“From Chelsea the 5th of August, 1586.”
Endorsed: “The copy of my Lord’s letter to the Countess his wife, V. August, 1586.”
The Countess of Shrewsbury to the Earl.
“My Lord, I hold myself most unfortunate that upon so slight occasion it pleaseth you to write in this form to me: for what new offence is committed since her Majesty reconciled us? If the denial of the plate be the only cause, why then, my Lord, the true affirmation thereof in my letter is more than my words, neither such a trifle I hoped could have wrought so unkind effects; and were my state able I would not stand upon such toys as those you speak of. Touching my son’s living, that is no new cause, for it was long ago moved by you, and could never be consented to by us, in respect of the reasons in my last letter alleged.... My Lord, I know not how justly you can term me insatiable in my desire of gaining, for my losses have been so great, with my charges, that makes me desire honestly to discharge my debt with my children’s lands, which you have no need of, and will not in my time discharge them though we should live on nothing; and I am greedy of nobody’s lands, but would keep the rest, which by all law, order, and conscience they ought to possess. Neither my case and fortune hath been to maintain my miseries with untruths, for receiving daily manifest discourtesies I need not blush to speak truly.
“I assure you, my Lord, my meaning is not to molest or grieve you with demanding, neither I trust it can be thought greediness to demand nothing, for I desire no more than her Majesty’s order giveth, and wish your happy days to be many and good....
“Touching the postscript, my desire hath been so great to be with you and save your long delays, that made me be an humble suitor to her Majesty to be earnest with you, but not as you write.
“For the other that I labour your stay, I assure you, my Lord, I did not, but yet would be very glad that all were perfected here and then to go down with you, and hoped also ere this we should have been on our way into the country.
“So, beseeching Almighty God to make you better conceive of me, I end, wishing myself, without offence, with you,
“Your obedient faithful wife,
“Elizabeth Shrewsbury.