Sir _Germander Pool_, your noble friend and fellow in Armes, hath been at
this house. I finde by their diligent inquiring from me, that he hath
assured them that he hath much advanced your proceeding, by his
resignation; but cooled them again with this, that the L. _Spencer_
pretends in his room. I never feared his, nor any mans diligence in that;
I feared onely your remisnesse, because you have a fortune that can
endure, and a nature that can almost be content to misse. But I had rather
you exercised your Philosophy and evennesse in some things else. He doth
not nothing which falls cleanly and harmelesly; but he wrastles better
which stands. I know you can easily forgive your self any negligences and
slacknesses, but I am glad that you are ingaged to so many friends, who
either by your self, or fame have knowledge of it. In all the rest of them
there is a worthinesse, and in me a love which deserves to be satisfied.
In this therefore, as you are forward in all things else, be content to do
more for your friends then you would for your self; endevour it, that is
effect it.
_Your very true friend and love_
J. Donne.
_Tuesday._
[xxxviii.]
_To Sir_ H. G.
_SIR_,
In the History or style of friendship, which is best written both in deeds
and words, a Letter, which is of a mixed nature, and hath something of
both, is a mixed Parenthesis: It may be left out, yet it contributes,
though not to the being, yet to the verdure, and freshnesse thereof.
Letters have truly the same office, as oaths. As these amongst light and
empty men, are but fillings, and pauses, and interjections; but with
weightier, they are sad attestations: So are Letters to some complement,
and obligation to others. For mine, as I never authorized my servant to
lie in my behalfe, (for if it were officious in him, it might be worse in
me) so I allow my Letters much lesse that civill dishonest, both because
they go from me more considerately, and because they are permanent; for in
them I may speak to you in your chamber a year hence before I know not
whom, and not hear my self. They shall therefore ever keep the sincerity
and intemeratenesse of the fountain, whence they are derived. And as
wheresoever these leaves fall, the root is in my heart, so shall they, as
that sucks good affections towards you there, have ever true impressions
thereof. This much information is in very leaves, that they can tell what
the tree is, and these can tell you I am a friend, and an honest man. Of
what generall use, the fruit should speake, and I have none: and of what
particular profit to you, your application and experimenting should tell
you, and you can make none of such a nothing; yet even of barren
Sycamores, such as I, there were use, if either any light flashings, or
scorching vehemencies, or sudden showres made you need so shadowy an
example or remembrancer. But (Sir) your fortune and minde do you this
happy injury, that they make all kinde of fruits uselesse unto you;
Therefore I have placed my love wisely where I need communicate nothing.
All this, though perchance you read it not till Michaelmas, was told you
at _Micham_, _15. August. 1607_.
[xxxix.]
_To my most worthy friend Sir_ Henry Goodere.
_SIR_,
Because evennesse conduces as much to strength and firmnesse as greatnesse
doth, I would not discontinue my course of writing. It is a sacrifice,
which though friends need not, friendship doth; which hath in it so much
divinity, that as we must be ever equally disposed inwardly so to doe or
suffer for it, so we must sepose some certain times for the outward
service thereof, though it be but formall and testimoniall: that time to
me towards you is Tuesday, and my Temple, the Rose in Smith-field. If I
were by your appointment your Referendarie for news, I should write but
short Letters, because the times are barren. The low Countries, which used
to be the Mart of news for this season, suffering also, or rather enjoying
a vacation. Since therefore I am but mine own Secretary (and what's
that?) I were excusable if I writ nothing, since I am so: Besides that,
your much knowledge brings you this disadvantage, that as stomachs
accustomed to delicacies, finde nothing new or pleasing to them when they
are sick; so you can hear nothing from me (though the Countrey perchance
make you hungry) which you know not. Therefore in stead of a Letter to
you, I send you one to another, to the best Lady, who did me the honour to
acknowledge the receit of one of mine, by one of hers; and who only hath
power to cast the fetters of verse upon my free meditations: It should
give you some delight, and some comfort, because you are the first which
see it, and it is the last which you shall see of this kinde from me.
_Your very affectionate lover and servant_
J. Donne.
Micham _the_
14 August.
[xl.]
_To Sir_ I. H.