very bad indeed, but am a little better now. I intended this day for writing at large to you, but have been hindered till 'tis now nine o'clock by company, which is not to be avoided, when one's sick, and keeps home, and cannot deny one's self; but till the post goes I'll write all I can think of at least, till they send for my letters. In my last I gave you an answer to what you proposed about the Parliament[1] and you already find that affair is out of doors; but, because despair is the most miserable condition as well as the most wicked, I still endeavour to pull up my spirits; and, whilst the world lasts, will do as well as we can, if it be out of our power to do as we would. In order to this, the next thing that was thought best, was this severity against Papists; and, indeed, if it holds firm, the consumption may last a little longer; and, during that time, you and we may be winding up our bottom; which, I am sure, I shall ever be as solicitous for as my own, and desire our interests may never be separated. There's like to be a change by Secretary Coventry's resolving to quit without money, since there's none to be got upon the account of ill health. The King has been
- ↑ The passages in italics are in cipher.
