Walsingham:--"To the
most noble and illustrious King of the French and
English, Henry, conqueror of Normandy, most serene
Prince of Wales, Lord of Ireland and Aquitain, by
God's grace always and everywhere victor, the
humblest of his servants who pray for him, Brother
Thomas of Walsingham, monk of the monastery of St.
Alban, who was first of the English martyrs, with
lowly recommendation wisheth health in Him who
giveth health to Kings. Whilst I reflected, among
the contemplative studies of the cloister, with how
great talents of virtue, and titles of victory, God
Almighty hath exalted,--with what gifts of especial
grace He hath abundantly filled you,--so that even
your enemies proclaim your wisdom, admire and
everywhere extol your discretion, and celebrate
your justice by the testimony of their praise, I
confess that I have been filled with pleasure and
inward joy, more gratifying far than the choicest
dainties. But, in the midst of this, there arises
in my mind a kind of cloud, which throws a shade on
the glad thought of my heart, whilst I am compelled
to fear the general habits of a nation which very
often has trifled with the publicly plighted vows
and their oath solemnly pledged. And whilst I
meditate on past days,--recalling the frauds,
crimes, factions, and enormities committed by your
enemies,--my soul is made anxious, and my heart is
disquieted within me, and my life has well-nigh
failed from grief, knowing that to-morrow base
deeds may be done as well as yesterday. And fearing
lest by any means your innocence may be
circumvented, I revolved in my mind what would best
minister to your safety in the midst of so many
dangers. At length it occurred to me to write
something to your Highness (whom my soul cordially
loves) by which you may be mad