Only I humbly pray you to
believe that I aspire to the conscience and commendation first of
_bonus civis_, which with us is a good and true servant to the
Queen, and next of _bonus vir_, that is an honest man. I desire
your Lordship also to think that though I confess I love some
things much better than I love your Lordship--as the Queen's
service, her quiet and contentment, her honour, her favour, the
good of my country, and the like--yet I love few persons better
than yourself, both for gratitude's sake and for your own virtues,
which cannot hurt but by accident or abuse. Of which my good
affection I was ever ready and am ready to yield testimony by any
good offices, but with such reservations as yourself cannot but
allow; for as I was ever sorry that your Lordship should fly with
waxen wings, doubting Icarus's fortune, so for the growing up of
your own feathers, specially ostrich's, or any other save of a bird
of prey, no man shall be more glad.
Pages:
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83
84
85
86