Agreeably to my fortune, and thoughts, I was crawld this back way from
_Keyston_; through my broken casement at _Bedford_, I saw, for my best
dish at dinner, your Coach; I studied your gests, but when I knew where
you were, I went out of this Town, in a doubt whether I should turn in to
_Wrest_; and you know the wisdome of the Parliament is, to resolve ever in
the Negative: Therefore it is likeliest I shall not come in there; yet,
let me give you in passing, thus much account of my self: I thought to
kisse my L[ord] _Spencers_ hands, at one house, and have passed three. If
you know nothing to the contrary, risen since I came from _London_, I am
likely to have a room in my L. of Dov. train, into the Countrie; if I
have, I do not ask, but use the leave of waiting upon you at home: There
and ever elswhere, our blessed Saviour blesse you, and all yours in which
number, I pray, account ever
_Your very thankfull servant in Chr. Jes._
J. Donne.
[lxix.]
_To Sir_ H. G.
_SIR_,
I cannot obey you, if you go to morrow to _Parsons-green_; your company,
that place, and my promise are strong inducements, but an Ague flouts them
all, of which I have had two such threatenings, that I provide against it
by a little Physick. This is one fetter; but I have a pair: for I attend
Sir _Geo. Mores_ answer in a little businesse, of which I can have no
account till his return, so I am fastened here, till after _Sunday_. As
you are sure that I love you thorowly, so think this a good expressing of
that, that I promise now, that I will certainly goe with you on _Munday_,
in despite of these interruptions, and serve you with my company to the
_Bathe_; which journie, it is time to hasten. But I pray think this
promise so much worth, that it may deserve your comming this way on
_Munday_, for I make it with that reservation. God send you Hawks and
fortunes of a high pitch.
_Your honest affectionate_
J. Donne.
[lxx.]
_To Sir_ T. R.
_SIR_,
I have bespoke you a New-years-gift, that is, a good New year, for I have
offered your name with my soul heartily to God in my mornings best
Sacrifice: If for custome you will doe a particular office in recompense,
deliver this Letter to your Lady, now, or when the rage of the Mask is
past. If you make any haste into the Country, I pray let me know it. I
would kisse your hands before you goe, which I doe now, and continue
_Your affectionate servant
and lover_
J. Donne.
Micham, _the last of_ 1607.
_as I remember_.
[lxxi.]
_To Sir_ Henry Goodere.