I make shift to think that I promised you this book of French _Satyrs_. If
I did not, yet it may have the grace of acceptation, both as it is a very
forward and early fruit, since it comes before it was looked for, and as
it comes from a good root, which is an importune desire to serve you.
Which since I saw from the beginning, that I should never do in any great
thing, it is time to begin to try now, whether by often doing little
services, I can come towards any equivalence. For, except I can make a
rule of naturall philosophy, serve also in morall offices, that as the
strongest bodies are made of the smallest particles, so the strongest
friendships may be made of often iterating small officiousnesses, I feel I
can be good for nothing. Except you know reason to the contrary, I pray
deliver this Letter according to the addresse. It hath no businesse nor
importunity; but as by our Law, a man may be _Felo de se_, if he kill
himself, so I think a man may be _Fur de se_, if he steale himselfe out of
the memory of them, which are content to harbour him. And now I begin to
be loath to be lost, since I have afforded my selfe some valuation and
price, ever since I received the stampe and impression of being
_Your very humble and affectionate servant_
J. Donne.
[cxv.]
_To the Honourable Knight Sir_ Robert Karre, _Gentleman of his Highnesses
Bed chamber_.