tion would be given out; that there had been a great business about it. The province of Friez protested; the other provinces protested against their protestation; so that they are now writing against one another.
THE COUNTESS DOWAGER OF SUNDERLAND TO MR. SIDNEY.
March 12th.
I am very glad when I have a letter from you; but I do not expect you, that have a great deal to do, and I that have nothing, should write as many letters to me as I do to you. I will let Mr. Pierpoint know your willingness to favour him; he was gone out of town yesterday before I had your letter. He and his mistress, Montague and his wife, went down to Holland with Sir John. Next week they are to be married. To-morrow Tom Pelham goes, but not his wife, because she is with child. Her father was unwilling she should go, and they dare do nothing but what he likes. Our sister will have enough upon her hands with her new body, and he so bashful a man that needs encouragement. I never saw any body more than he is. She is pleased with them all now, and so is every one with