^S//,5r^Q\ ^ 5 tz <; %a3AINi1]WV ^^OFCALIfO% .-;,OFCALIF0% ^owNmin"^ ^(?Aavaan-^s^ \\\EUNIV[RVa lYo/:^ <^ummoyr^ .-^imms/A vviosANCEifj>^ jO^ ^^OJIWDJO^ ^ ^OFCAIIFO/?^ ^WEUN1VER^/A o .>;WSANCElfj> o \INll3\\V' ^^OFCAilF0% ,-^ 6: OFCA! 'Or 'Or O o ?3 ^vlOSAS'CElf/^ ^Aa^AINillWV' ^vWSANCFLfj^ S ^ ^ %J]3A!N,riH^ %ojnvojo-^- ^ OFCALIF0% '^ Ig ^OFCAIIFO% N^ ^^ ^A(ivaen-#^ .NIVERS/^ .\10SA' %Ji]Al, vvlOSA BY(K ^HIBRARYO/ Is'"" c ^ ljo'^^ ^omyi^"^^ . ^MEUNIVERVM ,,a]>^ %0Ji]\QdO^ ,f^^^ FO/?/^ ^OFCAi!FO% ,^v^[-UNiVEP%. ^AOS-V^CFIfX; "^^(JAaVHaiH^^^ %il3DfiYS01^ %a3A!Nn]WV^ 'i g I f ^^^AHvaan-^\\^ ^^&a iiiir\ 'rnr '% ^>'' ^'''^% M 1^1 1 ^ ,^: ^.^....^ _^ v" jvH9iH\'^'^ ^^^Advaan i^^"^ i .XMLIBRARYO^ ,'-5 m ^'^ '^/.iaiMN.i 3uv^ %oji]V3-jo> ^ >i. '^^ojmojo^^ V- % <^ OFCAl!F0Mf> ^(^Aavaani^ '^6?Aavaa!H\^'^ AWflNIVERV^ >- EUNl^ERVA C-1 oc r^i t*i s V- ;i^ ^rilj'jNY vOl^^^ iBRAH\ry/ .\\U!BRARY^y/ ^i ^ illV.lJu"^ %JJI1VJJ0^ ^aU ''*;i\TR^7a, ^V) .0]^ ,^.,.. \^ V -r f'j'M'ir,, <\\n'^.!VTP\/> IPs Avrnrr. srvfRV/, .vvlOSASCflfj/ .x\^ llBRARYO^^ ^xMliBKARYQ^^ A\UlNi\[RS//, %jj I ivj jvY" '-'oud i ivj jO~^' 'j3 e iM\[R\(/, .vNiosAsaifr > V. OF fAl';0/?(, ,OFCAi!FO% A)\[lNi\F?^>% O R I G^ M A LETTERS AND MEMOIRS, Written By the Lord Chancellor BACO Nj During the Reign of King y antes I. Many addreft to the King, the Duke of Buckingham'^ and other eminent Perlbns^v Corred:ed and publiflied with Remarks By ROBERT STEPHENS, Efq; Late Historiographer Royal, To which is prefixed A Large H ISTORIGAL, I NTRODUCTION. The Second Edition^ L O N D O If: \ Printed for Olive Pavne, at Iiorace*% Headm Round Courly oppofiic I'ork Buildings in ihc Strand i And ibid by John Brindlev at the Kiftg*s /frms in Nrw Bondjlreet. 1736. P7 to PR THE h^ I 734 PREFACE T4 HE expofing of other Mens Letters to the World, may he elieem'dfo great a violation of the fecrecy that IS due to them ^that I fljould think myfelfoh- ligd togivefome Reajonsfor the prejent perform mancejsadnot a great Part ofthofe that follow J^een already made Puhlick : AH that is now attempted^ l^ir.g to render this QoWtiXion more compleat^ and I hope ^ more accept ahle^^ than any that has yet appear d under the Name of this Learned Lord. But by excufing myfelfin a particular cafe, I would not he thought to condemn others for a^ing a part which the mofl Polite Ages and l^at ions have approrvd^or at leafl indulged. For altho Familiar Letters of Private Friends may he com^ monly of too tender a Compofitiony to thrive out of the Bo- (bm /* which they were fir Jl Planted ; yet thofe which are written hy Men of Eminent Wit, Learning, or Place have heen^andmay he^under fome Circumft^nces ^communicated to the reft of Mankind. 7*/?^ Epiflles of the Antients, withfome of the Moderns, are read with great delight and profit^ and will prohahly lajl at long as Books tbemfelves ; whilft many Volumes of Familiar and Feifnd Letters {the encreafe whereof was fo juftly cenfurd by Bocaline^ have been compelld to live . and die in Ohfcurity, Of 771021 rhe Preface. Of all others ^relating to Humane Affairs, thofe which are written hy Minifters 0/ State, and deduced in a Series of Time, are of the mofl efieem^ hecaufe they afford Excellent Inftrudions for Civil Prudence, and the hefl Materials for Hiftory. And for this I need cite no other Authority than my Lord Bacon himfelf in the Second Book of the Advancement (/ Learning, Chap.ixth. In divulging Memaoires of tikis nature^ theEttgYidihrnje leen former ly~Mked ttporr as a'frferv'd Nation^ whatever opinion may he now had of them. And if thefe which are laid before the Reader, be mt adorned with that varie^ ty ofEvents^whichmay be found in fome other s^he will pleafe to remember what Places the Writer held^ and in what Peaceable Times he liv^d. Hii Lordfhip obferving^ that Times are like Ways , fame are more Up-hill and Down-hill, (bme are more Flat and Plain ; the one is better for the Liver, the other for the Writer. It remains that I gwe fome account of the enfuing Papers, that fence I cannot add to the Authors HonourJ may not for-- get to do him and the Reader JufiiceJ'hofe which were pub' lijh'd in the Refijfcitatio,. by Dr. Rawley, (to whom the World is indebted for his Lordfhips PoOhumous Works) may be depended upon : Smh as are taken from the Cabala, Sir Tobie Mathew's Ctllediony and other Books, wherein they are difpers d without, any coherence of Matter or Tiitje, altho they may haveErrors^yet I hope not of that number or nature yOS to diminifh much from the value of the whole^orU ^refle^ upon my care,finceit was as far removed from wy Pow- er to reftore all the Paffages I judged faulty , as from my De- -fire totmnfmit any thing imperfed, or unworthy the Chara^ Mer oj fo celebrated an Author. For which reaf on ^ among 0^ thers, I have purpofely omitted fome Letters, which bear ^his name. The The Preface. Ti&tf Originals which I have inferted^ and which I have noted at the beginning of each Letter,H>frf preferved hy the care of a very worthy GtnxX^mzn yamongft others of the like nature; and the defire Thad to preferve the leaft Renwins of this t^ohle Lord from the Fate incident to kofe ?a pers^ engaged me fir ft to tranfcrihe^ then to reduce them in* to Order ^ and now to prefent them to the World. They conf^ mencefome Months before he was madel^ord Keeper,^ w/vrff -Dr.RawIcyV CoUeilion breaks off^ and are continued almoft to the time when the Great Seal was taken from him ;fo that could I have recover d fome Letters^ which I fear are no Icfl^ They had filled a f pace of Time, in which his Lordfhip was at the Highefi^and of which there are but two or three already Publi/hed. All the Original Letters are written by his own Hand, except one which isfubfcribed by it ; fome of them are com- fofed with care, but many of them in fo hafly a manner, and difficult Chara^er, that if they are Jit to be feen by the Eye of the World, it is becaufe his mofl Cafual Pieces harve heen prefer d to fome others Labours. To any one that tf the leaft acquainted with his Lordjhifs Style, / doubt not but they will appear, what they really are. Genuine. But becaufe I have ajjer ted fome things which may depend upon my own Sincerity, in the Relations J have given from other Manufcripts ; / have made my felf publicK in a way I nt" ver defigned : Hoping that thofe that know me, know me to be above the thoughts ofimpofing upon the World, and requefting all others to afcribe the Errors I am guilty of, to any other defe^ than that of my Will. The Letters which I have feen of the fame Hand, writ- ten in the time e>/Qwf^ Elizabeth, are all contained in the Refufcitatio, which was a good Reafon in it felf for me to begin thefe with the Reign of her Succcflbr ; which I have difpofed in order of Time, as near as J could place them^, unleftin one or two Cafes J purpofely inverted it^to prefcrvc tht The Preface. the Story more entire. My Dejire^ to give all things relating to them, as well as the Author, the heft Light / couU^ bath carried me on to enlarge the Introduction heyond its jufi Limits^ and to infertjome Qhzxzditics 4;?