1601 Aug 4 Neville to Robert Cecil
I understand by him that solicits my business that I am blamed that I have not in all this time made any offer for the satisfaction of the fine imposed - upon me. Whereupon, being not willing to give or continue any cause of offence in any kind, I have made bold to present another petition to the Council to this effect : that it would please them to consider of the particular which I lately delivered them of my land, and to estimate what my estate for life may be worth in it, according to the common rate used between subjects, and to present the same in my name to her Majesty, together with my supplication that she will be pleased either to take my lands into her hands, and satisfy herself out of the yearly profits thereof, allowing me only what it pleases her for the sustenance of my wife and my 8 poor children : or that she will accept of that sum which the Council shall judge my estate for life to be worth (my said necessary maintenance deducted), and to give me such time for the payment of it as they think reasonable. This is all that I can offer, and this I trust her Majesty, in the riches of that mercy which she has extended towards all other, will be pleased to accept; and so lay the punishment upon myself which have only deserved it, and not upon my poor children which are innocent I do so much condemn myself for the error and offence I have committed, and so truly grieve that I have incurred the indignation of so gracious a sovereign, as I would willingly undergo any misery whatsoever that might light but upon myself, even to the loss of my life, to satisfy her displeasure for my offence, and to purchase her grace and favour to my children. I protest that unless I be so happy as to obtain some mitigation of that indignation which is kindled in her against me, I shall account my life but a burden unto me, and hope to be eased of it ere it be long; yet while I enjoy it, I shall never cease to acknowledge her Majesty's former favour, and my unhappiness in losing it, and likewise your exceeding goodness towards me. Holograph. Undated. Endorsed :—“4 August 1601. Sir Ha. Nevyll.” 1 p. (87. 61.)
