Cecil Papers 76/34, Oxford to Cecil; 2 February 1600 (O.S.) [Click here for original spelling.]
At this time, I am to try my friends: among which considering our old acquaintance, familiarity heretofore, & alliance of houses, (then which can be no straighter) as of my Brother, I presume especially. Wherefore at this time, whereas some good fortune (if it be backed by friends) does in a manner present itself. I most earnestly crave your furtherance so far as the place and favour you hold may admit. And that is as I conceive: that if her Majesty be willing, to confer the Presidency of Wales to me, that I may assure myself of your voice in
Council rather than a stranger. Not
that I desire you should be a mover, but a furtherer. For as the time is it were
not reason. But if it shall please her Majesty in regard of my youth time &
fortune spent in her Court, adding thereto her majesty’s favours, &
promises, which drew me on without any mistrust, the more to presume in my own
expenses, to confer so good a turn to me, that then with your good word, and
brotherly friendship, you will encourage her forward, and further it as you
may. For I know her Majesty is of that princely disposition that they shall not
be deceived which put their trust in her. Which good office in you, I will
never forget; and always to my power acknowledge in love & kindness hoping
that as we be knit
near in alliance so hereafter more nearer by good and
friendly offices. Thus most earnestly desiring you to have me in friendly
remembrance, when time serves. I take my leave. this 2d of February.
Your assured and loving Brother.
(signed) Edward
Addressed (in Oxford’s hand): To
the right honorable and my very good Brother Sir Robert Cecil of her Majesty’s
privy council, principle Secretary & Master of the wards. [seal]
Endorsed: 1600 February 2; Earl
of Oxford to my master.
Also at Virtual Grub Street:
- On the Question “Who knew Edward de Vere was Shakespeare?” December 14, 2020. “But was the word going around that his wife, the Countess of Oxford, conceived two children in his absence?”
- What About Edward de Vere’s Twelfth Night of 1600/01? January 28, 2020. “Leslie Hotson, who brought the Orsino-Orsino coincidence to the attention of the Nevillians seems to have made one particular mistake that is all to our point.”
- Who Saved Southampton from the Ax? September 2, 2019. “One of the popular mysteries of the final years of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I is why the Queen executed her favorite, the Earl of Essex, for treason, and left his accomplice, the Earl of Southampton, to languish as a prisoner in The Tower until King James I ascended the throne.”
- A Most Curious Account of the Funeral of Queen Elizabeth I: April 28, 1603. April 28, 2019. “Once it was clear that James I would face no serious challenges, Cecil and the others could begin to give attention to the matter of the Queen’s funeral.”
- Check out the English Renaissance Article Index for many more articles and reviews about this fascinating time and about the Shakespeare Authorship Question.
- Check out the Letters Index: Edward de Vere, 17th Earl of Oxford for many letters from this fascinating time, some related to the Shakespeare Authorship Question.
1 comment:
Oxford was premature - although Henry Herbert had petitioned to be allowed to remain at Wilton instead of serving his usual six months in Wales on account of his declining health, he rallied and remained in the post for another year befor his death on Jan 19, 1601. The Herberts were working to have the post bestowed on Robert Sidney and would have not have taken kindly to de Vere offering unquestioning support to Cecil in return for the office.
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