It is true that M. _Gherard_ told you, I had that commandment from the King signified to me by my L[ord] and am still under it, and we are within fourteen days of our time for going. I leave a scattered flock of wretched children, and I carry an infirme and valetudinary body, and I goe into the mouth of such adversaries, as I cannot blame for hating me, the Jesuits, and yet I go. Though this be no service to my Lord: yet I shall never come nearer doing him a service, nor do any thing liker a service then this. Yesterday we had news by Sir _Nowell Carou_ [_Noel Caron_], from _Paris_, that the D[uke] of _Savoy_ was elected King of _Bohemia_; which would cut off a great part of the occasion of our going: but it is not much credible in it self, nor at all beleeved here, because it is not signified from _Savoy_, nor _Heidelberg_. Since M. _Gher_ [_Mr. Gerrard_] continues your Gazittier, I need tell you nothing of the _Q[ueen]_ of _Frances_ estate. For your commandment in memory of M. _Martin_, I should not have sate so many processes, if I could incline my thoughts that way. It is not lazinesse, it is not gravity, nor coldnesse towards his memory, or your service; for I have thought of it oftener, and longer, then I was wont to do in such things, and nothing is done. Your last pacquet, in which your daughter and I were joynt-commissioners, was brought to me, because she was at _Hampton_, with the Queens body: but I sent her part to her, and my _La[dy] Uvedalls_ to her, who presents her service to you by me now, and says she will write next week, and so will I too, by Gods grace. You forget me absolutely and intirely, whensoever you forget me to that noble Countesse. God blesse you in all, _Amen_.
_Your true servant in Jes. Chr._ J. Donne.
At your conveniency, I pray send my Lady _Bedford_ this inclosed, but be pleased to put your self to some inconvenience, (if it be so) to kisse my Lady _Ruthins_ [_Ruthyn's_] hands in my name, and to present my very humble service to her, and tell her, that no ill conscience of having deserved her, but only an obedience to her commandments, keeps me from saying to her self thus much; that this day I received a letter from my _L[ord]_ of _Kent_, written yesterday at _Wrest_: in that his Lordship[s] sends me word, that that favour which he hath formerly done me, in giving me _Blouham_ [_Blonham_], is now likely to fall upon me, because the Incumbent is dangerously ill: and because this is the season in which he removes from _Wrest_ thither, he desires (for I give you his own word) that he may be accommodate there, (if it fall now) as heretofore. Out of my absolute and intire readiness to serve that family, I sent back his messenger with this answer, that I esteemed it a great part of my good fortune, that I should become worthy to be commanded by him. If my Lady will be pleased to direct me in what particular manner I may best serve her purposes, I shall gladly waite upon her at any time, to receive her command with as much devotion and thankfulnesse as I received the benefit. I beseech you make her beleeve it, as in any place you beleeve