1598 May 6 Robert Cecil

Transcription by John O'Donnell.

Right honnorable. I receaved even now by a messenger Commaundment from your honnor to attend vppon you which I am and will be allwaies willing to, and to do you all the service I may, to the vttermost of my power Only I beseech your ho:, as one that hath somtimes had feeling of the like greefe, to respit me for a time; my wife beeing at this instant in great extremitie (as her maties. Phisicions who were with her this morning can informe you) and ready to attend the pleasure of god for her last howre, I know not how soone. moreover Sr. if your pleasure be to Commaund my attendance about the imployment wherevnto I was lately named, I humblie beseech your ho: to vnderstand and consider my poore estate at this time, which is now if effect in mocion: I having sold my land in Sussex and som other places, in effect the cheefe substance of all I have, to bestowe it in Berksheire vppon som land which was Sr. Henry Vntons, for which I am entered unto Recognizances of aboue twelve thousand pownd to be discharged within three moneths, and all reciprocall assurances within that time to be performed. how impossible it is for me to accomplish this if I should be imployed I do assuredly know. And not accomplishing it, I forsee the overthrow of my poore estate, and shall both serve her matie. without comfort now, and be vtterly dishabled to serve her in any sort heereafter. I do therefore againe most humblie beseech your ho: to free mee at the least till michellmas And I shall for ever after rest most bound vnto you and ready to be disposed, vppon any occasion And so I most humblie take my leave. From Lothbury the vith of may 1598.

Your hors: most humble at Commandment Henry Neuill