I had rather like the first best; not onely because it is cleanlier, but
because it reflects least upon the other party, which, in all jest and
earnest, in this affair, I wish avoided. If my Muse were onely out of
fashion, and but wounded and maimed like Free-will in the _Roman Church_,
I should adventure to put her to an Epithalamion. But since she is dead,
like Free-will in our Church, I have not so much Muse left as to lament
her losse. Perchance this businesse may produce occasions, wherein I may
expresse my opinion of it, in a more serious manner. Which I speake
neither upon any apparent conjecture, nor upon any overvaluing of my
abilities, but out of a generall readinesse and alacrity to be serviceable
and gratefull in any kinde. In both which poor vertues of mine, none can
pretend a more primary interest, then you may, in
_Your humble and affectionate servant_
J. Donne.
[c.]
_To the Honourable Knight Sir_ Robert Karre _Gentleman of his Highnesses
Bedchamber_.