his wife, who could write, &c.

I acquainted my father with it, who was very willing to be rid of me,
for I could not work, drive the plough, or endure any country labour; my
father oft would say, I was good for nothing.

I had only twenty shillings, and no more, to buy me a new suit, hose,
doublet, &c. my doublet was fustian: I repaired to Mr. Smatty, when I
was accoutred, for a letter to my master, which he gave me.

Upon Monday, April 3, 1620, I departed from Diseworth, and came to
Leicester: but I must acquaint you, that before I came away I visited my
friends, amongst whom I had given me about ten shillings, which was a
great comfort unto me. On Tuesday, April the 4th, I took leave of my
father, then in Leicester gaol for debt, and came along with Bradshaw
the carrier, the same person with whom many of the Duke of Buckingham's
kindred had come up with. Hark how the waggons crack with their rich
lading! It was a very stormy week, cold and uncomfortable: I footed it
all along; we could not reach London until Palm-Sunday, the 9th of
April, about half an hour after three in the afternoon, at which time we
entered Smithfield. When I had gratified the carrier and his servants, I
had seven shillings and sixpence left, and no more; one suit of cloaths
upon my back, two shirts, three bands, one pair of shoes, and as many
stockings. Upon the delivery of my letter my master entertained me, and
next day bought me a new cloak, of which you may imagine (good Esquire)
whether I was not proud of; besides, I saw and eat good white bread,
contrary to our diet in Leicestershire. My master's name was Gilbert
Wright, born at Market Bosworth in Leicestershire; my mistress was born
at Ashby de la Zouch, in the same county, and in the town where I had
gone to school. This Gilbert Wright could neither write nor read: he