Right worshipful and well beloved Valentine, in my most humble wise, I
recommend me unto you &c.
And heartilie I thank you for the letter, which that ye send me by
John Beckerton, whereby I understand and know that ye be purposed to
come to Topcroft in short time, and without any errand or matter, but
only to have a conclusion of the matter betwixt my father and you; I
would be the most glad of any creature alive, so that the matter might
grow to effect. And thereas (_whereas_) ye say, an (_if_) ye come and
find the matter no more towards you than ye did aforetime, ye would no
more put my father and my lady my mother to no cost nor business for
that cause a good while after, which causeth my heart to be full
heavie; and if that ye come, and the matter take to none effect, then
should I be much more sorry, and full of heaviness.
And as for myself I have done, and understand in the matter that I can
or may, as God knoweth; and I let you plainly understand, that my
father will no more money part withal in that behalf, but an 100_l_.
and 50 marks (33_l_. 6_s_. 8_d_.) which is right far from the
accomplishment of your desire.
Wherefore, if that ye could be content with that good, and my poor
person, I would be the merriest maiden on ground; and if ye think not
yourself so satisfyed, or that ye might have much more good, as I have
understood by you afore; good, true, and loving Valentine, that ye
take no such labor upon you, as to come more for that matter, but let
what is, pass and never more be spoken of, as I may be your true lover
and beadwoman during my life.
No more unto you at this time, but Almighty Jesu preserve you both
bodie and soul &c.
By your Valentine
MARGERY BREWS.
Topcroft 1476.7.