Lest you should think your selfe too much beholding to your fortune, and
so relie too much upon her hereafter, I am bold to tell you, that it is
not onely your good fortune that hath preserved you from the importunity
of my visits all this time. For my ill fortune, which is stronger then any
mans good fortune hath concurred in the plot to keep us asunder, by
infecting one in my house with the Measels. But all that is so safely
overworne, that I dare, not onely desire to put my selfe into your
presence, but by your mediation, a little farther. For, esteeming my
selfe, by so good a title as my Lords own words, to be under his
providence, and care of my fortune, I make it the best part of my studies
how I might ease his Lordship by finding out something for my selfe.
Which, because I thinke I have done as though I had done him a service
therein, I adventure to desire to speake with him, which I beseech you to
advance, in addition to your many favours and benefits to me. And if you
have occasion to send any of your servants to this town, to give me notice
what times are fittest for me to waite, to injoy your favour herein. My
businesse is of that nature, that losse of time may make it much more
difficult, and may give courage to the ill fortune of
_Your humble servant_
J. Donne.
[cxiv.]
_To your selfe._