Lives of the last four princesses of the royal house of Stuart

1648.] MELANCHOLY LETTER FROM THE KIXG. 189
on the royal maiden, and delivered to her the precious
letter, from the King, his master, of which he was the
bearer. She received it with much joy, and gave Herbert
her hand to kiss.
The letter was a passing sad one, and could scarcely
have cheered the sad heart of poor Elizabeth, or that of
her little brother Gloucester, but it was written by their
honoured and much-loved parent, and that was enough
for the sorrowful children. It was as follows : —
" Uth October, 1618. '
"Dear Daughter,
" It is not want of affection that makes me write
so seldom to yon, but want of matter such as I could wish,
and, indeed, I am loth to write to those I love when I am
out of humour, as I have been these days past, lest my
letters should trouble those I desire to please ; but having
this opportunity I would not lose it, though at this time I
have nothing to say but God bless you.
" So I rest, your loving Father,
"Charles E.
" Give your brother my blessing with a kiss, and com-
mend me kindly to my Lady Northumberland by the
same token."*
This tender, melancholy letter, shows how sad the im-
prisoned monarch was, when he wrote it.
The next day Elizabeth sent a most dutiful and affec-
tionate letter to the King, her father, which Herbert faith-
fully delivered to his captive sovereign at Carisbrook.
Unfortunately it has not been preserved.
It was at the failure of this deceptive treaty of
Newport, Sir Philip Warwick records, " that the King
* Ellis's ' Historical Letters,' second series.