobacco, besides many other preceding civilities and courtesies; which believe it have rendered me perfectly yours. You may safely take my word, this is really meant and will be as cordially confirmed when any occasion shall because me to it. We are arrived at our Country habitation, where, in a double sense we may be said to be out of the lines of communication: we dwell at large, and people it, as our forefathers collonized the World in its Nonage; Melancholy, that they wanted partners in their vast possessions: and thus like the Children of Israel, we are come out of Egypt into the Wilderness, only we have the fleshpots still, and therefore none of the Manna. This Country is so barren of good company, though fruitful of all things else, that even tired out with solitude I am forced sometimes to make shift with the Parson of the Parish, and he more than half a Presbyterian, you will say that's a hard case for one that has been used to Mr. G's company. But I confess these defects are not ill supplied by my dumb society. Besides Books, we have good Horses, handsome Walks, pleasing Groves, which represent variety of objects, and they Idaea's enough to make Fancy a good companion, and Thoughts my recreation. By the help of them I oft remove London into the Country, and enjoy the friends I left behind as well as fancy can present them, in the foremost rank of which Mr. G. is placed. Pray render me very kindly to Captain Wh. and tell him when I see the Major, I shall not forget to speak his desires. Mention me kindly to honest P. Mr. A. and the rest that know me, and to yourself, take me as I must ever be  
Your real friend, R. L.   

LETTER CXLVI. To Major W.  
Dear Brother,  
I Shall not need strain a sinew in my invention to frame an excuse for deluding your expectations of me at Holt: for as if we had left London on purpose to come and take up diseases in the Country, and Pandora had stayed the second opening of her box till our coming: our Family has been so infested with that they call the New-disease, which like the Elements blended in the Chaos, is but an accumulation of all other maladies, as they have made me a Prisoner, though not yet a Patient, and disabled me to point at the time when I may be in case to be as good as my word. This disease is of late grown more cruel than ordinary, and become the Messenger of Fate to many Persons of quality, amongst which it has murdered Mr. R. F. your old acquaintance, but I hope it will use my Lord and Lady more gently, who are both sick of it at this present. And now my dear Brother, since I cannot see you, let me beg this satisfaction from your Pen, to let me know how yourself and the rest of my friends enjoy yourselves, and health, both in community and particular, how the air, company, and entertainment of Holt arrides your liking, and how much of the Winter you design upon that Climate; when and how long the Cardinal was with you, from whom I have not received a syllable since our parting. Let yours give me the condition of my friends in reference to this Epidemic Malady, among whom pray distribute my affectionate respects. Speak me cordially to my Brother and Sister W. Sister F. etc. and to yourself promise all that is due to a perfect friend from, Dear Brother,  
Eternally your own to dispose of, R. L.   

LETTER CXLVII.  
SIR,  
I Must not give you cause to suspect I can forget you by the neglect of so fair an opportunity to kiss your hands with a Letter; but I confess I had rather (if there were no Remora) have taken my Pens employment upon myself: how oft have I wished for a Mercurial Caducaeus to insomniate the Argus-eyes of jealous people, that I might safely steal a visit, & with it the enjoyment of your happy society? till when I shall account myself but a slave to that piece of liberty I now am Master of, since its narrow limits shut out a large share of my highly-valued happiness. The malice of the times extends beyond the suspensation of estates, to the separation of friends, yet they cannot be truly said to be absent, whose freeborn souls (not enslaved to the body's restraint) can hold a mutual commerce and an intelligential converse one with another; nor can I so much distrust Providence, as to suspect this corporal sequestration can prove an utter privation. My deceiving fancy sometimes in a slumber strives to make me believe I am at L. yet in the dream itself I suspect it is but a dream. I could wish, methinks, that Plato's year were no fiction, so the revolution might be speedy, and we again happily revise and live in the Sunshine of our former Haltion days, Sed jam deserunt ut omnia Mortalium assolent.—  
