I would she knew as much as you know, forsooth, and then she should do some good and help me in many things when she come....

Also, madam, as ye write me the courteous dealing of my master with my Cousin Katherine, etc., truly I am very glad thereof and I pray God heartily thank him therefore, for he hath ever been lovingly disposed [unto] her, and so I beseech God ever continue him and also my Cousin Katherine to deserve it unto him by her goodly demeanour and womanly disposition, as she can do right well if her list, and so saith every body that praiseth her.[25] The note of pride in the last words is as engaging as the impatience of the harassed male faced with the choosing of girdles.

Even more charming is the letter which he wrote the same day to Sir William Stonor.

He is a little incoherent with joy and gratitude, full of regrets that business keeps him from Stonor and good wishes for the health of the family.

'I fare like a sorry piper,' he says.