^/ Obfeivations which may be thought fuperfluous, ^:t*i\h^A ^A\ For the fake of that part of the Gentry, ti^ofe Educati- on denies them the knowledge oj the Learned Languages, yet their Abilities in thefe fort ofWritings, require that nothing that is valuable therein fhould be conceal' d from them ; I have interpreted fome Latin Citations in the Margin, t^c. thofome I have overlooked or negle^ed. As for the few Let* ters which were written to the Univerfities, / conceivd it fufficient to give an account upon what occasion they werefent^ without troubling the Reader with a Tranjlation. In my References to the Cabala, / make ufe of the Editi- on pf 1 69 1 , and to the Refiifcitatio 0/ that cfi66i; which lafi Book was correBly publijhed by Dr. Rawley, whereunto is prefix d my Lordb2LCons Life, and from which together with the Preliminary Difcourfe to his Rem2.ins,P rinted in 1679, ^^^ '^^ CharaBers given of him before the Englifh Tranflation of his Advancement^ ^Learning, the Reader may take a view of fome Particulars of his Life^W Works, which I had no occafion given me to Treat of. For what refpe^s my f elf, I have onely this to allege ; that altho nojuft excufe can be made for a Man that volun-^ tar fly expofes himfelf as I have done, yet perhaps fome^ thing may be allowed bv way of Mitigation, J he Times of Leijure which I devoted to this Service were more interrupt ted than I had reafon to expe^ ; fo that I was engaged in the Prefi before the Copy was prepared, till like an unwary Soldier advanced too far, I knew not well how to Retreat, or how to make my way through. For this Reafon upon re- viewing the Whole of what wasfent by Parts, I find fome things I might have left out, others added, many Expreft- onsft to be alter d, and Defers in the Style reformed. All which The Preface. which might have appeared in a better manner^ bad I taken any advice of my Friends in the Defign, or what I think is much more wantedytheir Judgement and Cenfure in the Exc- , cution : But this being a trouble I had neither the oppor- tunity nor confidence to defire offome of them, whofe Opinio ons I very much value , it encourages me to ask, ana hope tQ obtain, a greater (hare of the Reader s Favour. To conclude, fince poffibly there may be fome other Ge- nuine Papers of this Author^ andthefe Times ^ which have efcafedthe Diligence of Dr. Rawley, and which are yet prefervd in Private Hands, or Publick Repofitorics, // thofe which are Maflers oj the one, or can dire6i me to the other, fhall think fo well of what is now done, as to wifb thefe Memoires were more entire ; I fhaU be ready to pub^ lijh the fame by way of Supplement, or in fuch other man- ner as fhall be thought the mofi proper. Nor fhaU I be lefs willing to re^ifieany Miftake, than I am to confefs that which I have committed in the XLVII. Page of the Introdu^ion, Wherey Sir Edw. Coke affirming that the King having fufferd by means of the Lord Trex- furcr and his Lady ^oooo I. cenfurd them in a Fine of I ooooo /. altho' he faid he might very well have made it Qjfadruple: The wW Quadruple ought to have referrdto thefirjifum, and may be corre^ed by putting that of Double in its place. The mofl confiderable Typographical Errors are re^ mark d at the end of the Volume ; Leavingfome others of lefs confequence, and all thofe which are committed in the Pointing, to the Readers own Obfervation and Amend" ment, i4.Febr. 170! ^* ^* THE f THE Intiodudion. UPON the Deceafe of Queen Eliz, lefe t Favourite 'than the Earl of Ejjex But miffing it then as well as after the King's Succcflion to the Crown, he was re- ierv'd for better Fortunes upon the application he made by feveral Letters in this Collecftion, about the beginning >f the year 1607. And was fworn into the Place on tlic Twenty fifth of June, upon the removal of Sir John Dodder ridge to be the Kmg's Serjeant nt Law. The next year gave the State fomc trouble, occafion'd by the Rebellion in the Province of Ulfier. in the North {Jaft of Ireland, through the great Lenity of the King. Which being happily composed in theye^r 1609 : His Majefty, to the end that it might be put into a probable way of con- tinuing quiet to Pofterity, caufed the forfeited Eftates, which amounted to a great Quantity of Acres to be fold, and a new Plantation to be made , which was carried on with the greatelt vigor by the City of London, at or near the City of Derrjy thenceforth called London-Derry. Our Au- thor writing in one of the firft of thefe Letters, that he al- ways wiflied well to this unpolifhed Part of the Crown, doth with the 29th Letter prefent to his Majefty a little Traft containing his Opinion, in what manner thele new Eftablifliments ought to be made. And 'tis probable thefe Plantations in Ireland, and ihofe in the Weft- Indies carried on in the beginning of this Reign, induced him to enter into further Confiderations of this Subjedt, which are Pub- liflied in his Ejjays under that Title. About the fame time I conceive Sir Francts fent the 28th Letter to Sir George Carew the Leiger Ambajfador at Paru together with a Treatife he had written in Latin in Fa- licem Memoriam Eliz^hetha, containing a /hort account of the Felicities of Queen Eliz,abetlh Life and Reign. This he did in oppofition to a Book, Intituled, Mifcra Famlna, under which notion the Pope had confidcr'd her in a Bull publifli'd towards the end of her Life, while other Princes admired her riappinefs -, and this Piece he defnes the AmbafTador to C^ommunicate to Thuanus, who was then compiling fomc Parts of his Celebrated H//?o>;/ Who in his 129th Book, which comprehends the year 160;, and wherein he gives lb ( f 2 ) juft xii The IntroduBion. juft and great an Encommium of the Queen^ he takes no- tice of his compofing the Relation thereof among others from this Manufcript of Francis Bacon, yet the Author did not think he iiad done fufficient Juftice to her Memory, un- lefs it were made publick at large ^ nd therefore we are told that by one of his Wills he deiir'd it might be done. Tho' it was not performed till the year 165-8^ when Dr. Rawley Printed it among the Opufcula. But the Dodor to make fome Compenfation for this long Delay, rendred it alfb into En- glijlj, and in imitation of the Author's Style, as may be feen in the Refufcitatlo, fag. 181. and which has.fmce been added to a late Edition oi his Ejfays. After thefe two Trads, the one Political, the other Hi- ftorical, comes to be confider'd a third Fruit of the fame Brain, which I conceive ripen'd towards the latter end of this year, and was of a nature Philofophical. It bears the Title ofCcgkata & Vifa, and was fent in Manufcript with the ;oth and following Letters to the Learned Dr. An- drews Billiop of Ely J Sir Tho. BocUey , and Mr. Mathews , whofe Judgements the Author much refpeded. In this In- genious Difcourfe, which Sir Francis defign'd to have fup- preffed from the Publick, it being his Intentions to write a juft and perfed Volume of Fhilofoj)hj He confiders the ill ilate and Errors of Learning, fas he had in his Book of -^^- vancement, the Defeds and Negleded Parts) together with the means and endeavours that were to be applied for its Reformation. A great part whereof was I think afterward difpers'd in the Novum Organum ,. and the whole was Print- ed by Jfaac Gruter among the Authors other Philofophical Works : Who alfo Tranflated into Latin^ a large Letter con- tain'd in the Cabala, wherein Sir Thomas Bodky made fome Refiedions upon the fame , But whereas it is there dated the 15th of Febr. 1607. I conceive it is a miftake, and mif- printed for 1609. In the year 1610, he publiflied his Book de Safientid Vete- rum, of the TVifdom of the Ancients^ which he Dedicated to the Earl of Salisbury, and the Univerfity of Cambridge, and with a Letter of the 27th of February, communicates the fame to Mr. Mathew, vv'hom no diftance of Place, or Differ- ence in Religion could divide from his Friendfhip. The Au- thor T'he Introduclion. xiii thor writ this Originally in Latin, and therein he does Illu- itrate the nqeaning contain'd under fome of the moft noted Fables and Varables of Antiquity. In which Allegorical way, it was not onely familiar to the firlt Ages of the World to wrap up fome of the Mvfteries of their Religion^ but to inflill and inculcate Wifdom. The Intei-pretation