mind to all you
meet. I tell you I have ground for my caution: Essex hath enemies; he
hath friends too. Now there are two or three of Montjoy's kindred sent
out in your army; they are to report all your conduct to us at home. As
you love yourself, the queen and me, discover not these matters; if I
did not love you, they had never been told. High concerns deserve high
attention; you are to take account of all that passes in your
expedition, and keep journal thereof, unknown to any in the company;
this will be expected of you; I have reasons to give for this order.

"If the lord deputy performs in the field what he hath promised in the
council, all will be well; but though the queen hath granted forgiveness
for his late demeanour in her presence; we know not what to think
hereof. She hath, in all outward semblance, placed confidence in the man
who so lately sought other treatment at her hands; we do sometime think
one way, and sometime another; what betideth the lord deputy is known to
him only who knoweth all; but when a man hath so many showing friends,
and so many unshowing enemies, who learneth his end here below? I say,
do not you meddle in any sort, nor give your jesting too freely among
those you know not; obey the lord deputy in all things, but give not
your opinion; it may be heard in England. Though you obey, yet seem not
to advise in any one point; your obeysance may be, and must be,
construed well; but your counsel may be ill thought of if any bad
business follow.

"You have now a secret from one that wishes you all welfare and honor; I
know there are overlookers set on you all, so God direct your
discretion. Sir William Knolles is not well pleased, the queen is not
well pleased, the lord deputy may be pleased now, but I sore fear what
may happen hereafter. The heart of man lieth close hid oft time, men do
not carry it in their hand, nor should they do so that wish to thrive in
these times and in these places; I say this that your own honesty may
not show itself too much, and turn to your own ill favor. Stifle your
understanding as much as may be; mind your books and make your jests,
but take heed who they light on. My love hath overcome almost my
confidence and trust, which my truth and place demandeth. I have said
too much for one in my dependent occupation, and yet too little for a
friend and kinsman, who putteth himself to this hard trial for your
advantage. You have difficult matters to encounter beside