A letter from Ben Jonson to Dr Donne, in clearing himself upon a former

accusation.

Sir,

You cannot but believe how dear and reverend your friendship is to me (though

all testimony on my part hath been  too short to express me) and therefore would 5

I meet it with all obedience. My mind is not yet so deafened by injuries but it hath

an ear for counsel. Yet in this point, that you presently dissuade, I wonder how I

am misunderstood; or that you should call that an imaginary right which is the

proper justice, that every clear man owes to his innocency. Exasperations I intend

none, for truth cannot be sharp but to ill natures, or such weak ones whom the 10

ill spirit’s suspicion or credulity still possess.  My Lady may believe whisperings,

receive tales, suspect and condemn my honesty, and I may not answer, on the

pain of losing her; as if she, who had this prejudice of me, were not already lost.

Oh, no, she will do me no hurt, she will think and speak well of  any faculties.

She cannot there judge me; or if she could, I would exchange all glory (if I had 15

all men’s abilities) which could come that way for honest simplicity. But there is

a greater penalty threatened, the loss of you, my true friend; for others, I reckon

not, who were never had; you have so subscribed yourself. Alas! how easy is a man

accused, that is forsaken of defence! Well, my modesty shall sit down, and (let the

world call it guilt, or what it will) I will yet thank you, that counsel me to a silence 20

in these  oppressures, when confidence in my right and friends may abandon me.

And, lest yourself may undergo some hazard for my questioned reputation, and

draw jealousies or hatred upon you, I desire to be left to mine own innocence:

which shall acquit me, or heaven shall be guilty.