James, indeed, had the unthankful task of extorting, from unwilling hands at home, money for those abroad.[453] Footnote 453: Nichols, p. 840. “But, in earniste, my babie,” he afterwards wrote, “ye must be as spairing as ye can in your spending thaires, for youres.” Amongst the jewels transmitted to Spain was a collar of gold, weighing thirteen great ballaces, and thirteen pieces of gold, with thirteen links of pearl between them. This valuable was, in 1606, annexed to the crown of England, or, as it was stated in the deed, “to the kingdoms of this realm.” It is evident that James had incurred some censure for sending what was not his own property away, for he seems to have exercised greater caution afterwards. The demands from Spain were, indeed, insatiable. Charles modestly wrote to his father thus:—[454] “Sir,—I confess that ye have sent more jewels than at my departure I thought to have had use of; but, since my coming, seeing manie jewels worne heere, and that my braverie can consist of nothing else besydes;—that sume of them which ye have appointed me to give the Infanta, in Steenie’s oppinion and myne, ar nott fitt to be given to her; therefore I have taken this bouldness to intreate your Majesty to send more for my owen wearing and for giving to my mistress; in which I thinke your Majestie shall not doe amiss to take Carlile’s[455] advyce.” Footnote 454: Ibid, p. 845. Footnote 455: The Earl of Carlisle. This letter was in the Prince’s hand-writing. Buckingham’s less humble spirit was shown in the following postscript, which was in his own hand, and forms a singular contrast with the respectful tone of that of the Prince on the same topic:— “I, doge; ye sayes you have manie jewels neyther fit for your one (own), your sone’s, nor your daughter’s[456] wearing; but verie fitt to bestow of those here, who must necessarilie have presents, and this way will be least chargeable to your Majestie in my poore opinione.”[457] Footnote 456: Referring not to Elizabeth of Bohemia, but to the Infanta. Footnote 457: Nichols, p. 846. Three days after, the Duke wrote again in a still more insolent tone; and gave His Majesty his “poore and sausie opinion of what would be fittest to send.” Hitherto, the Marquis said, the King had been so sparing, that when he thought to have sent the Prince sufficient for his own use, and for presents to the Infanta, and to lend to himself, he, on the contrary, had been forced to lend jewels to the Prince.[458] Footnote 458: Nichols, vol. ii., p. 847, dated March 25, 1623.