_Dearest Friend, since last I saw you, never was young Man so unfortunate as my self, the cause thereof I can impute to nothing more than self-conceit, and over-much credulity; which by the sequel you will plainly understand. For perceiving that my Mistress shewed me more then a common respect, I concluded that she had entertained some private favour for me within her breast, so that I began to be puft up with conceit; neglecting my duty, and now despising the Chamber-maid, who was before the only Saint I made nightly my oraizons too; withal, I carried my self so imperiously, that my Master was not very well assured whether he durst command or no. My Mistress would sometimes heartily laugh, to see how ridiculous I carryed myself; which I looked upon as a singular favour, mistaking her smiles for tokens of her love, when they were no other than the apparent Symptomes of her derision. Observing how affable and pleasing she was, I never considered the generality of it, so that my self-flattering noddle supposed this carriage particular to me, and thereupon interpreted this her complacencie strong affection; and by reason she was frequently merry and jocose, I concluded her salacious or Lecherous. Thus by the false lights of misconstruction and easie belief, I was led into Loves Labyrinth; My Masters affairs was less regarded than my Mistress supposed affection. In fine, I judged it absolutely necessary to make her acquainted with my Amorous Passion, and no expedient better than by Letter. My Mistress (as it is customary with Citizens Wives to light the Candle of their Husbands Estates at both ends) had her Country-house, to which I was sent by my Master, with some bottles of Wine, preparatory for a Feast intended for the accommodation of some special Friends: arriving, I found my Mistress had sent her Maid to _London_ about some business, at which I bless’d my propitious stars, to direct me thither in such a fortunate and most desired hour._