there alone is rest. Present my service to your Lady, to Mr. Mayor, etc. I rest, your affectionate servant,
“P.S” I desire you to carry this business with all privacy. I beseech you to do so, as you love me. Let me entreat you not to lose a day herein, that I may know Mr. Mayor’s mind; for I think I may be at leisure for a week to attend this business, to give and take satisfaction; from which perhaps I may be shut up afterwards by employment.[1] I know thou art an idle fellow: but prithee neglect me not now; delay may be very inconvenient to me: I much rely upon you. Let me hear from you in two or three days. I confess the principal consideration as to me, is the absolute settlement “by Mr. Mayor” of the Manor where he lives; which he would not do but conditionally, in case they have a son, and but 8,0001. in case they have no son. But as to this, I hope farther reason may work him to more.[2]
Of ‘my two little Wenches,’ Mary, we may repeat, became Lady Fauconberg; Frances was wedded to the Honourable Mr. Rich, then to Sir John Russell. Elizabeth and Bridget are already Mrs. Claypole and Mrs. Ireton. Elizabeth, the younger, was first married. They were all married very young; Elizabeth, at her wedding, was little turned of sixteen.
FOR COLONEL ROBERT HAMMOND
Dear Robin,—Your business is done in the House: your 10l. by the week is made 20l.; 1000l. given you; and Order to Mr. Lisle to draw-up an Ordinance for 500l. per annum to be settled upon you and your heirs. This was done with smoothness; your friends were not wanting to you. I know thy