thereof having been attempted, as the Author obferves, in a vulgar manner, and by Men onely Learned in Common-Places : He does therefore in the laft Chapter of the Second Book of the advancement of Learning , reckon the want of a nobler and better Conftrudion among the Defiderata and Deficients in Learning ; and therein fcleds three Examples out of this Book, in which may be feen how much Natural,Political^and Moral Wifdom is contain'd under the Fables of Pan, Pcrfeus and Dionyft4s. Sir Arthur Gorges rcndred the whole into En- glijh, which is ufually added to the Author's Ejjayes ; and it is to this Book the Great Poet as well as Traveller Mr. George Sandys doth in his Learned Notes on his Verfion of Ovias Metamorphofisj acknowledge himfelf to be much indebted, flyling my Lord St. Albans, The Crown of all Modern Authors. Sir Francis Bacon having ferv'd the King as his Solicitor-Ge- neral, from the year K^oy, not without expedation from, and application to his Majefty to be made his Attorney (as appears by fome of the fucceeding Letters) did upon the 27 o^ OHob. 161 3, obtain that Place. His Predeceflbr Sir Henr^ Hobart was conftituted Chief Ju/lice of the Court of Common-Pleas, where he continued with much Reputation till the year 162 j, in which he died upon the 28th of De- cember, at his Houfe at BlickUng in Norfolk ; and had given him by Sir George Croke one oi the Judges of the lame Court, and at the fame time, the Character of being a moft Lear- ned, Prudent, Grave and Religious Judge. But there needs no other Teftimony oi the ftrcngth and clearncfs oi his Reafcn, as well as knowledc;e in the Law, than the Mo- nument he has credcd to his own Fame in his Arguments and Reports of Cafis adjudged in the Court wherein lie prc- fided. Upon thefc Preferments there fucceedcd into the Place of Sclicitor-General, Mr. //. Tthtrtan^ as he had a lictic before unto suT Tj^^ IntroduQion. unto the Eftateof his Father, There were many Candidatea for this Office, but whether he obtain'd it by the means of the Vicount f Rochefier, the King's then Favourite ^ and that afterwards in Gratitude to him he rather ventur'd to incur the Royal Difpleafure, than to appear againft him_, upon his Trial tor the Death of Sir Thomfls O'verbury^ is more than I can affirm. Onely thus much I have obferv'd, that in the management thereof^ and of the Trials of the other Criminals concern'd in that. affair, the Attorney and other Councel of the. King's had their. Parts, whereas tho. Solicitor is never named. But however that be, it may be very well alTerted, that few ever deferv'd the Place better than him- felf, having been for about ten years in full Bufmefsand Re- putation at the Kings-Bench Bar, proceeding from his great Abilities, which his Reports of the Cafes adjudged in thofe Times, and digefted with fo. great Perfpicuity and Brevity doth very much declare. ..But the great Opinion the King fometimc had of him, his falling afterwards under his Majefty's Frowns, and the Cenfure of the Parliament, having fubjeded his Story to the Notice of many Pens, by fome imperfectly, and by others as untruly related , I (ball from fuch Informations as 1 have feen, and may be more depended upon, place it in a better Light. -And defire pardon if I am longer in my Difcourfes of this Gentleman, than of others whofe Names and A6lions are alfo treated in the following Letters. ince thereby I defign to do but Juftice to the Memoi7 of a very worthy Perfon, whofe Aifedions and Friendfbjp p fome of my Anceftors require no lefs a performance. He defcended both by Father and Mother from two an- cient and gentile Families. That of his own Name had long flourifhed in the County of Norfolk^ and particularly as Sir Henry Spelwan obferves at Rctigham^ from the time of King Richard the Second. His Father Sir Chrifiopher being a younger Brother, applied himfelf to the Study of the Com- mon Law J and thereof was made a Serjeant , Speaker of the Houfe of Commons, andoneofthe Judges of the Kings-Bench in the time of Q^ueen Elizabeth. Marrying Margaret the Daughter oKThomas Cateshy o^ Ecion SinA IVhifton in Northamp- tonjhircj he had by her his Eldeft Son, Mr. Henry teherton, born The IntroduQm. xv born the 29th of June, in the year i ^66. Who after feme Academical Education at Oxford, was removed unto Greys- Inn, to be under the more immediate care and example of his Father. Sdon after that he was made the King's Solicitor, his Ma- jefty conffcr'd upon him the Honour of Knighthood , and taking notice oi his AbilitieSj took him into a more than ordinary degree of his Favour, fo that he often requir d his Prefence and Afliftance at the Council-Table. Upon the call- ing a Parliament in the year 1614, it was refolv'd by the King and Council, to have him recommended to be Speaker of the Houfe of Comtnons. But upon farther Confideration, that his Services might be of more ufe out of the Chair, he was fenr to Mr. Serjeant Crewe, afterwards Chief Juftice of the Kings-Bench, with an account of the King's Purpofe, to have him placed therein , who Was accordingly chofen by the Commons. And fome Obje ^"^ afterwards incurring his dii- ' pleafure , was difplaced and cenfured in the Star-Chambcr. ' He then became a Pradifer again at the Bar, from which * he was advanced by King Charles to be a Judge. He was ' a Man of profound Knowledge in the Common Laws , * and Im^enious and Eloquent in Expreflion ; and for his * Life of great Integrity and Piety , and his Death univer- * fally bewailed. The other is part of a Hiort Preface to his Reports, Pub- lifhed by Serjeant Ifilde , a little after the Reftauration of King Charles the IL ' To the Reftitution of the Lav^s (which this Age hath ' moft happily attain'd) we Confecratc thcfc Monumental * Remains of Sir Henry Teherton ; a Perl'on of fo compleat a * Judgment, and renowned Abilities in this moft Honoura- ' ble Science, advantaged by the 1 imes , wherein he both * pradis'd and Judged, which uerc Learned, and ennobled * by many eminent Sages of the Law his Contcmpuraries ; ' that we fhall not need to direct your Acceptance of ihefc ' his Judicious CoUetlions, which his cwn exquifite Pen hath * commended to the World, &c. I xxii The IntroduBion. I hope this miftakes of fome Authors , relating to this Gentleman , and the Falfities contained in the Court and CharaHer o^YJ\ngJames^ vvili^ from what I have faid , ap- pear fo vifible to any one '^that {hall have the Inclination to perufe fo loofe a Writer , that I need not trouble the Reader with a more particular Confutation. By Margaret J the Daughter of Robert Beak, Efq^ Clerk of the Council to Queen EUz,abeth, and Edith St. Barhe, Sift- er to the Lady Walfwgham ; he had among other Children^ his Son and Heir Chrifiofher, Knighted in 1623 , and made a Baronet in 1641 : Who by Anne the youngeft Daughter of Sir William Twyfden of Eafi-Teckham in Kent , Kniglit and Baronet, left Sir Henry Telverton^ his onely Son ; Who recei- ving his Academical Education, under the care of Dr. Wil- kins, the eminent Warden o^ Wadham Colledge in Oxford , did, towards the end of the late Times of Confufion, receive into the care of himfelf and Family, Dr. Moreton, Bifhop of Durham ; feeing that his extreme Age , and great Labours for the Proteftant Religion, and the Church o( England , could not proted him from the Troubles , the reft of his Order underwent. But Sir Henrj having ftiewn himfelf to be a Gentleman of great Worth , and as great Learning as moft of that rank in the Nation , was taken off in Ociober i6']o, in the prime of his Years,- yet continues ftill to live in the Perfon of his Son , who in the Right of his Mother, the Daughter and Heir of Charles