The consideration of that saying literae non erubescunt, hath moued me to cause you to vnderstand that by lettres, which bashfullnesse would not suffer me to vtter, but sealed vp my mouth in silence. The heathen could say Tu nihil Invitâ dices, faciesve Myneruâ;2 I would be loath soe far to violate the lawes of Nature or infringe the praecepts of nurture, and education, as to vndertake any enterprize of moment without your leaue, knowledg, consent, and licence: that therefore I may haue your councell, and direction I desire that from me you may vnderstand, that I doe beare affection in such sort as God may approue, and with your agreement may in time blesse with his holy ordinance of Mariage to my cosen Vrsula,3 my aunt Fones her daughter, yet haue I made noe mention of any such thing, nor till I shall knowe your will, pleasure and advice here 171in will I. to your wisdome therefore doe I most humblye submitte my selfe, and earnestly desiring your prayers, that God may direct me for the best, I shall awaite the expectation of your councell, instruction, and direction, what best you in your wisdome shall see most fittinge for me to be done or lefte vndone, and soe committing this to you and you to the protection of the allmighty with my most humble duty remembred to your selfe, my vncle and aunt Downing, with my loue to my cosens I rest and remaine