The Mermaid, March 20, 1609.
To WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE:
Full well do I know, my dearest Will, that often hast thou wondered
of the fate of thy L50, which, with a hundred times as much of mine
own, was adventured to found an empire in America. Great were our
hopes, both of glory and of gold, in the kingdom of Powhatan. But it
grieves me much to say that all hath resulted in infelicity,
misfortune, and an unhappy end. Our ships were wrecked, or captured
by the knavish Spaniards. Our brave sailors are perished. As I was
blameworthy for thy risk, I send by the messenger your L50, which
you shall not lose by my over-hopeful vision. For its usance I send
a package of a new herb from the Chesapeake, called by the natives
tobacco. Make it not into tea, as did one of my kinsmen, but kindle
and smoke it in the little tube the messenger will bestow. Be not
deterred if thy gorge at first rises against it, for, when thou art
wonted, it is a balm for all sorrows and griefs, and as a dream of
Paradise. And now, my sweet Will, whom my soul loveth, why comest
thou not as of yore to the "Mermaid," that I may have speech with
thee? Thou knowest that from my youth up I have adventured all for
the welfare and glory of our Queen Elizabeth. On sea and on land and
in many climes have I fought the accursed Spaniards, and am honored
recognize thy supreme merit, for daily and hourly are sung to her
the praises of this loveliness until the story is as a tale that is
told and a weariness to the understanding; but thy commendations of
her wisdom will be as fresh and fragrant incense, nor will their
truthfulness be too closely scanned.
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