SIR,

I have often sinned towards you, with a presumption of being pardoned, but

now I do it, without hope, and without daring to intreat you to pardon the

fault. In which there are thus many degrees of importunity. That I must

begge of you to christen a child, which is but a daughter, and in which

you must be content to be associated with Ladies of our own alliance, but

good women, and all this upon Thursday next in the afternoon. Sir, I have

so many and so indeleble impressions of your favour to me, as they might

serve to spread over all my poor race. But since I see that I stand like a

tree, which once a year beares, though no fruit, yet this Mast of

children, and so am sure, that one year or other I should afflict you with

this request, I had rather be presently under the obligations and the

thankfulnesse towards you, then meditate such a trouble to you against

another year. I was desirous this paper might kisse your hands as soon as

you came, that if any other diversions made this inconvenient to you, I

might have an other exercise of your favour, by knowing so much from you,

who in every act of yours make me more and more

_Your humble and thankfull servant_

J. Donne.