^{page 83 note a} The ambassador seems to have thought this a very merry conceit, for he has repeated it in a subsequent letter, I understand from my friend, Mr. Carew of Exeter, that, within living memory, fern abounded much more in the neighbourhood of Exeter than it now does. I am told that the reputation of Exeter for ale has never stood and does not now (although much improved) stand high. As to the word “fiefes,” I have tried in vain to ascertain its meaning; and I am compelled to desist from the attempt. I must content myself with remarking, that the word is correctly copied from the manuscript; and that the whole sentence wears somewhat the appearance of a proverb.