A few hours after I had the honour of your Letter, I had another from my
Lord of _Bath_ and _Wells_, commanding from the King a Copy of my Sermon.
I am in preparations of that, with diligence, yet this morning I waited
upon his Lordship, and laid up in him this truth, that of the B. of
_Canterburies_ Sermon, to this hour, I never heard syllable, nor what way,
nor upon what points he went: And for mine, it was put into that very
order, in which I delivered it, more then two moneths since. Freely to you
I say, I would I were a little more guilty: Onely mine innocency makes me
afraid. I hoped for the Kings approbation heretofore in many of my
Sermons; and I have had it. But yesterday I came very near looking for
thanks; for, in my life, I was never in any one peece, so studious of his
service. Therefore, exceptions being taken, and displeasure kindled at
this, I am afraid, it was rather brought thither, then met there. If you
know any more, fit for me, (because I hold that unfit for me, to appear
in my Masters sight, as long as this cloud hangs, and therefore, this day
forbear my ordinary waitings) I beseech you to intimate it to
_Your very humble and very thankfull servant_
J. Donne.
[cxxiii.]
_To the Right Honourable Sir_ Robert Karre, _at Court_.