MRP: Letter from Henry Oxinden of Deane to Henry Oxinden of Barham (his cousin): Letter 14
Letter from Henry Oxinden of Deane to Henry Oxinden of Barham (his cousin): Letter 14
Editorial history
22/09/11, CSG: Created page
(MS. 28,000, f. 148v.)
Printed as Letter CCXXI in D.K. Gardiner (1933:271-273)
HONOR'D COZIN,
I could have hartilie wisht your money were nott so short, butt that itt were as long as would reach even from your house to Westminster, to that great phsaere of Activitie, which now whirles about three whole Kingdomes Blisse or destruction, and pray God avert the latter, to human capacitie almost inevitable; if division in a private house brings ruine, how much in a kingdome where itt is so great amongst the rulers of itt. I need nott bee tedious in relating how things have past of late; the petitions, diurnall, and pym's Speech, which I have prayd my father to send you, will save mee that labour. I have nott yett seene the speeech (sic), butt by report of them that did see and heare him deliver itt, never anything was deliverd with that modest confidence and herroicke courage by any common of this kingdome; the languige you can iudge off. Yesterday morning went a message to the King caried by many Lords and twelve commonsm preamble whereof was thanks for his letter, the desire is specified in the latter part of the Harfordshire petition whereunto I referre you; this bill could nott bee got to passe the major part of the Lords, there being six more of them, where upon the minor protested against them, amongst whom Ile name you some of the greatest, Northumberland, Pembrook, Warick, Neuport, Say, Cymbolton, Salsbury, etct:
Upon the Lords' refusall of the bill, Pym was sent by the house to make a speech to them, and itts printed by order. The great expectation that is now is the King's answere, which will produce some great effect one way or other; trade being stopped, the poor of cittie are daylie feared to rise, and also of other parts of the Kingdome. I find all heere full of feares and almost voyd of hopes. Parents and children, brothers, kindred, I and deere frends have the seed of difference and division abundantly sawed in them. Somtimes I meet with a Cluster of Gentlemen equally divided in opinion and resolution, somtimes 3 to 2, somtimes more ods, but never unanimous, nay more I have heard foule languig and disperarat quarelings even between old and intire frends, and how wee can thus stand and nott fall, certainely God must needs worke a myracle paralelle to some of his great ones in the old time. I am glad you have gott a horse; provide you of Armes; it is Mars, nott Venus, that can now helpe; shee is now so much outt of fashion that where shee herselfe heere present, in all her best fashines, shee would be the gazeing stock of contempt to all but lashe and effaeminat mindes. Were you butt heere to heare the drummes, see the warlike postures and the glittering armour up and downe the towne, and behold our poore bleeding libertis att stake, itt would rouze your Sperits, if you have any left, socour that deep drousie lethergie you are now overwhelm'd in; I could say much more, butt I feare I have gon alreadie too farre. Pray Pardon mee, yett I can nott keepe my selfe from telling you this one thing of my selfe, that were I not maried I would not the fairest creature in this Kingdome att this time with ten thousand pounds. I am now in hast going about my busines, excuse my abruptnes and except pray of the hartie affections of
Your most faithfull frend and servant
HENRY OXINDEN
Jan. the 27.
1641
