[_On Two Children, &c._] The number of King's children is uncertain, but as the eldest certainly died _before_ the mother, and his sons lived, one nearly as long as the Bishop, the other a little longer, Hannah seems justified in arguing from this piece that there were five.] _A Letter._ I ne'er was dress'd in forms; nor can I bend My pen to flatter any, nor commend, Unless desert or honour do present Unto my verse a worthy argument. You are my friend, and in that word to me Stand blazon'd in your noblest heraldry; That style presents you full, and does relate The bounty of your love, and my own fate, Both which conspir'd to make me yours. A choice, Which needs must, in the giddy people's voice, 10 That only judge the outside, and, like apes, Play with our names, and comment on our shapes, Appear too light: but it lies you upon, To justify the disproportion. Truth be my record, I durst not presume To seek to you, 'twas you that did assume Me to your bosom. Wherein you subdu'd One that can serve you, though ne'er could intrude Upon great titles; nor knows how t' invade Acquaintance: Like such as are only paid 20 With great men's smiles; if that the passant Lord Let fall a forc'd salute, or but afford The nod regardant. It was test enough For me, you ne'er did find such servile stuff Couch'd in my temper; I can freely say, I do not love you in that common way For which Great Ones are lov'd in this false time: I have no wish to gain, nor will to climb; I cannot pawn my freedom, nor outlive My liberty, for all that you can give. 30 And sure you may retain good cheap such friends, Who not your fortune make, but you, their ends. I speak not this to vaunt in my own story, All these additions are unto your glory; Who, counter to the world, use to elect, Not to take up on trust, what you affect. Indeed 'tis seldom seen that such as you Adopt a friend, or for acquaintance sue; Yet you did this vouchsafe, you did descend Below yourself to raise an humble friend, 40 And fix him in your love: where I will stand The constant subject of your free command. Had I no airy thoughts, sure you would teach Me higher than my own dull sphere to reach: And, by reflex, instruct me to appear Something (though coarse and plain) fit for your wear. Know, best of friends, however wild report May justly say, I am unapt to sort With your opinion or society (Which truth would shame me, did I it deny), 50 There 's something in me says, I dare make good, When honour calls me, all I want in blood.