After my most hearty commendations I pray you at the reverence of God to help, that expedition be used in my pursuits, the delay whereof so replenisheth my heart with heaviness, that I can take no rest; not for any vain fear, but only for the miserable condition that I am presently in, and likelihood to continue in the same, unless that you, in whom is my assured trust do help and relieve me therein; For first, continuing here in this moist and corrupt air, being entered into the passion of the dropsy, _Cum prostatione appetitus et continuo insomnio_. I cannot live: Wherefore of necessity I must be removed to some other dryer air and place, where I may have commodity of physicians. Secondly, having but Yorke, which is now decayed, by £800 by the year, I cannot tell how to live, and keep the poor number of folks which I now have, my houses there be in decay, and of everything meet for household unprovided and furnished. I have no apparel for my houses there, nor money to bring me thither, nor to live with till the propice time of the year shall come to remove thither. These things considered, Mr. Secretary, must needs make me in agony and heaviness, mine age therewith and sickness considered, alas Mr. Secretary, ye with other my lords showed me, that I should otherwise be furnished and seen unto, ye know in your learning and conscience, whether I should forfeit my spiritualities of Winchester or no. Alas! the qualities of mine offences considered, with the great punishment and loss of goods that I have sustained, ought to move pitiful hearts; and the most noble king, to whom if it would please you of your charitable goodness to show the premises after your accustomed wisdom and dexterity, it is not to be doubted, but his highness would have consideration and compassion, augmenting my living, and appointing such thing as should be convenient for my furniture, which to do shall be to the king's high honour, merit, and discharge of conscience, and to you great praise for the bringing of the same to pass for your old bringer up and loving friend. This kindness exhibited from the king's highness shall prolong my life for some little while, though it shall not be long, by the means whereof his grace shall take profit, and by my death not. What is it to his Highness to give some convenient portion out of Winchester, and St. Albans, his Grace taking with my hearty good will the residue. Remember, good Mr. Secretary, my poor degree, and what service I have done, and how now approaching to death, I must begin the world again. I beseech you therefore, moved with pity and compassion, succour me in this my calamity, and to your power which I know is great, relieve me; and I with all mine shall not only ascribe this my relief unto you, but also pray to God for the increase of your honour, and as my poor shall increase, so I shall not fail to requite your kindness. Written hastily at Asher,[43] with the rude and shaking hand of