1603 Jan 7 Neville to Robert Cecil

Original Spelling Transcription

Transcription by John O'Donnell.

Right honnorable. I have understood both by mine uncle Killigrew, & by mr. lieutenant, how honnorably & affectionately you have dealt with her Matie. for my liberty. wherein I protest I no lesse reioice, then I would Ioy in my deliverance yt self yf yt were effected. for as mine owne hart beares me witnes, that I never carryed other then a dutyfull & respective mind towards your honnour, so am I glad above measure to find, that neither my errours which I have committed, nor the evill suggestions of malignant spirits, apt & ready to make the worst interpretacion of them, have bin able to alter your honnours constant & favourable disposition towards mee. my obligacion therefore is exceeding greate, and beyond my abylyty to acknowledge yt sufficiently; much more am I vnable to discharge & acquitte yt. But I do so much detest ingratitude (the fowlest of all vices) that I shall ever hold, not only my poore fortune, but my life, well spent to give your honnour any testimony of my thankefullnes. And with this protestacion which I will allwaies avow & seale with my blood (yf occasion require yt) I will conclude; and pray to god in the meane time to supply with his mercies & favours, the defects of my abylyty. And so I humbly kisse your hors. handes & remaine

your hors. most bounden to do you service Henry Neuill

The 7th of January 1602