[244] "To the Most Noble, Most Gifted, and Most Honourable Lady Ann,
Eldest Daughter of the very Illustrious Protector of England."
Anne Seymour, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Somerset, Protector
of England, was distinguished alike for her illustrious descent,
genius, and piety. She married in 1550 the Earl of Warwick, son
of the Duke of Northumberland, and thus apparently sealed the
reconciliation of her father with the ambitious head of that
illustrious house. We read in a letter, from Martin Micronius to
Bullinger, of 4th June 1550:--"On the third of this month was
celebrated a marriage between the daughter of the Duke of Somerset
and the son of the Earl of Warwick, at which the King himself was
present. This event, I hope, will wonderfully unite and conciliate
the friendship of those noblemen."--_Zurich Letters_, 1st series,
tom. ii. p. 569.
Thanks to the Duchess of Somerset, the mother of Anne
Seymour--exhortation to perseverance in the true faith.
_17th June 1549._
As your mother, illustrious lady, lately presented me with a ring,
as a token of her good-will towards me, which I did not at all
deserve, it would be exceedingly unbecoming in me not to show some
sign of gratitude, by giving expression, at least, to my regard
for her. But not being able to find language, again, in which to
discharge this sort of duty, nothing seems fitter than that I
should call you to my aid, noble lady, distinguished no less by
your worth than by your descent. For as you will be, of all others,
the most suitable negotiator with your mother, you will be glad to
present this mark of respect to her, in virtue of your very great
affection for her; and, particularly, as the address will not, or I
am mistaken, be unpleasant to her. For I learn you have understood
from her words that she is agreeably disposed towards me. Now, if
my prayers be of any avail with you, I would particularly request
of you, not to take amiss the humble salutation offered, with all
submission, by me to her, that she may, at least, understand, that
that gift of which I was held worthy was not bestowed upon one who
knew not to be grateful. Moreover, I made bold to use the more
confidence with you, as I learned that you were not only cultivated
in liberal knowledge, (a singular thing in a young person of
rank of this place,) but that you were also so well informed in
the doctrines of Christ, that you grant a willing access to his
ministers, among whose number, if I mistake not, you acknowledge
me a place. It remains for me to exhort you to pursue your so
happy course, even although, as I hear, you are willing enough of
yourself; and I trust that the Lord who gave you this disposition,
will also grant you steadfastness to persevere to the end. However,
you will take my exhortation in good part, as incitements are never
superfluous, since there are so many obstacles and hindrances in
the world, and so many infirmities in our flesh. Certainly, among
so many excellent gifts with which God has endowed and adorned you,
this stands unquestionably first,--that he stretched out his hand
to you in tender childhood, to lead you to his own Son, who is
the author of eternal salvation, and the fountain of all good. It
becomes you to strive, with all the more zeal, to follow eagerly at
his call. Especially as he has, at the same time, given you that
support of which we see not only the daughters of noblemen, but even
noblemen themselves, to be often deprived. Salute your brother--a
boy of heroic nature--and your very noble sisters. May the Lord
enrich you daily with his blessing, and may he be the constant guide
of the whole course of your life.
Adieu, most excellent lady, deserving of my esteem. Truly yours to
obey you,