My good Lord, somewhat have I been and much have I read: so that few things that concern states or greatness are new cases unto me. And therefore I hope I may be no unprofitable servant unto your Lordship. I remember the King was wont to make a character of me, far above my worth, that I was not made for small matters; and your Lordship would sometimes bring me from his Majesty that Latin sentence, _De minimis non curat lex_: and it hath so fallen out that since my retiring, times have been fuller of great matters than before: wherein perhaps, if I had continued near his Majesty, he mought have found more use of my service, if my gift lay that way. But that is but a vain imagination of mine. True it is, that as I do not aspire to use my talent in the King's great affairs; yet for that which may concern your Lordship, and your fortune, no man living shall give you a better account of faith, industry, and affection than I shall. I must conclude with that which gave me occasion of this letter, which is Mr. Matthew's employment to your Lordship in those parts. Wherein I am verily persuaded your Lordship shall find him a wise and able gentleman, and one that will bend his knowledge of the world (which is great) to serve his Majesty, and the Prince, and in especial your Lordship. So I rest, Your Lordship's most obliged and faithful servant, FR. ST. ALBANS. GRAY'S INN, _18 April, 1623_. POPULARITY OF THE QUEEN OF BOHEMIA (1623). =Source.=--Ellis, _Original Letters_. London, 1824. Vol. iii., p. 118. _Mr. Joseph Mead to Sir Martin Stuteville, 25th Jan., 1623._ ... The Lieutenant of the Middle Temple played a game this Christmas time whereat his Majesty was highly displeased. He made choice of some thirty of the civillest and best-fashioned gentlemen of the House to sup with him. And being at supper, took a cup of wine in one hand, and held his sword drawn in the other, and so began a health to the distressed Lady Elisabeth, and having drunk, kissed his sword, and laying his hand upon it, took an oath to live and die in her service; then delivered the cup and sword to the next, and so the health and ceremony went round.... THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM TO THE KING (1624). =Source.=--Ellis, _Original Letters_. Vol. iii., p. 146. DEAR DAD, GOSSIP AND STEWARD,