“SIR,--In respect of your mentioning of any respect or kindness towards me, lest to be divulged to the world should do you any prejudice, I have thought fit in your own letter to return you thanks for the same. And for Sir Tho. Fairfax, if he were here with all his army, he should receive no other from me than what you have had. I hope I serve (though not so well as I should) a Master that is of more might than all the armies in the world; and to his holy will and pleasure I submit myself, and yourself to do what you think fitting.--Your friend and servant, “H. WORCESTER. “FROM MY DWELLING AT RAGLAN, “June 28.” In the first week of August ensuing, General Fairfax arrived from Bath to hasten the siege--which was in great forwardness both for works and approaches--and then sent in another summons[266] to the Marquess:-- V.--SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX TO THE MARQUESS OF WORCESTER. “MY LORD,--Being come into these parts with such a strength as I may not doubt but, with the same good hand of Providence that hath hitherto blessed us, in short time to reduce the garrison of Raglan to the obedience of the Parliament, I have, in order thereto, thought good to send your lordship this summons, hereby requiring you to deliver up to me, for the Parliament’s use, the said garrison and Castle of Raglan; which, as it only obstructs the kingdom’s universal peace, the rendition may beget such terms, as by delay or vain hopes cannot hereafter be expected.--I remain, my Lord, your lordship’s most humble servant, “THO. FAIRFAX. “LEAGUER BEFORE RAGLAN, “August 7, 1646. “Your lordship’s speedy answer to this summons is desired.” VI.--THE MARQUESS OF WORCESTER TO SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX. “SIR,--Although my infirmities might justly claim privilege in so sudden an answer; yet, because you desire it, and I am not willing to delay your time, to your letter of summons to deliver up my house, and the only house now in my possession to cover my head in, these are to let you know, that if you did understand the condition I am in, I daresay out of your judgment you will not think it a reasonable demand. I am loth to be the author of mine own ruin on both sides; and therefore desire leave to send to his Majesty to know his pleasure what he will have done with his garrison. As for my house, I presume he will command nothing; neither am I knowing how, either by law or conscience, I should be forced out of it. To these I desire your return, and rest your Excellency’s humble servant, “H. WORCESTER. “FROM MY POOR COTTAGE AT RAGLAN, “Aug. 7, 1646.” VII.--SIR THOMAS FAIRFAX TO THE MARQUESS OF WORCESTER.