_To my maister Paston._
[Sidenote: 1454 / APRIL 8]
Right Reverend and wurshipfull Sir, myn especyall good maister,
I recomaund me to you. And for as moch as adversite and prosperite bothe
ly in the disposicion of o [_one_] man above, I thank God, and late you
wete that I stand yet in as greet troble as ever I dede or gretter;
praying you ever to be my good maister and to contynue your benyvolens
as I am ever bounde to you. Myn hevynes is sum whet incresid, for a fals
harlot, sauf your reverens, one James Cook, a servaunt of myn, falsly
and traitourously is hired bi Watte Ingham and hath accused and diffamed
me and my wif of settyng up billes agayn lordis, that, Almighti God I
take to record, I not am ne never was gilty therof; but the same theef
and Asshcote han made an appoyntement to come and robbe me of suych
littel goodis of myn as thei can gete in Norffolk or Norwich. Wherfore I
beseche your maistership for charite of your help and socour to my
servauntz if such case falle. For I trowe this is a troble that never
man suffrid non like in such case, and therfore, gentill Sir, as God
hath indued you of myght and power to socour suych troubles, shew your
bounte to me in this nede, and that for Goddes love, Who Almighti
preserve you. Wretyn in Flete the viij. day of Aprill.--Your wofull
servant,