I would not omit this, not Commodity, but Advantage of writing to you.
This emptinesse in _London_, dignifies any Letter from hence, as in the
seasons, earlinesse and latenesse, makes the sowrenesse, and after the
sweetnesse of fruits acceptable and gracious. We often excuse and advance
mean Authors, by the age in which they lived, so will your love do this
Letter; and you will tell your self, that if he which writ it knew wherein
he might expresse his affection, or any thing which might have made his
Letter welcommer, he would have done it. As it is, you may accept it so,
as we do many _China_ manufactures, of which when we know no use, yet we
satisfie our curiosity in considering them, because we knew not how, nor
of what matter they were made. Near great woods and quarries it is no
wonder to see faire houses, but in _Holland_ which wants both, it is. So
were it for me who am as farre removed from Court, and knowledge of forein
passages, as this City is now from the face and furniture of a City, to
build up a long Letter, and to write of my self were but to inclose a poor
handfull of straw for a token in a Letter: yet I will tell you, that I am
at _London_ onely to provide for Monday, when I shall use that favour
which my Lady _Bedford_ hath afforded me, of giving her name to my
daughter; which I mention to you, as well to shew that I covet any
occasion of a gratefull speaking of her favours, as that, because I have
thought the day is likely to bring you to _London_, I might tell you, that
my poor house is in your way and you shall there finde such company, as (I
think) you will not be loth to accompany to _London_.
_Your very true friend_
J. Donne.