Of the generosity and nobleness of his mind, Walton gives this instance;

Upon Sir Henry Wotton’s coming a second time to Venice, he was employed as embassador to several of the German princes, and to the Emperor Ferdinando ii. and this embassy to these princes was to incline them to equitable measures, for the restoration of the Queen of Bohemia, and her descendants, to their patrimonial inheritance of the Palatinate.  This was by eight months constant endeavours and attendance upon the Emperor and his court, brought to a probability of a successful conclusion, by a treaty; but about that time the Emperor’s army fought a battle so fortunately, as put an end to the expected treaty, and Sir Henry Wotton’s hopes, who when he quitted the Emperor’s court, humbly advised him, to use his victory with moderation, which advice the Emperor was pleased to hear graciously, being well satisfied with Wotton’s behaviour during his residence at his court.  He then told him, that tho’ the King his master was looked upon as an abetter of his enemy, yet he could not help demonstrating his regard to him, by making him a present of a rich jewel of diamonds, worth more than ten thousand pounds.  This was received with all possible respect by Sir Henry; but the next morning upon his departing from Vienna, at his taking leave of the Countess of Sabrina, an Italian lady, in whose house he resided, he expressed his gratitude for her civilities by presenting her with the jewel given him by the Emperor, which being afterwards discovered, was by the Emperor taken as an affront; but Sir Henry acknowledging his gratitude for the mark of distinction shewn to him, at the same time declared, he did not chuse to receive profit from any present, given him by an enemy of his royal mistress, for so the Queen of Bohemia, the eldest daughter of the King of England, permitted him to call her.

Upon Sir Henry Wotton’s return from his embassy, he signified an inclinacion to the King to be excused from any further employment in foreign affairs, to retire from the bustle of life, and spend the evening of his days in studious ease and tranquility.  His Majesty in consequence of this request, promised him the reversion of an office, which was the place of Master of the Rolles, if he out-lived Sir Julius Caesar, who then possessed it, and was grown so old, that he was said to be kept alive beyond nature’s course, by the prayers of the many people who daily lived upon his bounty.  Here it will not be improper to observe, that Sir Henry Wotton had, thro’ a generosity of temper, reduced his affairs to such a state, that he could not live without some profitable employment, as he was indebted to many persons for money he borrowed to support his dignity in his embassy, the King’s appointment for that purpose being either not regularly paid, or too inconsiderable for the expence.  This rendered it impossible for him to wait the death of Sir Julius Caesar; besides that place had been long sollicited by that worthy gentleman for his son, and it would have been thought an ill-natured office, to have by any means prevented it.