I would I were so good an Alchimist to perswade you that all the vertue of
the best affections, that one could expresse in a sheet, were in this
ragge of paper. It becomes my fortune to deale thus in single money; and I
may hit better with this hail-shot of little Letters (because they may
come thick) then with great bullets; and trouble my friends lesse. I
confesse it were not long enough if it came to present my thankes for all
the favours you have done me; but since it comes to begge more, perchance
it may be long enough, because I know not how short you will be with an
absent friend. If you will but write that you give me leave to keep that
name still, it shall be the gold of your Letter: and for allay, put in as
much newes as you will. We are in a place where scarce any money appeares,
but base: as, I confesse, all matters of Letters is in respect of the
testimonies of friendship; but obey the corruption of this place, and fill
your Letters with worse stuffe then your own. Present my service to all
those Gentlemen whom I had the honour to serve at our lodging; I cannot
flie an higher pitch, then to say, that I am so much their servants as you
can say I am. At the Queens armes in _Cheapside_, which is a Mercers, you
may hear of one M. _John Brewer_, who will convey any Letter directed to
me at Sir _Rob. Druries_ at _Amiens_, though he know not me: and I should
be glad to hear that this first that I sent into _England_ had the fortune
to finde you.
_Yours_
J. Donne.
[xcvii.]
_To your fair sister._