My time—­exceedingly short—­will suffer me to write no more leisurely.  STEPHEN can tell you who stands with me, while I am writing.

Now, dear brother! take delight likewise in the mathematicals.  Master SAVELL is excellent in them.  I think you understand the sphere.  If you do, I care little for any more astronomy in you.  Arithmetic and Geometry, I would wish you well seen in:  so as both in matter of number and measure, you might have a feeling and active judgment, I would you did bear the mechanical instruments, wherein the Dutch excel.

I write this to you as one, that for myself have given over the delight in the world; but wish to you as much, if not more, than to myself.

So you can speak and write Latin, not barbarously; I never require great study in Ciceronianism, the chief abuse of Oxford, qui dum verba sectantur, res ipsas negligunt.

My toyful books I will send—­with GOD’s help—­by February [1581]; at which time you shall have your money.  And for L200 [nearly L2,000 at the present day] a year, assure yourself!  If the estates of England remain, you shall not fail of it.  Use it to your best profit!

My Lord of LEICESTER sends you L40 as I understand, by STEPHEN; and promiseth he will continue that stipend yearly at the least.  Then that is above commons.  In any case, write largely and diligently unto him:  for, in truth, I have good proof that he means to be every way good unto you.  The odd L30 shall come with the L100, or else my father and I will jarle.

Now, sweet Brother, take a delight to keep and increase your music.  You will not believe what a want I find of it, in my melancholy times.

At horsemanship; when you exercise it, read CRISON CLAUDIO, and a book that is called La Gloria de l’Cavallo withal:  that you may join the thorough contemplation of it with the exercise:  and so shall you profit more in a month, than others in a year.  And mark the bitting, saddling, and cur[ry]ing of horses.

I would, by the way, your Worship would learn a better hand.  You write worse than I:  and I write evil enough.  Once again, have a care of your diet; and consequently of your complexion.  Remember gratior est veniens in pulchro corpore virtus.

Now, Sir, for news; I refer myself to this bearer.  He can tell you how idly we look on our neighbour’s fires:  and nothing is happened notable at home; save only DRAKE’s return.  Of which yet, I know not the secret points:  but about the world he hath been, and rich he is returned.  Portugal, we say, is lost.  And to conclude, my eyes are almost closed up, overwatched with tedious business.

God bless you, sweet Boy! and accomplish the joyful hope I conceive of you.  Once again commend me to Master NEVELL, Master SAVELL, and honest HARRY WHITE, and bid him be merry.