Page:Diary of the times of Charles II Vol. I.djvu/201

Rh assurance, let me tell you, you are not worthy of it, but I hope better from you.

My Lord and I, whenever we meet, bewail your absence; this very day he said he was not able to bear your being away longer than October, and I thought that too long for more reasons than one; for, besides the friendship I have for you, indeed you are wanted for advice. I have somewhat on my spirits, that I must of necessity communicate to you, but 'tis a secret of such vast consequence, that I am ruined if it be known to any body living. Therefore I dare not venture it but by an express, and then in cipher. I will get my Lord's to copy, but he must not know the secret less than any body else, but it imports you and him and all of us. It has given me the spleen more than I ever had it in my life. Pray, when you know it, let it die with you, and resolve to follow my advice in the assisting me, for you are equally concerned.

For God's sake, burn my letters! I am fancying I am talking to you, and the trust I put in you leads me into a disclosing my thoughts beyond what is fit for a post. If you know of any express, be