Letter XII.
There came to me in the night the most afflicting news possible. For I have reason to grieve upon three accounts. First, because I heard of the sickness of my mistress, whom I esteem more than all the world, whose health I desire as much as my own, and the half of whose sickness I would willingly bear to have her cured. Secondly, because I fear I shall suffer yet longer that tedious absence, which has hitherto given me all possible uneasiness, and, as far as I can judge, is like to give me more. I pray God he would deliver me from so troublesome a tormentor. The third reason is, because the Physician, in whom I trust most, is absent at present, when he could do me the greatest pleasure. For I should hope by him and his means, to obtain one of my principal joys in this world, that is my mistress cured; however, in default of him, I send you the second, and the only one left, praying God that he may soon make you well, and then I shall love Him more than ever. I beseech you to be governed by his advices with relation to your illness; by your doing which, I hope shortly to see you again, which will be to me a greater cordial than all precious stones in the world. Written by the Secretary who is, and always will be,
