+Source.+--_Henry VIII. Lettres à Anne Boleyn._ Crapelet, Paris.
Letter XII.
There came to me in the night the most afflicting news possible. For I
have reason to grieve upon three accounts. First, because I heard of
the sickness of my mistress, whom I esteem more than all the world,
whose health I desire as much as my own, and the half of whose
sickness I would willingly bear to have her cured. Secondly, because I
fear I shall suffer yet longer that tedious absence, which has
hitherto given me all possible uneasiness, and, as far as I can judge,
is like to give me more. I pray God he would deliver me from so
troublesome a tormentor. The third reason is, because the Physician,
in whom I trust most, is absent at present, when he could do me the
greatest pleasure. For I should hope by him and his means, to obtain
one of my principal joys in this world, that is my mistress cured;
however, in default of him, I send you the second, and the only one
left, praying God that he may soon make you well, and then I shall
love Him more than ever. I beseech you to be governed by his advices
with relation to your illness; by your doing which, I hope shortly to
see you again, which will be to me a greater cordial than all precious
stones in the world. Written by the Secretary who is, and always will
be,
H. (AB) Rex.