In a way which proved him an adept in the art, Charles I wrote to the
Princess Henrietta Maria, daughter of Henry IV of France, when she was
coming to join him:
DEAR HEART: I never knew till now the good of ignorance, for
I did not know the danger thou wert in by the storm before I
had assurance of thy happy escape, we having had a pleasing
false report of thy safe landing at Newcastle, which thine
of the 19th of January so far confirmed us in that we were
at least not undeceived of that hope till we knew certainly
how great a danger thou hast passed, of which I shall not be
out of apprehension until I have the happiness of thy
company.
For indeed I think it not the least of my misfortunes that
for my sake thou hast run so much hazard. But my heart being
full of admiration for thee, affection for thee, and
impatient passion of gratitude to thee, I cannot but say
something, leaving the rest to be read by thee out of thine
own noble heart.