Longue^ulUe , I,ord Grey of Ruthyn , became intituled to that Honour, and by the Favour of his prefent Majefty, Vifcount de Longue^ville. Having nov/ done with this large Digredion , I fhall for the future confine my felt clofer , to the fubjeel: matter of thefe Letters. Thofc which were written in January and February 1615", relate much to the Treafons , of which one Veacham and Oivm were accufed. Teachams Crime was for inferting feveral Treafon^ble Paft^iges in a Sermon , never Preach'd, nor as Mr. Juftice Croke faith , ever intended to be Preached , but onely fat down in Writings , and found in his Study. His Majefty defiring to know the Opinions of fome of the Judges , before he was judicially proceeded againft, the chief Juftice O^e was not prevailed upon to giv The IntroduBion. xxiii give his , without much difficulty, (as will appear thcre- iii) as a thing unufual , and which he fcar'd might be of ill confequence. But tho' Peacham was Indided and found guilty , yet he was not Executed. Judge Croh obferving ' in his Reports oF the Time of King Charles, Pag. i2f. that many of the Judges were of Opinion, that it was noi High- Treafon. How much harder Fate, a Gentleman of Quality and Learning fufFcr'd, not many years fince, in a cafe not unlike, I need not remember, the Legiflature of the Nation having done it by rcverfing the Judgment. The other Cale was that of Owen , of Godfio-we in Oxford^ jhire, who returning out of Spain, did not oncly affirm, but inforce with Reafons, a Doourt of Chancery procee- ded therein, in my Lord Bacon s^ the Bilhop of Lincoln's, and Lord Coventry s timcs,in the fame manner it had done before. 'Till after the Printing of Sir Edward Coke's third and fourth InftitMtes many years after the Author's Deaths and upon viewing fome Cafes he had inferred therein, or Colle^ed during the Heat of thefe Debates; the ^lejlicn began to re- vive, And particularly in the year 165-8, &c. in the Cafe of Harris and Colliton in the Exche^^Hcr ^ fome of the Arguments made in that Cafe Pro and Co, are now in Print, and one wherein this Power of the Courts of Et^uity was at large af- fertcd, 1 have feen. But there is a Learned Gtntleman now { f 2. ) living, ^cxxvi The IntroduBion. living, who lately prefided in that Court, who did then irt that Cafe, and hath fmce^maintain'd the contrary in a Book which is Printedjbut not Publiftied , fo that I never had the opportunity of feeing it but for a few minutes , for which reafon as well as many others it does not become me to deli- ver any Opinion. But tiie Certificate in YUngJames'sTmiQ, and the Refolutions thereupon, which were made publick many years fince, and lately with fome additional Argu- ments at the end of the firft Volume of a Book in OBa'vo^ Intituled, Chancery Re f oris, feem to give a clear and fatisfa- dpry account of this Matter. But this was a time , in which my Lord Coke was not onely contending with the Lord Chancellor , but with the King himfelf : For His Majefty being informed , That in the Arguments concerning the great Cafe of Commendams , fgrn-C Pofitions were affirm'd by one of the Counfel, which, touch'd him nearly in his Prerogative , as to the granting q{ Commenciams : He did by Letter of his Attornty general, require the Judges, for fome Reafons , to defer their argu- ing the cafe for a little time , till His Majefty could have Conference with them. But the Judges difobey'd. the Let- ter , and proceeded in the Caufe : For which they were, convened before the King and Council ; where at length, they all , except the chief Juftice Coke , fully fubmitted themfelves. But I believe the Reader will be fo well plea- fed to view the whole Procefs hereof contained in the jid. Letter , the latter part of the Memorial Number 73, and in the A5i oi Council, of the 6th of June 1616 , drawn up by Sir 'Francis Bacon ; that it would be fuperfluous to make any relation of that here , which is fo fully reprefented in its proper place. And if he fhall be as curious to know the Matters in LaTi^ arifmg thereon , he may find them largely and elaborately reported by my Lord chief Juftice Hobart, in his Argument of the Cafe of the Biftiop of Lich- field and Coventry ^ and not of Lincolne,, as bymiftake it i^, Written in the aforefaid Memorial, It is not to be doubted. But that thefe Proceedings, made my Lord Coke, fit both uneafic , and infecure upon the Bench : But the chief caufe of his removal from it, accord.? ing to Mr. Roger CQkehiiGrAndfon ,, was his refuial to ad--> mit T'he IntroduBion. xxxvii mit of the chief CUrk , for inroUing of Fleas in the Court of Kings-Bench, at the Nomination, and in Truft for Sir George Villiersy and upon the Surrender of Sir NichohsTufion, made Lord Thanet , in confideration thereof. In the Pcrfon , I am fure he is niiftaken, tho' he may be right in the Caule , which may in a great mcafur^, be Colleded from feme of the cnfuing Letters : And in ihort appears to be this. Sir John Roper , who had many years enjoy'd this profitable Place , efteemed to be worth then about 4000 /. per AnnuTn^ being grown very old, was prevail'd with, to i'urrender the (ame upon being created Lord Teynham, with a Refer- vation of the Profits thereof to himfelf during his Life. Upon which Surrender , Sir George Villires was to have the Office granted to two of his Truftees , for their Lives, as it feems the Earl of Somerfet was to have had before. But my Lord Coke not being very forward to accept of the fame, or make a new Grant thereof upon thefe Terms : He was upon the ;d. of OBober 1616 , commanded to difift from the fervice oi his Place,and finally removed from it,up,. on the I jth day of November following. His SuccclTor Sir Henry Montague , third Son of Sir Edward Montague of Boughton in Northamptonjhire , Recorder of London , and the King's Serjeant . being more complaifant , Sir John Roper religned towards the latter end of the fame Month , and Mr. Shute and Heathy who was afterwards the King's Solici- tor General , being the Deputies and Truftees of Sir George yilliersy were admitted. I think there was no Queftion at that time , or long be- fore , or fince that time , but that the Difpofition of this Office, refted intirely in the Chief Jujlice of the Courts Till the Right of the prefent Ornament thereof , the Ho- nourable and Learned Sir John Hvlt, came to be conteftcd a few years paft, by Her Grace the Dutchcfs o\ Grafton,^ by Virtue o^ 1 Patent , granted from King Charles the II. What Agitation it had in that, and alfo in a higher Court, is fo frcih in Memory, that it need not to be related. 