1st is a curiouslie wrought piece of mechanism, the works of some craftie sorcerer or other artist - the use whereof is to us unknowne. Some indeed have idlie saide it to be a trinket, brooch or other article of wearyge apparel, but it seemeth rather to be Camel-hair pencil or other implement wherewith painters do excerise theire mysterious arte. Its form is somewhat thus '2ndlie a still more ingenious craftworke, if indeed it be the worke of man, howbeit some here do suppose it to be the upper jaw and teeth of ye sea-serpent or other monstre - but concernynge this we knowe nothynge.

These articles shall without fail be forwarded in whatever manner shall seem most expediente by our ladye, perchance our trustie and right beloved friend Count Frederick [her brother] may transport them. Praying pardon for my audacitie in addressynge you, "Your faithful, right-trustie and liege servante "EDOUARD CARDINAL DE BIRMYNGHAM."

Written during a visit to his aunt and uncle, Mr and Mrs Catherwood, at Camberwell, to a cousin who had been staying before him and left behind 'four circles of luxurie', including a hair-brush and comb.Beneath the elaborate and characteristic humour lies an impressively extensive knowledge of Medieval literature. The write, who had been an' Archbishop elect' six months earlier (no. 2), now signs himself 'Edouard Cardinal de Byrmyngham'.