I wrote vnto thee by our neighbour Cole, beinge then vncertaine of my returne, yet I hoped to haue been with thee on Saterday but it so fallethe out, that I am inforced to staye except I should leaue my sister Goldinge2 destitute, and the businesse I came for without effecte, which I cannot now faile with comforte and good reporte. Therefore I must intreat thy gentle patience vntill this businesse be dispatched, which I hope wilbe betymes the next weeke. In the meane tyme thou art well perswaded that my heart is with thee, as (I know) thine is with him to whom thou hast given thy selfe, a faithfull and lovinge yoke-fellowe, who truely prisinge this gifte as the greatest earthly blessinge, provokes thy Love to abounde in those fruites of mutuall kindnesse etc. that may adde a daylye increase of comfort and sweet content in this happinesse. I would willingly offer a request vnto thee, which yet I will not vrge (not knowing what inconveniences may lye in the waye) but it would be very gratefull to me to meet thee at Maplested on wensdaye next, if little Waddye hath kept his bigges etc but be it as God shall guide thy 263heart and the opportunitye. It is now neere xi of the clocke, and tyme to sleepe, therefore I must ende. The Lord our heavenly father blesse and keepe thee and all ours, and let this salutation serve for all, for I know not how safe a messinger I shall have for these, remember my dutye and Love as thou knowest how to bestowe them, farewell, Thine

— I am exceedingly streightened in tyme, throughe the suddaine opportunitye of sendinge this messinger, yet I could not but write unto thee as I maye. God be blessed, I came home in peace and found all very well, and so we continue, and I hope we shall all meet in peace and comfort on friday. I have sent a horse for my uncle. Thus with most hearty remembrance of my fond and faithfull love to thee, I comende thee (to the Lord) who blesse and directe us allwayes and all our children. Thine as his owne

I expected to have heard from yow this weeke but yt should seeme some busines or want of a Messenger Hindred yow I purpose God willing to see yow the weeke after Bartholomew and yf I fit not my self with a good nag before that tyme I shalbe bold to make vse of your kindnes I haue sent yow Inclosed the newes that is now extant a prepara­264tion for worse though this be bad enough: happy are they that are at rest and see not the evills like to ensue, for foreayne Newes I can say no thinge for there is none abroad nor I greatly seeke yt not finding so much at home it duls me much though I cannot be so sensible of yt as I should being vnfit to write more I end with my kind and loving salutacions to your self my sister father mother and the rest Your lovinge Brother