SIR,

If I would calumniate, I could say no ill of that Gentleman: I know not

whether my L[ord] or my selfe tooke the first apprehension of it; but I

remember that very soone wee concurred in a good opinion of him; thereupon

for justifying our owne forwardnesse, wee observed him more th[o]roughly,

and found all the way good reason to ratifie our first estimation of him.

This gave my L. occasion to send him abroade in his Service after: how hee

satisfied him in that imployment, indeed I know not. But, that I disguise

nothing, I remember my L. told mee sometimes in his absence, that hee had

not Account from him of some things, which hee had deposed in him. And at

his entering into his Coach, at his last going, I asked my L. Goes not the

gentleman with you? and hee told mee with some coldnesse no. So that if

you bee not pressed to a Resolution, you may bee pleased to forbeare a few

dayes, till I may occasionally discerne, whether hee have demerited or

sunke in my L. opinion: And then you shall have another Character of him

from

_Your very humble and thankfull

Servant_

J. Donne.

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