Original Letters Illustrative of English History; To 1799 Volume 4 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1846 edition. Excerpt: ...Grace, whilst I affect the title of a reserved, close, and wise, I maye loose that other of an honest man, whch I more esteeme. Thus much by way of preface. I represent this office of a Lord Steward, as a place to be either accepted of by your selfe, or els to be discontinued (as for many yeares towards the latter end of Q. Elisabethes, and the beginninge of our Master's raigne it was), and in any case, not to be plac'te upon any other, wthout the deliberation of somme fewe yeares, at the least. Beinge an office that none but the Kinges kinsmen, or favourites, or counterfavourites (raised up of purpose to balance the great one) have auncientlye possessed. I could desire your Grace hadd it in your owne person: for these reasons. 1. It is an office of fayre, and very competent gettinges, but that is scarce considerable. 2. It keepes you in all changes and alterations of yeares nere the Kinge, and gives unto you all the opportunityes and accesses, wout the envye of a favouritt. I beseech your Grace pawse well upon this; and call to mynde, if the Duke of Richmond was not in this case. 3. It gives you opportunitye to gratifie all the Court, great and small, virtute officij, in right of your place, wch is a thinge better accepted of and interpreted, then a courtesye from a favouritt. Because in this you are a dispenser of your owne, but in the other (saye many envious men) of the Kinges goodnes, wh wold flowe fast enough of it selfe, but that it is restrayned to this pipe and chanel onelye. 4. There must be one daye an end of this atten-daunce as a Bedchamber man, but I hope never of beinge next unto the Kinge as a great Counsailour and Officer, and above all others, which you cannot be but by this office. The Maister of the Horse is but a knights...