1 have formerly mention'd how abruptly, and in what ill humor, the King parted with his Parliament in the year 1A14. And have touched upon one of the way's his Mar jefty afterwards took to fupply the Occalions ot his Crown, ami ixxxviii ^he IntroduBion. and of his Court. But among all the Projeds for procur-^ ing of Money, in which this time abounded, none feem'd more Specious , or more Conducing to the Publick Good than that ; which in the year following was propos'd , through the Lord Treafurers means , by Sir William Cockayne, a Rich and Underftanding Alderman of the City of Lon- don. For the Society or Fellowlhip of the Merchant Adven- turers, having enjoy'd by Licence from the Crown, a Pow- er of Exporting yearly, feveral Thoufands ofEngliJh Cloths Undyed : It was imagin'd, that the King would not onely receive an Increafe in his Cufioms , by the Importation of Materials neceffary for Dying , but the Nation a confidera- ble advantage , in imploying the Subjed , and improving the Manufadure to its urmoft , before it was Exported. This Proportion being befides attended with the offer of an immediate Profit to his Majefty , was foon embraced ; the Charter granted to the Merchant Adiienturers recalled, and Sir William Cockaine , and feveral others Traders Incorpora- ted upon certain Conditions , as may in part appear, by Sir Francis Bacons Letter to the King , dated the 12th. of Augufl 1615-. Tho' fome others in that, and in the follow- ing year , foon inform us , what Difficulties the King and Council, and indeed the whole i<[/gitf; fuftain'd thereby. For the Trading Towns in the Low-Countries and in Germa- ny, which were the great Mart and Staple of thefe Com- modities J perceiving themfelves in danger of lofing the Profit, they had long reaped by Dying and Drefling great Quantities of Englilli Cloth , the Dutch Prohibited the whole Commodity : And the Materials being either dear- er here , or the Manufacturers lefs skilled in fixing of the Colours , the vent of Cloth was foon at a ftand ; upon which the Clamour of the Countries extended it felf to the Court. So that after feveral Attempts to carry on the Defign, Sir Francis Bacon finding the New Company varia- ble in themfelves, and not able to comply with their Pro- 'pofals , but making new and fpringing Demands, and that the whole matter was more and more perplex'd , doth up- on the 14th of Ochber 161 6, fend a Letter to the Lord Vil^ Uers , inclofing his Reafons , why the New Co?7ipany was no longer The IntroduBion. xxxix longer to be trufted, but the Old Companj to be treated with and revived. In which fcrvice I find Sir Lionel CranfieU^ by his Letter of the ;oth oi March i6ii, and feme others, had been fo induftrious , that the Dyers and Cloth-Work- ers of the City of London , perceiving their expe<5lations likely to be defeated, threatened him and fome of the Old Company with Deftrudion : Infomuch, that he therein defires the Lord ViUiers, that if he peri/h by them, his Lord- ibip would be good to his Wife and Children, and procure their Wardjlnj> to be committed to her. After an offer made of a looooo /. to the King, by fome Members of the Old Company , to have their Charter refto- red ,* it was found, that by reafon of the diforders in Trade, both at home and abroad , it would be very pernicious to them to raife fo ^rcat a Sum j How much foever the King's occafions wanted the fame , or how great foever their de- fires were to be reeftablifhed : So that the Earl of Suffolk^ Lord Treasurer, Sir Ralph Wtmvood Secretary of State , and Sir Fulke Gre'vil, Chancellor ot the Exchequer ^ do by their Letters fent to my Lord Buckingham , a little before the King's return from Scotland, certifie to his Lordfbip in this manner. " According to the Diredions of your Lordfiiip's *^ Letter , we have called before us the principal of the " Merchant Adventurers and after divers Conferences , we ** have under His Majefties Approbation , thus concluded " with them. That upon the Signing of a Nevj Charter "with the felf fame Immunities and Privileges, which for- " merly they enjoy 'd , and the Publilbing of a Prodamati- '' ow, for the better advantage of their Trade ; they ihall " pay the Sum of lyooo /. and within three Months next " after 2^000 /. more. This is the greateft Sum that we are " able to draw from them, and that with fome difficulty, c^r. Purfuant hereunto, and to a Power of Revocation contain'd in the Nru^ Charter, that was recalled, and a Proclamation Publilhed for reftoring the Old Company , dated the 1 2th oi yiagujl 16 17, a.t Ajhton in Lancajhire , where the King then lay in his Paflage from Scotland j and foon after ano- ther Charter was granted to them. But the Loan of this Money , and feveral Sums to the King and Queen of Bohemia , attended with the Decay of tlicir xl' T^he IntroduBion. their Trade^ had fo wounded this antient Society of Mer- chant Adventurers^ (under whofe Nurfing care _, the WockII- en Manufadure had for fome Ages been rifing to fuch de- grees 3 as to become the Glory and Riches of the Enghfli Nation, and the envy of its Neighbours ,- ) that I fear they are not yet in any probability of recovering their former Strength and Beauty. Tiiis brought them into Debt , an that the Proclamation the King publiih'd upon the fixth of N(n>cmber was much fhorter, tho much extradled out of this by his Majefty himfelf Upon the ^oth of January the SefSon was open'd , at which time my Lord Chancellor, newly Created Vilcount Sr. AWan, appeared in his greateft Honour and Splendor, and foon after in the greateft ftate ol Humiliation which latter part being the fubjed that I am to confider o^ I ihall from the Journals of both Houfcs, and fome othei Memoires that I have feen, give as an impartial an account of this Rcverfe of Fortune and the caufcs thereof, as I have delircd to do, of the brighter part of his Lite. About the 12 of March if 5? a Committee was appointed of fome Members of the Lower Houfe, to infped the abufes oF the Court i of Jujlice^ whereof Sir Edw.nd Sackville was named the Chair-man, but by reafon of ibnie Indifpoficion, Sir Robert Fhelips was put into his Pl.ice. The firft thing they fell upon was Bribeiy and Corruption, of which my Lord Chancellor was accufcd by one Aubrey and Egerton, who affirm'd they procured Money to be given to his Lordfhip, to promote their Caufcs depending before him. The truth thereof being corroborated by fome Circumllanccs, a Re- port was made from the Committee to the Houle upon the I fth, yc: with all tenderncls and rclpecfl to his Lordlhip, in regard, as the Chair-man declared, it touched the Hcywur of a Great Man, fo endued with all Parts, both of Nature and Art, as thiJt he V'uuU i'.:y no more of him ^ being not able to fay tnough : For which rc.ilons they delircd that all expedition micht be ufcd. Upon the r-di Sir K^jbert Phelips nude a lecond Report oi other matters of the fime nature charged upon ilie Chancellor. At which time Sir Edward Sackviile, afterwards the Noble {hi) Larl lii The IntroduBion. Earl of Dorfet, Sir Heneage Finch Recorder of London, with fome others, fpake much in his Lordfliip s Defence. But at length it was refolv'd, that the Heads of the Accufation, fhould be drawn up by the Chair-man, Sir Ed-w. Coke, Mr. Noj, and Sir Dudley Digges, and related to the Lords, without prejudice, at a Conference ; which was accordingly perform'd upon Monday the 19th of this fame Month,* and after the Report of the Conference by the Lord Treafurer, the Mar- quis of Buckingham prefented a Letter written to their Lord- ifiips by the Chancellor upon the fame day, which is enter'd at large upon their Journal. Towards the latter end of the Month the Seffion was dif- continued lor fome time, in hopes, as was thought, to fof- ten the Chancellors Fall. But upon their Reaflembling, more Complaints being daily reprefented, his Lord/hip abandoned all Defence, and upon the zid oi April 1621, he fent an In- genious Confeflion and Submiflion to the Houfe of Peers, which has been Printed in feveral Books, but in none I pre- fume fo correctly as in this. Copied alfo from the Journal. But their Lordfhips not thinking it particular or fatisfacftory enough , fent him a Charge confifting of feveral Articles, requiring a Particular Anfwer: which he return'd foon after; and having thereby confelTed fome, denied others, and an- fwer'd or explain'd the reft, fo as to take/off the malig- nity of the offence, he concludes the whole in this man- ner. " This Declaration I have made to your Lord/hips with a " fcund and fincere mind, Humbly craving that if there '^ ihould be any miftake, your Lordjbips would impute it " to want of Memory, and not for any defire of mine to '^ cbfcure Truth, or palliate any thing, for I do again " confefs, that in the Points charg'd