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 200 THE CECILS

prayers), that now I can be well content to part with it, and to make it as you have made me, that is, your own for ever." l

Many towns chose him as their patron and protector. The Corporation of Exeter begs him to accept the " small annuity which we paid to our Lord, your father " ; the bailiffs of Colchester present him with 10 in gold, " as their best means to express their duties " ; and the Corpo- ration of Waterford sends him " a pair of bed coverings and two rondells of aquavite," and begs his furtherance of their suits.

The Bishop of Carlisle (Henry Robinson) sends him a Bible, and his letter on the occasion is worth quoting : 2

" I desire greatly to show you my gratitude. But, as one said to Augustus, " effecisti ut vivam et moriar ingratus." Still, hoping that you are like God, of whom it is written ' If there be a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath and not according to that he hath not,' I send you this book (indeed incomparably better than all worldly treasures), &c."

One more letter must be given in this connection, as it proves that Cecil was not so indifferent to books as has generally been maintained, and also affords additional evidence of his avoidance of recompense for services rendered. A Mr. Proby sends him " a collection from ancient records of personal services due to the Crown, especially at the Coronation," and says : " When I brought you

1 July 26th, 1600 (Hatfield MSS., X. 245).

2 January 8th, 1599 (ibid., IX. 13).

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