IT hath been my greatest griefe in all these troubles, to be ta­ken as a person which should endevour to represent and set things amisse between your Majesty and your people; and to give Counsells tending to the disquiet of the three Kingdomes.

Most true it is, that this mine owne private Condition con­sidered, it had beene a great madnesse, since through your gracious favour I was so provided, as not to expect in any kinde to mend my fortune, or please my minde more, than by resting where your boun­teous hands had placed me.

Nay, it is most mightily mistaken, for unto your Majesty is well knowne, my poore, and humble advises concluded still in this, That your Majesty and your people could never bee happy, till there were a right understanding betwixt you and them: no other means to effect and settle this happinesse, but by the Councell and assent of the Parliament; or to prevent the growing evills upon this state, but by intirely putting your selfe in the last resort, upon the loyalty and good affections of your English subjects.

Yet such is my misfortune, this truth findeth little credit, the con­trary seemeth generally to be beleeved, and my selfe reputed as some thing of seperation between you, and your people; under a heavier censure than which, I am perswaded no Gentleman can suffer.

Now I understand the mindes of men are more incensed against me, notwithstanding your Majesty hath declared, that in your Princely opinion I am not guilty of Treason, nor are you satisfied in your Conscience to passe the Bill.

This bringeth me into a very great straight, there is before me the ruine of my Children, and family, hither [...]o untouched, in all the branches of it with any foule Crimes. Here is before me the many ills which may b [...]fall your sacred person, and the whole kingdome, should your selfe and Parliament part lesse satisfied one with the o­ther, than is necessary for the preservation both of King and people. Here are before me the things most valued, most feared by mortall man, Life or Death.

To say Sir, that there hath not beene a strife in mee, were to make me lesse man, then God knoweth, mine infirmities give me. And to call a destruction upon my selfe and yong Children, where the inten­tions of my heart, at least have beene innocent of this great offence, may be believed, will finde no easie consent from flesh and bloud.

But with much sadnesse J am come to a resolution, of that which I take to bee best becomming me, to looke upon that which is most principall in it selfe; which doubtlesse is the prosperity of your sa­cred person, and the Common-wealth, infinitely before any private mans interest.

And therefore in few words, as I put my selfe wholly upon the honour, and justice of my Peeres so clearely, as to beseech your Ma­jesty might please to have spared that Declaration of yours on Satur­day last, and intirely to have left me to their Lordships; so now to set your Majesties conscience at liberty, I doe most humbly beseech your Majesty, in prevention of mistakes which may happen by your refusall, to passe this Bill; And by this meanes remove (praised be God) I cannot say, this accursed, (but I confesse) this unfortunate thing forth of the way, towards that blessed agreement, which God I trust, shall ever establish between you and your Subjects.

Sir, my consent shall more acquit you herein to God, than all the world can doe besides. To a willing man there is no injury done. And as by Gods grace, I forgive all the world with a calmnesse and meeknesse of infinite Contentment to my dislodging soule; So sir, to you can I give the life of this world, with all the cheerefulnesse imaginable; in the just acknowledgement of your exceeding fa­vours. And onely begge that in your goodnesse you would vouchsafe to cast your gracious regard upon my poore Sonne, and his three Si­sters, lesse or more, and no otherwise, then as their (in present unfortunate father, may hereafter appeare more, or lesse guilty of this death.

ALthough there be some discovery made knowne, yet what is intended is made secure; wherefore you must procure two thousand pound speedily; for no danger lets difficultie to com­passe it, if you keep secret: Remember your oath, for we shall slay the Beast with many heads, and destroy the Devils brood before they dreame or mistrust. Burne the letter you have received, your reward shall be in Heaven.