I cannot dart my thoughts so eagerly upon other things as to lose a restraining power of calling them home to the memory of my friends, and they are best employed in absence when they help to draw themselves in white and black. I am not of that Philosopher's opinion who affirmed Silena could not hurt, for too much is a disease in love, and helps to entomb friendship in the dark Grove of Oblivion, when the dumb Language of a Pen can, like the Phoenix, remove it from its own ashes, and keep it strong and healthful, etc.—  
By the World those are accounted the only Cowards, which dare not do that which is ill; which concludes no such solecism in policy, as the entire friendship twixt tongue and heart. Honesty is grown ridiculous, Integrity scofft at, and amity itself never found so few friends. Those intentions are contemptibly thought mean, and shallow; with whose virtuous rectitude, Meandrous falsehood is inconsistent; the World's erroneous Estimation has married Virtue to Caution, Justice to Self-injury, Religion to a Scarecrow, Honesty to Self-deceit, Faith to Folly, for the execution of particular ends, Vice filtches Virtue's apparel, though her want of skill in wearing them often discovers her imposturous deformities, whilst thus Reason's eye is put out, or at least blinded; the souls mortality forgotten, and the Almighty rejected, and eternity disrespected, this Pigmy statured life, is the only Idol we wickedly adore, the oblations to which are the many horrid Acheloon shapes, our serpentine wills and actions are transformed to still, to reserve and increase our Cornucopia, what long-breathed flatteries perfumed with fictious Rhetoric, we ventilate the warmth of great men's favours, in the Sunshine of whose smiles we play like flies, buzzing forth our own shames and virtues injuries.  
R. L.   

LETTER CXLVIII. To Mr. W.  
My dearest Friend,  
I Lately received your last of the sixteenth of November, for though our Letters glide nimbly when they are once aboard, yet they do but crawl by land, and contrary to natural violent motions, do make least haste when they are nearest their journey's end, and I have nothing to say to your overprizing my barren endeavours in your behalf, and undervaling your own, but only to entreat you to call to your own knowledge for the true definition of perfect amity, and that will tell you I am the indebted person, and the occasions you have given me to serve. You have instructed me to set so many steps toward my own happiness. But now, my dear friend, I would I could find it fit to leave the rest out, and if I had not cause to love you for discretion as well as goodness, I confess I should leave you to know this accident from some other Quill; but I know you are skilful in all the dictates of wisdom, and can balance mortal accidents without oppressing the scale with too much passion: this gives me more confidence to tell you I received a late Letter from my Brother, whom I engaged to send me an account of your friends, which tells me that your father fell sick upon the sixteenth of September of a Flux, and left the World the tenth of October; and now I conjure you by all those clear proofs of your prudent temper, and (to speak something for my own ends as well as yours) by my interest in you, to preserve us both from the injuries of an over-sad resentment: you have all the reason that I can urge, and much more, why you should not abandon yourself to an immoderate sorrow, and therefore I will throw no more drops into your Ocean, only this, do not chew the Pill that will work better if you swallow it, etc. Your Sister seemed much to bewail your absence at such a time, and desired my Brother, who presents his affectionate service to you, to use some means to let you know this, and entreat you would entertain no prejudicial conceit of herself or her Husband. Let me entreat you to answer this as soon as you can, and tell me what I may do further to serve you: if you love yourself and me, let not sadness shrink your spirits, but let us reserve ourselves for that same happy meeting you speak of. I confess I do more than suspect a Consumption, and if that be designed to fetch me from this World, I think I shall go without reluctancy; for I have already received enough of the Divine hand to make me admire his bounty: but I have fair hopes of a recovery. Well, my dear Friend, you know how to be happy in spite of this World; and that you would be so, is the earnest entreaty of  
Yours Eternally, R. L.   

LETTER CXLIX. To his Brother Mr. A. L.  
