"To the most illustrious Sir William Cecil, his patron, Adrian Saravia sends his best greeting.
That you may not think, most illustrious Sir, that it has been done with any lightmindedness or fickleness that I have not betaken myself to my dear Belgians as I had intended, I shall in a few words explain to you the reason. I have not been able to obtain my leave of departure from my Brethren here, and when they were unwilling such action seemed unworthy, as it would occasion great odium from them. More than that I have with me both my parents whom I summoned from Ghent when troubles were beginning there. I did not consider it advisable to plunge into such turbulent tempest with them, my wife and children, as I am uncertain what help I can offer my country under prevailing conditions.
They are the clavi trabales ( the beam rivets ) which have kept me fixed here. In the meantime, Sir, if I do not appear unworthy in your eyes, I have a very strong desire to become your fellow-citizen and countryman. Concerning this people I write naught save that they will never be unlike to themselves.
Farewell. Guernsey, 31st. January."
ENDORSED
Adrianus Sarauius, Scholar of Guernsey to my Master.
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