I set it down here at length, for it brings to warm life again both Thomas Betson and Katherine Riche: Mine own heartily beloved Cousin Katherine, I recommend me unto you with all the inwardness of my heart.

And now lately ye shall understand that I received a token from you, the which was and is to me right heartily welcome, and with glad will I received it; and over that I had a letter from Holake, your gentle squire, by the which I understand right well that ye be in good health of body, and merry at heart.

And I pray God heartily in his pleasure to continue the same: for it is to me very great comfort that he so be, so help me Jesu.

And if ye would be a good eater of your meat alway, that ye might wax and grow fast to be a woman ye should make me the gladdest man of the world, by my troth; for when I remember your favour and your sad loving dealing to me wards, for sooth ye make me even very glad and joyous in my heart; and on the tother side again, when I remember your young youth, and see well that ye be none eater of your meat, the which should help you greatly in waxing, for sooth then ye make me very heavy again.

And therefore I pray you, mine own sweet Cousin, even as you love me, to be merry and eat your meat like a woman.