Loving Brother,  
I Think Providence has given a larger Commission to Fortune than formerly; for I confess I was nipped with the same Passion you complain of, viz. the unkindness of Oblivion: now I see 'twas caused by the straggling of our Letters; mine were sent by W. out of Lincolnshire, and because they promised a faithful care in their deliverance, I thought it a better way for expedition, than to send them about by London; but it seems Haste brought forth her blind child Error. Yours, after my expectations had lost many long (as if they had stayed for one another's company) came almost all together; and that's my Landlord's fault, for which I shall school him: but we have as little cause to lay the injuries of Chance to one another's charge, as to quarrel with a River, because some adventitious Dam forbids the freedom of its course. If there be a possibility to raise such pure and unmixed desires from our souls, as will not be daubed with the clay they are confined to, I have such to ask and claim your Friendship; and thus in spite of all our Leaden frailty, we may take a taste of Heaven, and relish the joys we cry up with such impotent expressions in that one word perfect amity. I do now begin to be so unwieldy to myself, and I doubt so troublesome to others, (though they express not so much) that I borrow reasons from my Capital infirmities, to excuse those you may account the Disease of my mind, etc. But if this trouble be designed to fetch me from this World, I think I shall go without reluctancy. I am still here (in relation to my dependency) like an unskilful Passenger at Sea, that knows not how long to promise himself a calm, nor when to expect a storm. If I may vaunt to have pleased in any thing, 'tis my fidelity, which amounts to no more than You have done as becomes you. I am glad I was not born to stand at the Stern of an ample fortune, (to favour myself the best I can) I should have abused the Divine bounty, and perhaps employed it chief in paying dearer for my sins than I have done. I have received enough to make me admire the goodness of him that gave it me; and indeed, did not his grace help me to contrary thoughts, 'twere enough to make me an unequal Arbiter of mine own imperfections: to act such conceptions as these, is a business to which we should sacrifice no cold endeavours, & we live to no purpose, unless in this life we learn to bid it adieu handsomely. Doing well is the only requisite mark of man's Industry; and he that aims at any other mistakes that for a white which is but a spot: there are so many examples of such as angle here for happiness (and sometimes with ruin to boot) as methinks to observe, should be enough to take heed how many mount Fortune's ladder, and break the staves as they go up, so as they have no way to come down but by a Precipice; many shoot wide, and perhaps hit most happiness by missing what they fancied for it. I could mention more mistakers: but to close it, there is no man studies the other life better than he that studies this enough to despise it. It is not my desire to be understood skilful in this Science; for I am bound to confess myself subject to most wicked reluctations; and there pass few hours that are not witnesss not only to stumblings, but gross falls from my best resolutions: but I want your pardon. I thank you for the account of my Friends, which I desire you would renew, as you are hinted by any extraordinary accidents. I have this day wrote the sad news to Mr. W. but I confess left out some of the Circumstances, lest he should chew the bitter Pill too much that he ought to swallow. I have presented you to him, as you ordered and mentioned your endeavours for his satisfaction. I have been so often called away while I was writing this, as 'tis no wonder if my words sit not handsomely upon my meaning, when I am forced to make so many seams. I pray present me to those friends that oblige me with remembrance in a grateful garb; and believe it, for 'tis truth itself, you are first in the soul of  
Your affectionate and most desirous Brother to serve you, R. L.   

LETTER CL. To Mr. W.  
Dear Friend,  
YOur last I received, which by the date I perceive has halted by the way like some of his Predecessors: but it had not half done its message to my eyes, before I confessed an ample amends for the loitering; and if there be a word that may speak more than welcome, conceive it uttered, for indeed it is meant. I see you have made use of that which has made you always happy, to sustain the shock of what might have staggered a resolution less fortified with prudence; and I wish my power were as great as my desire, to copy that and the rest: so long as you compound and apply these sovereign medicines of piety and discretion, 'tis impossible your better part should grow sickly, etc. I enclosed the Note to your Sister in a Letter to my Brother, and obliged him to be very careful in sending it, and to show her the way to return you an answer of it to my hands. If no weighty impediment intervenes, I intent to visit my Eastern friends about the beginning of April; therefore I pray prepare your commands. And now, my dear friend, I find my health tendered by your with such an overflowing of affection, as it hath taught me to wish it with the more ardour, because I may possible encounter with occasions that may render me able to show how highly I relish such an indearing kindness. But pardon me, 'tis more than I can do, when I writ to you, not to be guilty of too many words, so loath I am to come to an end; but my comfort is, you know me for what I am,  
Yours to perpetuity, R. L.   
FINIS.   

Courteous Reader, These Books following, with others, are printed for Nath. Brook, and are to be sold at his Shop at the Angel in Cornhill.  

