Catalogue description LORD WYLLUGHBY to the PRINCE OF PARMA.

--"It may please your Alteze I am informed that my brother* [in law, Sir J. Wingfield] is detained as prisoner, contrary the accord which your Alteze pleased to confirm under your hand and seal, at the unhappy delivery of Gertrudenberg. I cannot be persuaded it proceedeth from your self, who hath always been most honorably reported of in like cases, and I hope since I have always dealt well with such of your Alteze's as hath happened into my hands, that you will not now begin to give me the first occasion to judge otherwise of you than to hold you for an honorable prince of your word. Your Alteze's experience in war knoweth how the variety of fortune may alter and give as much as she takes away, and therefore doubt not but so honourable an enemy as your self will hold an honourable course. If my brother in law be detained for ransom (which I conceive not how it may agree with your honour) let it be set down such as his poor estate will beare (being but a simple gentleman, a younger brother that lived but by the wars, which he must now abandon); and his friends shall take the best order they can for him. If for his debts, let them be justly demanded, and order shall be taken for the payment. But if your Alteze only regard your princely word, and will accordingly give him liberty, I shall (except the general quarrel) be ready to do your Alteze all the honour and service I may." Draft, corrected by Lord Willoughby. Also, copy in English, and two copies in Italian.

*The Italian copy has "cugnato."