upon me, though they ^'^ fhould be taken, as my felf have declared them, is a great " deal of corruption and negled : For which I am hearti- " ly and penitently forry, and fubmit my felf to the Judg- " ment, and to the Grace and Mercy oK this Court. " For Extenuation, I will ufe none concerning the Mat- *^ ters themfelves : Onely, it may pleafe your Lordjhips out " of your Noblenefs, to caft your Eyes ofCompaflion " upon my Perfon and Eftate. I was never noted lor any " Ava- The IntroduBion. liii '^ avaricious Man , and the yifofile faith , that Covetoufnefs '^ r the root of all Evil. I hope alfo, your Lord/hips do ra- " thcr find me in a State of Grace , for that in all thefe " Particulars, there are few or none , that are not almoft " two years old ; whereas thofe that have a Hahit of Cor- " ruftion, do commonly wax worfe : So that it hath plea- " fed Almighty God, to prepare me by Precedent Degrees *^ of amendment to my preient Penitency. And for my '^ Eftate, it is fo poor and mean, as my care is now chiet- " Iv to fatisfte my Debts. And fo , fearing I have troubled your Lordlliips too ** long, I fhall conclude with an humble Suit unto you ; " that if your Lordlhips proceed to Sentence^ your Sentence " may not "be heavy to my Ruin, but gracious , and mix'd " with Mercy. And not onely fo, but that you would be " Noble Interceflbrs for me to his Majefty, likewife for his ** Grace and Favour. ^-, Tour hordfhtps humble ServMit , and Supplicant, Fran. St. Alban. The Lords taking this for a full and ingenuous Confefli- on, fent feveral of their Members , to fee if the Chancellor would own it to be his Hand , and abide by it , which he did in thefe Words ^ My Lords ^ It is my AB^ ray Hand, my Htart I I befeech your Lord/Kips to be merciful to ^ broken Rccd. Upon which the ?eers fent to the Houfe of Com- mens, that they were ready to give Judgement, when they were willing to demand it. Which being done by their Speaker upon the third of Afay 1621 , the Lord Chief Jufiice pronounced the following Judgement of the Houfe of Peers, againft the Lord Chancellor , then abfcnt through Sick- nefs. That the Vifcount St. Albans, l.ovd Chancellor of England, {hall undergo Fine andRanfom of 40000 /. that he /ball be Impri- liv The IntroduBion. Imprifon'd in the Tower^ during the King's Pleafure . Thst he ihall for ever be incapable of any Office, Place or Em- ployment^ in the State or Common-wealth; that he fhali never fit in Tarliajnent , or come within the Ftrge of the Court. The Prince^ and feme others endeavoured to have miti- gated the feyerity of this Sentence, and many of the Lords, as it were excufmg the rigor thereof, did after tell his Lord- fliip, that they knew they left him in good Hands. In the Relation which I have given of this afiair , I have omitted a particular account of the Ankles and Anjwersj in refped of the length ; and alfo, becaufe, that during the Seffion o^ Parliament , which met in the beginning of this prefent year 170 1 , the whole Proceedings SHainft the Lord Chancellor in the Houfe of Lords, were Publijlied from the Journal. The Reafons of the then Search , are obvious enough , but the Copy which was then taken , I prefume was furreptitioufly Printed, I am fure very incorrcdly. The laft Article therein was , that his Lordjlnf had gi'ven way to great ExaHions in his Servants : And he confelTed, it was a great neglect in hhn , that he looked to them no better. This I the rather mention , becaufe thofe Writers who excufe the Mafter , lay the greateft blame upon his Servants : And there's no doubt but that fome of them were very guilty, and that their Lord had that Opinion of them , which it is reported, his Lordfliip in the time of thefe Troubles, fig- nified in palling through a Room, where many of his Re- tinue rifmg up to falute him , He faid , Sit you doivn , My Mafiers, your Rife hath been ray Fall. And we are told by Rufljwortb , in the Firft Volume o[ his Hifiorical Collections ^ " That he treafured up nothing for himfelf or Family^ but ^'^ was over indulgent to his Servants, and connived at their " Takings , and their ways betray 'd him to that Error : " They were profufe and expenfive, and had at their com- ^^ mand whatever he was Mafter of The Gifts taken, were *'^ for the moft part for Interlocutory Orders ; his Decrees " were generally made with fo much Equity , that though " Gifts rendred him fufpeded for Injuftice , yet never any "Decree made by him was reverfed as unjuft , as it hath ^^ been obferv'd by fome, knowing in our Laops, To The Introdu2HoH. IV To thiSj I fhall onely add , what he alledges by way of txcufe, that great part of the Gifts, &c. were made as ?r- fents, in cafes where no Suit was depending, or a good while before they were begun, or after they were ended. Upon this occafion , Who can forbear to obferve and lament, the Weaknefs and Infirmity of iiK^w^we N^/wre? To fee a Man, io far exalted above the Common-Level of his Fellow Creatures , to fmk fo far below it ; To fee a Man , who like Seneca , gave admirable Rules for the Conduct of Life, and condemning the avaricious purfuit after Riches ; and what is unlike Stneca , contemning them in his own Perfon, and yet to be defiled thereby ; To fee a Man ap- plauding Sir George VilUcrs , whilft very young , for defpi- ling Money, where it crofted Reafon oi^ State or Firtue , to take Money in his Mature Age, in Oppofition to both, and to his own Deftrudion : Above all, to fee a great Mafter of Reafon and VJAlofophy, who had been a Credit and Ornament to the Reformed Religiotiy to abate the Luftrc of his Example, by fubmitting to a Temptation, which many of the Heathen Vbilofopbers had the Power to refill. But as his Lordfhip had the misfortune to be made a Memorial for the grcateft and the vvifeft,rfl take heed lefi they fall ; (o he hath the good fortune , (which he obferves, attended three Famous M'riters , fallen under the like Circumftances) to have the remembrance of this Calamity , look'd on by Tofterity as a little PiBure of Nigbt-JVork, remaining amongft the Fair, and excellent Ta- hies of his Acts and lyorks. Before I leave tliis Subjetfl , I {hall take fome notice of a Letter the Marquis o't Buckingham writ to Sir Lionel Cranfield, foon after the accullng ol the Chancellor , Wherein he hop'd that God, who had given that L^rdm^ny other great Gilts, had alfo prefcrv'd him from being guilty of fucii C-rimcs : Yet he alfo hoped, the Hcufc ot Commons would wave their Application to the Lords ^ and go their dired way to the Kmg^ who both could and would do them Juftice. And I remember Dr. Ileylyn, in his Liic otArch-BilKop Laud, and Mr. El/iug, in a Manulciipt Dilcourie touching P.irU/iwints, look'd upon the giving up of this great Minifier to tlic Par- liament, as a wrong Step made by the King, and a leading Card to others foon alter. Yet the Committee fee in u to bl- ot" Ivi T'he IntroduBion. of another Opiniorij when they told the Peers that they followed ancient Frejtdents jWhich {hew'd that great Perfons had been accufed for the like in Parliament. But from what has been faid , it may be obferv'd how miftaken the Editor ofMorerfs Didionary is^when he affirms under the Title of Kiiig Jamesj and the Lord Bacon, that the Duke of Buckingham was the caufe of the Lord Chancellors Downfall ; nor do I know any Hiftorian that alTerts the fame. When the Great Seal was taken from this Lord , it was put into Commijfioners Hands for fome time , till it fell very unexpededly to the Cuftody of Dr. Williams the Dean of Wefiminfier. Upon the loth oijuly 1621^ the King declares to his Privy-Council , the reafons of his Choice. Firfij Be- caufe of the Deans good Parts, wherewith