Excellent Tracts in Divinity, Controversies, Sermons, Devotions.  
THe Catholic History collected and gathered out of Scripture, Councils, and Ancient Fathers, in Answer to Dr. Van 's Lost Sheep returned home: by Edward Chesensale Esquire, Octavo.  
2. Bishop Morton on the Sacrament, in Folio.  
3. The Grand Sacrilege of the Church of Rome, in taking away the sacred Cup from the Laity at the Lords Table, by D Featly, D. D. Quarto.  
4. The Quakers Cause at second hearing, being a full answer to their Tenets.  
5. Re-assertion of Grace: Vindiciae Evangelii, or the Vindication of the Gospel: a reply to Mr. An●hony Burghess Vindiciae L●gis, and to Mr. Ruthford, by Robert Town.  
6. Anabaptists anatomised and silenced: or a Dispute with Mr. Tombs, by Mr. J. Grag; where all may receive clear satisfaction in that Controversy. The best extant, Octavo.  
7. The Zealous Magistrate; a Sermon by T. Threscot, Quarto.  
8. Britannia Rediviva. A Sermon before the Judges, Aug. 1648. by J. Shaw Minister of Hull.  
9 The Princess Royal, in a Sermon before the Judges, March 24. by J. Shaw.  
10. Judgement set, and Books opened, Religion tried whether it be of God or Man, in several Sermons; by J. Webster, Quarto.  
11. Israel's Redemption, or, the Prophetical History of our Saviour's Kingdom on Earth; by R. Matton.  
12. The Cause and Cure of Ignorance, Error, and Profaneness; or, a more hopeful way to Grace and Salvation; by R. Young. Octavo.  
13. A Bridle for the Times, tending to still the murmuring, to settle the wavering, to stay the wandering, and to strengthen the fainting: by J. Brinsl●y of Yarmouth.  
14. The sum of Practical Divinity: or, the grounds of Religion in a Catechistical way, by Mr. Christopher Love late Minister of the Gospel, an useful piece.  
15. Heaven and Earth shaken; a Treatise showing how Kings and Princes, their Governments are turned and changed, by J. Davis Minister in Dover, admirably useful, and seriously to be considered in these times.  
16. The Treasure of the Soul; wherein we are taught, by dying to sin, to attain to the perfect love of God.  
17. A Treatise of Contention, fit for these sad and troublesome times, by J. Hall Bishop of Norwich  
18. Select thoughts; or, Choice helps for a pious spirit, beholding the excellency of her Lord Jesus: by J. Hall. Bishop of Norwich.  
19 The Holy Order, or Fraternity of Mourners in Zion; to which is added, Songs in the night, or cheerfulness under afflictions: by J. Hall Bishop of Nerwich.  
20. The Celestial Lamp, enlightening every distressed Soul from the depth of everlasting darkness: by T. Fetisplace.   

Admirable, and Learned Treatises of Occult Sciences in Philosophy, Magic, Astrology, Geomancy, Chemistry, Physiognomy, and Chiromancy.  
21. Magic and Astrology vindicated by H. Warren.  
22. Lux veritatis, Judicial Astrology vindicated, and Demonology confuted; by W. Remsey, Gent.  
23. Cornelius Agrippa his Fourth Book of Occult Philosophy, or Geomancy; Magical Elements of Peter de Abona, the nature of spirits: made English by R. Turner.  
24. Paracelsus Occult Philosophy, of the mysteries of Nature, and his secret Alchemy.  
25. An Astrological Discourse with Mathematical Demonstrations; proving the influence of the Planets, and fixed Stars upon Elementary Bodies: by Sir Christ Heyden Knight.  
26. All Mr. Lilies Astrological Treatises collected into one Volume.  
27. Catastrophe Magnatum: an Ephemerideses for the Year 1652. by N. Culpeper.  
28. Teratologia; or, a Discovery of God's Wonders, manifested by bloody Rain, and Waters; by J. S.  
29. Chyromancy; or the A●t of divining by the Lines engraven in the hand of Man by Dame Nature, in 198. Genitures; with a Learned Discourse of the Soul of the World: by G. Wharton, Esquire.  
