A Letter to Cousin F. R

Dear Cousin, thine is safely come to Hand, Whereby I may thy Welfare understand; Which is right pleasant welcome News to me, As the like Notice here of mine to thee: For mutual Love, where it abides, doth joy In Friends, as in their own, Felicity. O may it ever have Preheminence! Then shall we not be apt to take Offence, Nor wilfully offend; but in each Breast, Where it prevails, believe and hope the best: This still indulgeth Amity and Peace, But causeth Animosities to cease; Distance of Miles can never quench the same, It lives a warming, not consuming Flame: In which I re-salute thee, and remain Thy constant Friend, not changed but in Name.