And my lady my mother hath labored the matter to my father full diligently, but she can no more get than ye know of, for the which God knoweth I am full sorry. But if that ye love me, as I trust verily that ye do, ye will not leave me therefore; for if that ye had not half the livelihood that ye have, for to do the greatest labour that any woman alive might, I would not forsake you. And if ye command me to keep me true wherever I go, I wis I will do all my might you to love, and never no mo, And if my friends say, that I do amiss They shall not me let (_hinder_) so for to do, Mine heart me bids ever more to love you-- Truly over all earthlie thing And if they be never so wrath I trust it shall be better in time coming No more to you at this time, but the Holy Trinity have you in keeping; and I beseech you that this bill be not seen of none earthlie creature save only yourself. And this letter was endited at Topcroft, with full heavy heart &c. By your own MARGERY BREWS. II. Right worshipful and well beloved Valentine, in my most humble wise, I recommend me unto you &c. And heartilie I thank you for the letter, which that ye send me by John Beckerton, whereby I understand and know that ye be purposed to come to Topcroft in short time, and without any errand or matter, but only to have a conclusion of the matter betwixt my father and you; I would be the most glad of any creature alive, so that the matter might grow to effect. And thereas (_whereas_) ye say, an (_if_) ye come and find the matter no more towards you than ye did aforetime, ye would no more put my father and my lady my mother to no cost nor business for that cause a good while after, which causeth my heart to be full heavie; and if that ye come, and the matter take to none effect, then should I be much more sorry, and full of heaviness. And as for myself I have done, and understand in the matter that I can or may, as God knoweth; and I let you plainly understand, that my father will no more money part withal in that behalf, but an 100_l_. and 50 marks (33_l_. 6_s_. 8_d_.) which is right far from the accomplishment of your desire. Wherefore, if that ye could be content with that good, and my poor person, I would be the merriest maiden on ground; and if ye think not yourself so satisfyed, or that ye might have much more good, as I have understood by you afore; good, true, and loving Valentine, that ye take no such labor upon you, as to come more for that matter, but let what is, pass and never more be spoken of, as I may be your true lover and beadwoman during my life. No more unto you at this time, but Almighty Jesu preserve you both bodie and soul &c. By your Valentine MARGERY BREWS. Topcroft 1476.7. MARCELIA. Then she is drown'd? --------Drown'd--Drown'd. Too much of water hast thou, poor Ophelia! And therefore I forbid my tears.--_Hamlet_.