30. The Admired Piece of Physiognomy, and Chiromancy, Metoposcopy, the Symmetrical Proportions, and Signal Moles of the Body, the Interpretation of Dreams; to which is added the Art of Memory, illustrated with Figures: by R. Sanders, in Folio.  
31. The no less exquisite than admirable Work, Theatrum Chymicum Britannicum; containing several Poetical Pieces of our English Philosophers, who have written the Hermetick Mysteries in their own ancient Language; faithfully collected into one Volume, with Annotations thereon: by the indefatigable industry of Elias Ashmole Esq illustrated with Figures.   

Excellent Treatises in the Mathematics, Geometry, of Arithmetic, Surveying, and other Arts, or Mechanics.  
32. The incomparable Treatise of Tactometria, seu Tetagmenometria; Or Geometry of Regulars, practically proposed, after a new and most expeditious manner, together with the Natural or Vulgar, by way of Mensural Comparison, and in the Solids, not only in respect of Magnitude or Dimension, but also of Gravity or Ponderosity, according to any Metal assigned: together with useful experiments of Measures and Weights, observations on Gauging, useful for those that are practised in the Art metrical; by T. Wybard.  
33. Tectonicon, showing the exact measuring of all manner of Land, Squares, Timber, Stone, Steeples, Pillars, Globes; as also the making and use of the Carpenter's Rule, etc. fit to be known by all Surveyors, Land-meters, Joiner's, Carpenters, and Masons: by L. Diggs.  
34. The unparallelled Work for ease and expedition, entitled, The exact Surveyor: or, the whole Art of Surveying of Land, showing how to plot all manner of Grounds, whether small Enclosures, Champion, Plain, Wood-lands or Mountains, by the Plain Table; as also how to find the Area, or Content of any Land, to Protect, Reduce or Divide the same, as also to take the Plot or Cart, to make a Map of any Manor, whether according to Rathburne, or any other Eminent Surveyors Method; a book excellently useful for those that sell, purchase, or are otherwise employed about Buildings; by J. Eyre.  
35. The golden Treatise of Arithmetic, Natural and Artificial, or Decimals; the Theory and Practice united in Sympathetical Proportions betwixt Lines and Numbers, in their Quantities and Qualities, as in respect of Form, Figure, Magnitude, and Affection; demonstrated by Geometry, illustrated by Calculations, and confirmed with variety of Examples in every Species; made compendious and easy for Merchants, Citizens, Seamen. Accomptants, etc. by Th. Wilsford Corrector of the last Edition of Record.  
36. Semigraphy, or the Art of Shortwriting, as it hath been proved by many hundreds in the City of London, and other places, by them practised and acknowledged to be the easiest, exactest, and swiftest method; the meanest capacity by the help of this Book, with a few hours practice, may attain to a perfection in this Art; by J. Rich Author and Teacher thereof, dwelling in Swithins Lane, in London.  
37. Milk for Children; a plain and easy Method teaching to read and write, useful for Schools and Families, by J. Thomas, D. D.  
38. The Painting of the Ancients; the History of the beginning, progress, and consummating of the practice of that noble Art of Painting, by F. Junius.   

Excellent and approved Treatises in Physic, Chirurgery, and other more familiar Experiments in Cookery, Preserving, etc.  
39 Culpeper's Semiatica Uranica, his Astrological judgement of Diseases from the decumbiture of the sick, much enlarged: the way and manner of finding out the cause, change, and end of the disease; also whether the sick be likely to live or die, and the time when Recovery or Death is to be expected, according to the judgement of Hypocrates and Hermes Trismegistus; to which is added Mr. Culpepers' censure of Urines.  
40. Culpeper's last Legacy, left to his Wife for the public good, being the choicest and most profitable of those secrets in Physic and Chirurgery, which whilst he lived, were locked up in his breast, and resolved never to he published till after his death.  
41. The Yorkshire Spa: or, the virtue and use of that water in curing of desperate diseases, with directions and rules necessary to be considered by all that repair thither.  
