without regard to business, party, or greatness; and if I had not a peculiar esteem for your personal qualities, I should think myself to be acting a very inferiour part in making this complaint.
I never was so humble, as to be vain upon my acquaintance with men in power, and always rather chose to avoid it when I was not called. Neither were their power or titles sufficient, without merit, to make me cultivate them; of which I have witnesses enough left, after all the havock made among them, by accidents of time, or by changes of persons, measures, and opinions.
I know not how your conceptions of yourself may alter, by every new high station; but mine must continue the same, or alter for the worse.
I often told a great minister, whom you well know, that I valued him for being the same man through all the progress of power and place. I expected the like in your lordship; and still hope that I shall be the only person who will ever find it otherwise.
I pray God to direct your excellency in all your good undertakings, and especially in your government of this kingdom.
I shall trouble you no more; but remain, with great respect, my lord,
Your excellency's
most obedient and
most humble servant.
