so that I should always educate the youths of this University earnestly engaged with the Greek tongue «« and in whatever way teach in public service. And such a great hope is still evident to me that I, honouring and revering Your Majesty in these letters, shall through your clemency not seem to be unworthy of pardon, most exceedingly desiring »» to make clear by any means the excess of my earnestness and goodwill towards your royal honour.

This probably relates to Etheridge's hopes for better treatment than he had experienced since his dismissal from his post at Oxford in 1559, owing to his refusal to take the Oath of Supremacy following Elizabeth's accession.