LETTER XXXIV.

HONORED DEARE BROTHER,

'Twas great discretion to publish such ioyes as yr last promised, long before ther tyme; both to temper the discomfort of our present seperation, and, by a quiet, hopefull expectation, moderate that excess, which so unexpected a happinis would have caused in mee, in case I had bine surprised ther with. But you must answer for a greater fault, (because of longer continuance, I cannot say more voluntary) my great impatience; how shall I reckone the houres, how shall I fall out with tyme for ever; now as too slowe, then, I am sure, too quicke; after that, scarce to bee indured, except sweet Keate prevaile to reconcile us, for a whyle. However, tis my comfort, time distroyes itt selfe; whylest itt tiraniseth over us, we are sure to ont live itt, and dying live,

Your most affectionat sister,

WINEFRIDE THIM.

LETTER XLVIII.

HONORED DEARE BROTHER,

You are, I'see, resolved, I must never answer you in your owne language, tis pride enouf to understand itt; and equall comfort to find my stamering understood so well by you. This is my incouragement to speake of such a sister, such a chyld; though no worce pen then your owne can doe them justice. But sence your kyndnis is my kynd interpretor, I shall not fear to give you som acoumpt of them. First, for our dearest sister, though her eyes' deluge not yet wholy ceaced, yet who can repine att so hapy a flood, which has raysed her to the contemplation of heaven, wher such pearlls as her teares contribute with other jewells to the ritches of that ocean of delight.

* Gertrude Aston, sister to Herbert Aston, and wife of Henry Thimelby. On the death of her husband, and only child, she became a nun in the English convent at Louvain. VOL. II.

B

Keat also goes along with much smoothnes, not knowing any thing but hapines. Yet can complaine, she must expect so longe before she be a nun. In won word, they both bereave me of the loved payne of kynd solicitudes; they leave me nothing to wish; I have but won desyre between them, yet wholl to both, which is, continuance of that peace the world cannot give. Oh may ther soules glide in this sweet streame, till they arrive at that torrent of delights wch heaven prepares for them and you, wher you may perhaps meete

Your most affectionat sister, though

now unworthy WINE.

I wod faine be knowne to every chyld of yours, though ther poorest ante, yet the most truly affectionat.

LETTER XLIX.

HOND. DEARE Brother,

I have not, without much resentment, long deprived myselfe of the delight of hearing from you; for I am so aquanted with your constant kyndnis, that I conclude, had I written, I had ere this been hapy by yr answers. But, the truth is, I have partly beene hindered by my owne infirmity, but cheefly by poore Keates; whos ill health so hindered her learning, she could not sooner obay your comaund in wrighting. She is now to take the spawe waters, so that 1 hope my next will tell you better newes of her. Truely, I must acknowledge God allmightes wisedome shynes equally with his goodnis in her, that so sweetly tempers my ioyes; wch otherwyse would passe the bounds of moderation. For had she health, I shuld fynd too much comfort in this world's banishment; our dear sister Thimelby goeing forward so beyound ex

pectation, every way. Upon Michallmas day she makes her profession; perticulars of wch Keat is resolved to tell you in her next. She forgott to aske whither you have receaved her toakens, and feares they have mischaried, as did the manuall you sent her. I find my paper filled, before I have sayd any thing of that wch most fills my hart; my constant duely dear respects, and all a hart can owe, which, though not all expressed, yet momently payed by

Your most affectionat, other wyse

most unworthy sister WIN.

My dear love to all yours. You must favour me delivering itt perticulerly to every one. Lady Mary is extremly kynd to us all three.