But I am as far from being altered in devotion towards her, as I am from distrust that she will be altered in opinion towards me, when she knoweth me better.

For myself, I have lost some opinion, some time, and some means; this is my account; but then for opinion, it is a blast that goeth and cometh; for time, it is true it goeth and cometh not; but yet I have learned that it may be redeemed.

For means, I value that most; and the rather, _because I am purposed not to follow the practice of the law_ (_if her Majesty command me in any particular, I shall be ready to do her willing service_); and my reason is only, _because it drinketh too much time, which I have dedicated to better purposes_.

But even for that point of estate and means, I partly lean to Thales' opinion, That a philosopher may be rich if he will.

Thus your Lordship seeth how I comfort myself; to the increase whereof I would fain please myself to believe that to be true which my Lord Treasurer writeth; which is, that it is more than a philosopher morally can disgest.
But without any such high conceit, I esteem it like the pulling out of an aching tooth, which, I remember, when I was a child, and had little philosophy, I was glad of when it was done.