42. The Art of Simpling: an Introduction to the knowledge of gathering of Plants, wherein the definitions, divisions, places, descriptions, differences, names, virtues, times of gathering, temperatures of them are compendiously discoursed of: also a discovery of the Lesser World, by W. Coles.  
43. Adam in Eden, or Nature's Paradise: the History of Plants, Herbs, and Flowers, with their several original names, the Places where they grow, their descriptions and kinds, their times of flourishing and decreasing; as also their several signatures, anatomical appropriations, and particular physical virtues; with necessary Observations on the Seasons of planting and gathering of our English Plants. A Work admirable useful for Apothecaries, Chirurgeons, and other Ingenuous persons, who may in this Herbal find comprised all the English Physical Simples, that Gerard's or Parkinson, in their two voluminous Herbals have discoursed of, even so, as to be on emergent occasions their own Physicians, the ingredients being to be had in their own fields and gardens; Published for the general good, by W. Coles, M. D.  
44. The Queen's Closet opened: incomparable Secrets in Physic, Chirurgery, Preserving, Candying, and Cookery; as they were presented to the Queen by the most experienced persons of our times; many whereof were honoured with her own practice.   

Elegant Treatises in Humanity, History, Romances, and Poetry.  
45. Time's Treasury, or Academy, for the accomplishment of the English Gentry in Arguments of Discourse, Habit, Fashion, Behaviour, etc. all summed up in Characters of Honour, by R Brathwait Esquire.  
46. Oedipus, or the Resolver of the secrets of Love, and other natural Problems, by way of Question and Answer.  
47. The Tears of the Indians: the History of the bloody and most cruel proceed of the Spaniards in the Islands of Hispaniola, Cuba, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, and other places of the West-Indies; in which to the life are discovered the tyrannies of the Spaniards, as also the justness of our War so successfully managed against them.  
48. The Illustrious Shepherdess. The Imperious Brother: written originally in Spanish by that incomparable wit, Don John Perez de montalban's; translated at the requests of the Marchioness of Dorchester, and the Countess of Stafford, by E. P.  
49. The History of the Golden Ass, as also the Loves of Cupid and his Mistress Psyche: by L. Apulius, translated into English.  
50. The Unfortunate Mother: a Tragedy by T. N.  
51. The Rebellion: a Tragedy by T. Rawlins.  
52. The Tragedy of Messalina the insatiate Roman Empress: by N. Richard's.  
53. The floating Island: a Tragicomedy, acted before the King by the Students of Christs-Church in Oxon; by that renowned Wit, W. Strode; the songs were set by Mr. H. Laws.  
54. Harvey's Divine Poems, the History of Balaam, of Jonah, and of St. John the Evangelist.  
55. Fons Lachrymarum, or, a Fountain of tears; the Lamentations of the Prophet Jeremiah in Verse, with an Elegy on Sir Charles Lucas: by J. Quarles.  
56. Nocturnal Lucubrations, with other witty Epigrams and Epitaphs; by R. Chamberlain.   

Poetical, with several other accurately ingenious Treatises, lately Printed.  
57 Wit's Interpreter, the English Parnassus: or a sure Guide to those admirable Accomplishment: that complete the English Gentry in the most acceptable Qualifications of Discourse or Writing. An Art of Logic, accurate Compliments, Fancies, Devices, and Experiments, Poems, Poetical Fictions, and All a mode Letters: by J. C.  
58. Wit and Drollery; with other Jovial Poems: by Sir J.M. M.L. M.S. W.D.  
59 Sportive Wit, the Muse's Merriment; a new Spring of Drollery: Jovial Fancies, etc.  
60. The Admirable ingenious satire against Hypocrites.  
61. The Conveyancer of Light, or the Complete Clerk, and Scriveners Guide; being an exact draught of all Precedents and Assurances now in use, as they were penned, and perfected by divers Learned Judges, Eminent Lawyers, and great Conveyancers, both Ancient and Modern: whereunto is added a Concordance from King Richard the 3. to this present.  
62. Themis Aurea, The Laws of the Fraternity of the Rosy Cross; in which, the occult Secrets of their Philosophical Notions are brought to light: written by Count Mayerus, and now Englishd, by T. H.  