Nature and Edu- cation had enabled him for publick Miniftry_, and the great E^Jperience he had in Chancery Bufmeis under the Lord El~ lefmere. Secondly ^ That being refolved to reform that Court ^ and not to have a Lawyer ^ the Dean being 3'oung and adive, might take pains in the fame : And being intended but for a Vrcbationer for a time , he might at the end be re- warded with a better Bifhoprick , than what he foon de- figned him ; For which purpofe , he refolved the Dean fhould hold the Place but a year and a half, unlefs it fhould prove very inconvenient to Bufinefs , and then after, fo much longer time, pofitively to refign the fame. His Ma- jeftie further declared , That he fliould be affifled in Mat- ters Legal, by the two Chief Jufiices , Judge Dodderidge and Hutton ; and that the placing of Juftices of Peace, he would referve to himfelf Thele Reafcns I have extraded from the AB of Council j but whether they were fuggefled by the Dean himfelf, or were the refult of His Majefties own or others thoughts,! Hiall leave to the Reader to judge from what has been faid , and from what Bifbop Hacket declares in the Hiftory oi the Keeper's Life. That to break the force oi Envy, Ukely to attend that Adion,he defired HisM<5Jeliy to abridge the Grandeur of the Place, by providing that ro Chancellor for the future , might continue above three years, and that he himfelf might be in the nature of a Pro- bationer for one year and a half: That he might have a Learned Mafter of the Rdh to fit with him, and the affifi:- ance The IntrodutHon. Ivii ance of two Judges: But that all thefe Propofals were re- je, is by no means to be ( / ) : i.uitcv;. Iviii The IntroduBion. grante<^. For tho' his liberality and neglc(5t of trcafuring up Money J and his great expence in making of Experiments^ feem to have cxhaufted the Gains of his Profeflion and Pre- ferments ; Yet Dr. RawUy, his Domeftick Chaplain , and a Perfon much trufted by his Lordfliip, affures us , the King had given him out of the Broad Seal, and out of the Aliena- tkn Office to the value of 1800 /. fer Annum , which with his Manor of Gorhamhury , and other Lands adjoyning , a- mounting to a third part more, he retained to his Dying- day : And fo I fuppofe he did the Profits of the Office of Regifier in the Star-Chamber, computed at 1600 /. per Ann. which was granted to him in Reverfion , by Queen Eliza^ beth , tho' it fell not unto him , till towards the latter end of Her SuccelTors Reign. In his laft Will , which bears date the 19th of Decenther 1625-, (befides what was fetled , and left to his Lady , anfwerable to Her Quality ,) He gives feveral large Charities and Legacies to his Friends and Servants , and snakes an Eftimate of his Eftate , by which Debts and Legacies might be fatisfied ; And appoints that out of the remainder,a LeHure fliould be founded in Q^chUniver- fity for Natural Fhilofofhy , and the Sciences, v/hich he hoped would at leaft amount to 200 /. a year a-piece ; Wherein he direds his Truftees to have regard to the meafures Sir Henry Sa-vile had lately taken in his , and intreats his noble and conftant Friend the Duke of Buckingham , to be an Over- feer of his Will , and that his Executors would take fome pains in the performance , that confidering what he had been, his good Min4 by their good Care , might eiFedt that Good IVork. Yet Monfieur Sorbier takes upon him to tell the World, as from Sir William Bofwel , a Friend of my Lords, that his LordlKip made this Will by way of Gallantry , and that he therein left Four hundred thoufand Li'vres to an imaginary College '^ . whereof he had defign'd the Flan in his new Atlanth. But this was an Imagination more wild and groundlefs , than any that had grown up in Sorbiers Brain. It was well known , that my Lord Bacon , in the Fahle of the New Atlantis , exhibited a Model , rather poffible to be efFecied , than probable to be ever attempted by the greateft and moft opulent Prince. It is as true his Lordlliips Executors declined to ad , finding I fuppofe the Debts The Introduction. lix Debts greater , and the Eftate lefs than the Teftator con- ceiv'd : So that Adminiftration was granted to Mr, Mtau- tySy and another o^ his Creditors. I.fhall conclude this Matter, with this fliort Reflexion , That it my Lord St. Albans occafions, made him Ibmetimc write to the King in a prefling and fupplicating manner,yet the many Works he compoied , and defigned , during his Retirement, fhcw that his thoughts were ftill Free , Vigo- rous, and Noble. What thofe were in particular^ and up- on what account Written, the Reader will in Tome meafure colled from the 141ft. Letter, fent to the Biiliop o'l Winebe- jter. But confidering the Place in which I write, I cannot fo far forget the Vrdfejjlon he honoured , as to pais over fo lightly the following Paper, containing an Ofer to His Ma- jcfty, of a Digcfi to be made of the La-ws oi England. This was what he had propofed before , in a Difcourfe touching the Rectmf dement and Amendment of the Laws , Printed in the Refufcitatio , and at the time when he was Attorney Ge- neral , and foon after the time that he was made a Privj- Cfitmfelier : To the end, that it might appear, that the more leafure he had from frmate Caufes , the more time he was defirous to Dedicate to 'Puhlkk Service. And now that he was come to enjoy a much greater leafure , he rcnew'd his Defires of endeavouring to give a Form to thofe Laws , worthy of their Matter and Subfiance : For which lie high- ly commends them in, the Treatife 1 liavc been fpeaking ot, Publilhed amongft fome Alifcelianies in 1^29, and fince that time in ieveral other Books. But this affair requiring great afliftance, which he perceived was not like to be afforded , he laid it afide ; Leaving Poflerity occafion to lament, from thefc two excellent Trads, the want of i^o great a li'orhnan in fo great and uleful a ii^ork. Yet if the multiplying ol concurring and diiagreeing Statute- La-wsy were thought io great a Grievance by him then , What would lie now fay, if he were to live in this Age ? In which we may well fay, Primo yitijs^ modo Legit>us I^il;oramus. Since the times ot my Lord Bacon, there hath appeared, to the Honour ot his Na- tion, his Religion, and Proicflion , a Gcntlcnun, endued with a great Genius and Capacity, and adorn'd with all tiic i ii ) Qua- Ix T^he Introduction. Qualities^ that could render a Maglfirate, belov'dj efleem'd^ and admir'd J the late Lord Chief J ujiice Hale ; who in his excellent Vreface to RoUes Abridgement , hath left us his fenfe of this Matter^ in thefe Words. " It were to be wirti- " ed 3 that fome complear Corpus J^ris Communis , were ex- " trad:ed out of the many Books of our Englijh Laivs , for " the publick ufe , and for contrading the Laws into a '^ narrow compafs and method , at leaft for Ordinary " Study. But this is a Work of time_, and requires many ^'^ Induftrious ^ and Judicious Hands^ and Heads to aflift in "it. Of the three following Letters , which were Written in Latine, upon his Lordfliips prefenting to the Univerjities the new Edition of his Advancement of Learning ; I need now iay nothing , having already faid fo much of that Work. But of the onely Letter of this Colledion in French j perhaps I may be thought to enlarge my felf. It was written to the Marquis D'Effiat , AmbalTador from the French King , and fent by the Cardinal de Richelieu ^ about the time he had entered upon his Publick Minilfry , to conclude the Treaty o{ Marriage between the Prince o^ Wales ^ and the Princefs Henrietta Maria oi France. The AmbalTador being introduced to the Lord St. Albans ^ at a time when weak- nefs had confined him to his Bed , faluted him with this high Expreflion. Tour Lcrdflip hath been to me like the An- gelSj of whom I have read and heard much^ hut never faiv them. To which he replied. If the Charity of others compare me to an Angelj mine oivn Infirmities tell me 1 am a Man. Befides^ this Gentleman, Dr. i^.