Something his father wrote that gave him pain:

“I know not, son, if you should yet remain;—

Be cautious, Harry; favours to procure

We strain a point, but we must first be sure.

Love is a folly—that, indeed, is true— }

But something still is to our honour due; }

So I must leave the thing to my good lord and you.” }

But from Cecilia came remonstrance strong: 470

“You write too darkly, and you stay too long;

We hear reports; and, Henry—mark me well—