My Worthy Lord.<162>

            I have lived to see that damnable rebel Tyrone brought to England, courteously favoured, honoured, and well liked. Oh! my Lord, what is there which doth not prove the inconstancy of wordly matters! How did I labour after that knave's destruction! I was called from my home by her Majesty's command, adventured perils by sea and land, endured toil, was near starving, eat horse-flesh at Munster; and all to quell that man, who now smileth in peace at those that did hazard their lives to destroy him. Essex took me to Ireland; I had scant time to put on my boots; I followed with good will, and did return with the Lord Lieutenant to meet ill will; I did bear the frowns of her that sent me; and, were it not for her good liking, rather than my good deservings, I had been sore discountenanced indeed. I obeyed in going with the Earl to Ireland, and I obeyed in coming with him to England. But what did I encounter thereon? Not his wrath, but my gracious Sovereign's ill humour. What did I advantage? Why, truly, a knighthood; which had been better bestowed by her that sent me, and better spared by him that gave it. I shall never put out of remembrance her Majesty's displeasure:—I entered her chamber, but she frowned and said, "What, did the fool bring you too? Go back to your business." In sooth, these words did sore hurt him who never heard such before; but heaven gave me more comfort in a day or two after; her Majesty did please to ask me concerning our northern journeys, and I did so well quit me of the account, that she favoured me with such discourse that the Earl himself had been well glad of. And now doth Tyrone dare us old commanders with his presence and protection.

            I doubt not but some state business is well nigh begun, or to be made out; but these matters pertain not to me now. I much fear for my good Lord Grey and Raleigh. I hear the plot was well nigh accomplished to disturb our peace and favour Arabella Stuart, the Prince's cousin. The Spaniards bear no good will to Raleigh, and I doubt if some of the English have much better affection toward him; God deliver me from these designs. I have spoken with Carew<163> concerning the matter; he thinkth ill of certain people whom I know, and wisheth he could gain knowledge and further inspection hereof, touching those who betrayed this business. Cecil doth bear no love to Raleigh, as you well understand in the matter of Essex. I wist not that he hath evil design, in point of faith or religion. As he hath oft discoursed to me with much learning, wisdom, and freedom, I know he doth somewhat differ in opinion from some others; but I think also his heart is well fixed in every honest thing, as far as I can look into him. He seemeth wonderously fitted, both by art and nature, to serve the state, especially as he is versed in foreign matters, his skill therein being always estimable and praiseworthy. In religion, he hath shown (in private talk) great depth and good reading, as I once experienced at his own house, before many learned men. In good troth, I pity his state, and doubt the dice not fairly thrown, if his life be the losing stake: but hereof enough, as it becometh not a poor country knight to look from the plough-handle into policy and privacy. I thank Heaven, I have been well nigh driven heretofore into narrow straits, amongst state rocks and sightless dangers; but if I have gained little profit and not much honour, I have not adventured so far as to be quite sunken herein. I will leave you all now to sink or swim, as seemeth best to your own liking; I only swim now in our baths, wherein I feel some benefit and more delight. My lameness is bettered hereby, and I will shortly set forward to see what goeth on in the city, and pry safely among those that trust not me, neither will I trust to them: new princes beget new laws, and I am too well stricken in years and infirmities to enter on new courses. God commend and defend your Lordship in all your undertakings. He that thriveth in a court must put half his honesty under his bonnet; and many do we know that never part that commodity at all, and sleep with it all in a bag. I rest your lordship's true friend,
            JOHN HARINGTON.

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