63. The Iron Rod put into the Lord Protectors hand; a Prophetical Treatise.  
64. Medicina Magica tamen Physica; Magical but Natural Physic: containing the general Cures of Infirmities and Diseases belonging to the Bodies of Men, as also to other animals and domestic Creatures, by way of Transplantation: with a Description of the most excellent Cordial out of Gold: by Sam. Boulton of Salop.  
65. J. Tradiscan's Rarities, published by himself.  
66. The proceed of the High Court of Justice against the late King Charles, with his Speech upon the Scaffold, and other proceed, Jan. 30. 1648.  
67. The perfect Cook: a right Method in the Art of Cookery, whether for Pastry, or all other manner of All a mode Kickshaws; with the most refined ways of dressing flesh, fowl, or making of the most poignant Sauces, whether after the French, or English manner, with fifty five ways of dressing of Eggs, by M. M.  
68 The Expert Doctors Dispensatory: the whole Art of Physic restored to practice: the Apothecary's Shop, and Chirurgeons Closet opened; with a Survey, as also a correction of most Dispensatories now extant: with a Judicious Censure of their defects, and a supply of what they are deficient in: together with a learned account of the virtues and quantities, and uses of Simples and Compounds: with the Symptoms of Diseases: as also prescriptions for their several cures: by that renowned P. Morellus, Physician to the King of France.  
69. Cabinet of Jewels, Man's Misery, God's Mercy, Christ's Treasury, etc. in eight excellent Sermons: with an Appendix of the nature of Tithes under the Gospel: with the expediency of Marriage in public Assemblies, by J. Crag. Minister of the Gospel.  
70. Nature's Secrets: or the admirable and wonderful History of the generation of Meteors; describing the Temperatures of the Elements, the heights, magnitudes, and influences of Stars, the causes of Comets, Earthquakes, Deluges, Epidemical Diseases, and Prodigies of precedent times: with presages of the weather, and descriptions of the weatherglass: by T. Wilsford.  
71. The Mysteries of Love and Eloquence; or the Arts of Wooing & Complementing; as they are managed in the Spring-Garden, Hyde-park, the New Exchange, and other eminent places: A work, in which are drawn to the life the Deportments of the most accomplished Persons: the Mode of their Courtly entertainments, Treatment of their Ladies at Balls, their accustomed Sports, Drolls and Fancies, the Witchcrasts of their persuasive Language, in their Approaches, or other more Secret Dispatches, etc. by E. P.  
72. He●mont disguised: or, the vulgar errors of emperical and unskilful Practisers of Physic confuted: more especially as they concern the Cures of Fevers, the Stone, the Plague, and some other Diseases, by way of Dialogue, in which the chief rarities of Physic are admirably discoursed of, by J. T.   

Books very lately Printed, and in the Press now Printing.  
1. THe Scales of Commerce and Trade: by T. Wilsford.  
2. Geometry demonstrated by Lines and Numbers: from thence, Astronomy, Cosmography, and Navigation proved and delineated by the Doctrine of Plain and Spherical Triangles, by T. Wilsford.  
3. The English Annals, from the Invasion made by Julius Caesar to these times, by T. Wilsford.  
4. The Fool transformed: A Comedy.  
5. The History of Lewis the eleventh King of France: a Tragicomedy.  
6. The Chaste woman against her will; a Comedy.  
7. The Tooth-drawer, a Comedy.  
8. Honour in the end, a Comedy.  
9 Tell-tale, a Comedy.  
10. The History of Don Quixot, or the Knight of the ill-favoured face; a Comedy.  
11. The fair Spanish Captive, a Tragicomedy.  
12. Sir Kenelm Digby, and other persons of Honour, their rare and incomparable secrets of Physic, Chirurgery, Cookery, Pteserving, Conserving, Candying, distilling of Waters, extraction of Oils, compounding of the costliest Perfumes, with other admirable Inventions and select Experiments, as they offered themselves to their Observations: whether here, or in foreign Countries.  
13. The Saint's Tombstone: or, the Remains of the blessed. A plain Narrative of some remarkable Passages, in the holy Life, and happy Death of Mrs. Dorothy Shaw, Wife of Mr. John Shaw, Preacher of the Gospel at Kingston upon Hull, collected by her dearest Friends, especially for her sorrowful Husband, and six Daughter's consolation and imitation.  
