[Sidenote:  10 lib.]

“The charge of my fraught and passage from Staden to London for my goods, myself, my wife, children, and servants

[Sidenote:  796 lib.]

“So that the sum total of money, spent and laid out, in and for my remove from Trebon to London doth amount to

[Sidenote:  1510 lib.]

“Whereby the whole sum of the former damages and losses

[Sidenote:  796 lib.]

“And the removing charges doth amount (with the least) to

[Sidenote:  2306 lib.]

“Besides the 100 dollars disbursed at Breme for dutiful love to Queen and country.”

One minor occurrence in the following tradition—­viz., the loss of the horse—­is related by Lilly as happening to another of the fraternity; but we claim it—­upon grounds too trivial it might be deemed by some—­for the “Doctor.”  It is not our intention to spoil a good story by rejecting what we cannot verify.  Sufficient for us that the tale exists; though we take the liberty of telling it in our own way.

There came a thin spare man one evening to Dr Dee’s residence in the college at Manchester, where he then dwelt by permission only from the Earl of Derby, though living there in the capacity of warden to the church.

The college being dissolved in the first of Edward VI. (1547), the possessions fell into the hands of that nobleman, who, however, kept ministers at his own charge to officiate in the church.  Mary refounded the establishment, restoring the greater part of the lands, but Lord Derby still kept the college house.  In 1578 Elizabeth granted a new foundation to the college, appointing her own wardens.  Dr Dee, being the third on the new establishment, was installed with great solemnity on the 20th February 1596.

The visitor we have just noticed was muffled in a dark cloak, having a wide and ample collar, which he threw over his head, as though anxious for concealment.  The Doctor, having retired into his study, was not to be disturbed; but the stranger was urgent for admission, while Lettice Gostwich, Dee’s help-at-all-work, a pert ungracious slattern, was fully resolved not to permit his access to her master.

“Then since nothing else will do,” said the pertinacious intruder, “convey me this message—­to wit, a stranger comes to him on business of great moment regarding his own welfare and that of the matter or event whose corollarium he is now studying.”

Lettice, wearied through his importunity, and hoping by compliance to rid herself from these solicitations, went to the Doctor’s private chamber, where, having delivered her message through the thumb-hole of the latch—­for on no account would he allow of personal intrusion—­to her great surprise, he bade her be gone.

“Show the stranger up-stairs,” said he.  “Why hast thou kept him so long tarrying?”

Lettice, with little speed and less good-will, obeyed the Doctor’s behest, grumbling loud at the capricious and uncertain humours of her master.