"And now I am entered on this matter, I think it very necessary
to give you a little good council in it, lest you may think that
by making a farther stir in the business you may divert me from
my resolution, which all the world shall never do; and I wish I
may be unhappy in this world and in the world to come, if I fail
in the least degree of what I have resolved, which is of making
my Lady Castlemaine of my wife's bedchamber. And whosoever I
find in any endeavours to hinder this resolution of mine (except
it be only to myself), I will be his enemy to the last moment of
my life. You know how true a friend I have been to you; if you
will oblige me eternally, make this business as easy to me as you
can, of what opinion soever you are of; for I am resolved to go
through with this matter, let what will come on it, which again I
solemnly swear before Almighty God.

"Therefore, if you desire to have the continuance of my
friendship, meddle no more with this business except it be to
bear down all false and scandalous reports, and to facilitate
what I am sure my honour is so much concerned in. And whosoever
I find is to be my Lady Castlemaine's enemy in this matter, I do
promise, upon my word, to be his enemy as long as I live. You
may show this letter to my lord lieutenant, and if you have both
a mind to oblige me, carry yourselves like friends to me in this
matter."

The chancellor was, soon after the receipt of this letter,
summoned to Hampton Court, when his majesty, with some passion,
declared the quarrel was spoken of everywhere, and wholly to his
disadvantage. He was therefore anxious to end it at once, and
commanded my lord to wait again upon the queen, and persuade her