The Violent Preservation of the Self

In the following letter from Sir Philip Sidney to Edmund Molyneux dated 31 May 1578, we see the emerging ethic of privacy and the need for a violent defense of this self. Molyneux was secretary to Sidney's father, Sir Henry Sidney, the Lord Deputy Governor of Ireland (The Faber Book of Letters 3).

Mr. Mollineax

Few woordes are beste. My lettres to my Father have come to the eys of some. Neither can I condemne any but yow for it. If it be so you have plaide the very knave with me; and so I will make you know if I have good proofe of it. But that for so muche as is past. For that is to come, I assure you before God, that if ever I know yow do so muche as reede any lettre I wrye to my father, without his commandement, or my consente, I will thruste my Dagger into yow. And truste to it, for I speake it in earnest. In the meane time farwell. Frome Courte this laste of May 1578.
By me

Philippe Sidney

volume 2, issue 2
SN 205