14. The so long expected Work, the New World of English Words, or, a general Dictionary, containing the Terms, Etymologies, Definitions, and perfect Interpretations of the proper signification of hard English words throughout the Arts and Sciences, Liberal, or Mechanic; as also other subjects that are useful, or appertain to the Language of our Nation: to which is added the signification of Proper Names, Mythology, and Poetical Fictions, Historical Relations, Geographical Descriptions of the Countries and Cities of the World: especially of these three Nations, wherein their chiefest Antiquities, Battles, and other most me morable Passages are mentioned: by E. P.  
15. A learned Commentary on Psalm the fifteenth, by that Reverend and Eminent Divine Mr. Christopher Cartwright, Minister of the Gospel in York: to which is prefixed a brief account to the Author's life, and of his Work, by R. Bolton.  
16. The way to Bliss, in three Books, being a learned Treatise of the Philosopher's Stone, made public by Elias Ashmole Esquire.  
17. Wit restored in several Select Poems, not formerly published, by Sir John Mennis, Mr. Smith and others.  
18. The Modern Assurancer, the Clerk's Directory, containing the Practic Part of the Law, in the exact Forms and Draughrs of all manner of Precedents for Bargains and Sales, Grants, Feoffments, Bonds, Bills, Conditions, Covenants, Jointures, Indentures, etc. And all other Instruments and Assurances now in use, by John Hern.  
19 Naps upon Parnassus. A sleepy Muse nipped and pinched, though not awakened. Such voluntary and Jovial Copies of Verses as were lately received from some of the WITS of the Universities, in a Frolic: dedicated to Gondibert's Mistress, by Captain Jones and others, etc.  
20. The complete Midwife's Practice, in the high and weighty Concernments of Mankind: the second Edition corrected and enlarged, with a full Supply of such most useful and admirable Secrets which Mr. Nicholas Culpepper in his brief Treatise, and other English Writers in the Art of Midwifery, have hitherto wilfully passed by, kept close to themselves, or wholly omitted: by T. Chamberlain, M. P.  
21. America Painted to the Life, the History of the Conquest, and first Original undertake of the advancement of the Plantations in those Parts: with an exquisite Map, by F. Gorges, Esquire.  
22. Culpeper's School of Physic, or the Experimental Practice of the whole Art; so reduced, either into Aphorisms, or choice and tried Receipts, that the freeborn Students of the three Kingdoms, may in this Method, find perfect ways for the operation of such Medicines, so astrologically and Physically prescribed, as that they may themselves be competent Judges of the Cures of their Patients, by N. C.  
23. Blagrave's admirable Ephemerideses for the Year 1659.  
24. History and Policy Reviewed in the Heroic transactions of his most Serene Highness, Oliver late Lord Protector, declaring his steps to Princely Perfection, drawn in lively Parallels to the Ascents of the great Patriarch Moses to the height of 30 degrees of Honour, by H. D. Esquire.  
25. J. Cleaveland Revived: Poems, Orations, Epistles, and other of his Genuine Incomparable Pieces never before published.  
26. England's Worthies, Select Lives of the most eminent Persons of the three Nations from Constantine the Great, to these times; by W. Winstanly.  
27. Loveday's Letters Domestic and Foreign, to several Persons occasionally distributed in Subjects Historical, Political, and Philosophical: by Robert Loveday, the late admired Translator of the three first parts of the Renowned Romance Cleopatra.  
28. The History of the Life and Death of his most Serene Highness, Oliver, late Lord Protector. Wherein, from his Cradle to his Tomb, are impartially transmitted to Posterity, the most weighty Transactions, foreign or Domestic, that have happened in his Time, either in Matters of Law, Proceed in Parliaments, or others Affairs in Church or State, by S. Carrington.  
29. The right Lozenges publicly sold by Edmund Buckworth in St. Katherine's Court, for Coughs and Consumption of the Lungs, etc. are to be had at Nath. Brooks and John Grismond's in Ivy-lane, and at no other place.   
FINIS.