Memoirs of the Maxwells of Pollok > Correspondence

312 FAMILY AND DOMESTIC LETTERS. [1668.
reeeiveing disturbeances ; when, in the meane tyme, I know I cannot wipe of
the imputation of ane unquiet and unpeaceable disposition for not followeing
the steps of my deare freindis and companions, much better then my selfe :
wherin I have not beene able, by any endeaveour hithertill, to overcome the
resisteance of my oune light, resting on this, that length of tyme may either
incline compassion from ruleris, or else my infirme healthe yeeld to the violence
of trouble, and redeeme me from all vexation. Oft I argue with myselfe,
" Can ruleris have any other quarrell then jealousie, and that for the future ?
Is the ground heerof any other then what appeares in our dissatisfaction or not
approbation of som late ecclesiastick lawes, the like dissatisfaction wherof hath
beene under all governementis % Doth it follow, such a one doth not approve
this or that, therfor he will disturbe the peace ? What if a trieall be taken
and it be founde otherwise ? What hazard of a trieall ? It is possible it may
doe weell, and it is easiely guarded that ther shall be no hurt." Pardon, my
deare lord, that a stranger not much knoune to your lordship, save, with all
these disadvantages accompanie men in ane afflicted condition, usheres in his
humble petition with this freedom, that your lordship would be pleased, in
your deepe wisdom and clemencie, to finde som way, if not to a full libertie,
at least to what degree therof yow think good to allow. And for my oune
parte, wer I not privie to my oune heart that I durst contend with any my
neighboris for a peaceable disposition beseemeing a good and faithfull subject,
and a good patriot, and that the event shall, God willeing, prove so, I should
rather beg the favor to end my dayes in som foreigne land. My Lord, if your
lordship be enclined to this my humble suite, I shall make it my care and
studie, whill I live, that yow never be ashamed of your favor. And seeing to
your lordship onely I have thus opened my hearte freely, I beg pardon of any
ignorant escape, and to be admitted amongst the number of —
[Indorsed by Sir Geoorge Maxwell : " Coppie of my letter to my Lord
Twiddell, 14 September 1668."]