^We/ declares , that feveral Perfons of ^iality croffed the Seas, on pu.rpofe to fee , and converfe with him. And I remember GaJJendus informs us , That the Celebrated Monfieur de Pierefc , lamented his neglect of enjoying fo great a Satisfadion. From the time of the meeting of thefe two Noble Per- fonsj they contraded an intimate FriendlLip, giving each other the Appellation of Father and San ; as will appear by the aforefaid Letter, fent by the Lord St. Alhan , together with his Book of Ejjays , Reprinted in the year 1625- , and enlarged both in Number and JVeight. And furely it is a Work worthy the Additional Title he had then given it , of Coun- T^he Introduction. Jxi Counfels Civil and Moral : Which altho' they were the Refult, and efFed oi his more eafie Contemplations, yet if nothing more had been left ot this Author, thofe had been fufficient ofthemfelves, to declare his grea: Depth and Ca- pacity , and infight into the Concerns of Humane Life : And which he obferves, had been of all his li^'orks the moft Current , as coming home to Mens Bufmefs and Bofomes. The Marquis had before caufed the Advancement o^ Learning to be Tranflatcd into his own Language : whether he did the lame by thefe Ejjajs , I know not , but that they were render 'd into French , Italian , and by his LordlLip , with fome affiftance of Benj. Jobnfon , 6cc. into Latine , is fuf- ficiently evident. The Firft Edition of thefe Ejjays , which was Publiflied in the year i ^97, I have never feen : In this laft he Dedica- ted them to the DukQ oi Buckingham ^ by reafon whereof the Epifile prefixed to the Edition in 161 2, and Written to his Brother in Law, Sir John Concjiable , is in a manner loft, which 1 (hall endeavour to recover by giving it a place herein. " My laft EJJays, I dedicated to my dear Brother^ Mr. An- " tbony Bacon , who is with God. Looking amongft my *' Papers this vacation , I found others of the fame nature :. " Which if I my felf, Ihall not fufFer to be loft, it feemeth *' the World will not, by the often Printing of the former. " Miffing my Brother, I tound you next ; in refpe^fl of Bond " of near Alliance , and ot ftraight Fr-endjhip and Society " and particularly of Communication in Studies : Wherc- " in I muft acknowledge my felf beholding to you. For " as my Bufmefs found R:fi in my Contemplations , fo my '* Contemplations ever found Reji in your loving Conference '' and Judgement. So wilbir.g you all good , I remain " your , &c. This being the laft mrk of my Lord St. Albans , which I Piall have occaiion to confder in thefe Difcourles,- I ftiall ium up all that I have to fay upon that Subjcd , with a wifh : That as Dr. R^iwhy Pubiilncd many of his Lordftiips l.titme Compofitions in a large Folio,^ in the year i6;S, and o\\\\iEnglj\) about twenty years a'.tcr, lo Puftcrity nfi.;ht be gratified with feeing the reft tli.\t arc much Icutcr'd , Luiitcd bai "The IntroduBion. united together , by reducing the whole into juft and me- thodical Volumes : That the Authors memory might be vindicated from a pretended Edition of all his Latine Works , at Frankfort in 1665' ^ tho' a very faulty one and unworthy of his Character. I am perfwaded , that who- ever ftiall ferioufly reflect upon his Labours , will per- ceive , tliat tho' tmany of his Profeflion , as well as o- thers/eem to place themfelves a little too near in the Centre of their thoughts : He will be found to have had the Bene- fit of the whole Nation, nay of all Mankind in his 'vieoj/, and in his Defres : Infomuch , that tho' he left no Children by his Lady, it has been obfervedj that he left all Men, efpe- cially Learned Men , his Heirs. " Defigning his Endea- " vours, according to Dr. Heylin , to the perreding of the " Works of Nature , or rather improving Nature to the beft " advantages o Life, and the common Benefit of Mankind. " Pity it was , faith he , that he had not been entertained " with fome liberal Salary , abftraded from all affairs both ^^ of Court and Judicature , and fumiihed with fufficiency ''^ both of means and helps, for the going on in his Delign ; " which had it been done , he might have given us fuch a '' Body of Natural Thilofofhy, and made it fo fubfervient to " the Publick Good, that neither JrifiotU , nor Theo^hraftui ^^ amongft the Ancients, nor Var^celff^s, or the reft of our '^ latter Chymifts would have been confiderable. Having hitherto taken fome Profped of this great Man in his Life and Adions , his Studies and Contemplations ; I iliall, from the laft Letter in this Colledion , and the laft he ever wrote , give fome account of the manner , the place, and the time of his Death. His Lordibip liad been long of an infirm Conftitution, and was about that time thought to be recovering from a dangerous and tedious Sicknefs. But repairing cafually to the Earl of Arundel's Houfe at High-gate, he fell ill of a gentle Fever, accidentally accom- panied with a great Cold, and after about a Weeks conti- nuance there , he died by a Defluxion of Rhcume , which fell upon his Bread , early in the Morning of Eafier-D^j , being the 9th. of Jpril , in the year 1626 , Aged Sixty five Years fu-o Months, and zhoMt fourteen Days. And was buried according to his defire, exprelTed in his laft Will, in St. Mi- chads The Introduclion. tdii cbath Church at St. Mbans, becaufe the Body of his Mother was there interred , and becaufe it was the onely Varijh Church then remaining within the Precinds of Old VeruUm : Where Sir Thomas Meautfs , formerly his Secretary , and af- terwards CUrk of the Vrivy-CotmcU , out of Gratitude and Honour to his Memory, ereAed a Monument of White Mar- ble y reprefenting his tull Portraiture , fitting in a Contem- plative Pofturc , with the following Epitaph , compofed by that rare wit and accompliiK'd Gentleman Sir Henry Wot~ ton, Francifcus Bacon, Baro de Verulam^ S. Albani Vicecomes : Seuy Nbtioribus Titulis Scientiarum LumeHy Facundia Lex, Sic Sedebat. J^i pofiquam Omnia Nat waits Sapient ia ,. Et Civilis Arcana evolvijjet , Natura Decrttum explevit : Compofita Sofvantur , Anno Dom. MDCXXVI. t^tatts LXVI. Tanti viri Memorise, Thomas Meautus, Superftitu Cultor, DefunUi Admirator. H. P. Tl^at ts Francu Bacon, Baron o( I'^trulam^ andVifcount St.Alban. Or in more Confpicuous Titles. The Light o^ the Sciences, the Law oi Eloquence, rcpofed himlblf on this manner. Who, alter he had unveil'd all thcMyfteries of Natu- ral and Civil Wiidom, obcy'd the Decree of Na- ture, Ixiv. The IntroduBion. ture , which dilTolv'd the Union of his Sou! and Body, in the Year of our Lord 1626, and in the 66th year of his Age. To the Memory of fo great a Man, Thomas Meautys, a Reverencer of him wliilft alive, and an admirer now deadj hatli ere(5led this Monument. . The Univerfity of Cambridge condol'd the lofs of fuch a Son J as many other Gentlemen did the lofs of fuch a Fa- ther in Learning ; But the Copies ofVerfes which were made upon that occafion, being fent to Dr. Rawley , he fuppref- fed many of them from the Light , not becaufe they did not very well deferve to be feen , but becaufe , as he faith himfelf, his Deceafed Lord was wont to be pleafed not with Number, but with Weight. It may be now defired , that fome juft Defcription and CharaAer ftiould be given of this eminent Man , but the Image of his Perfon , which was once fo obvious to every eye, is now fo obfcure to mine, the Reprefentation thereof in Prints being far from the Beft , and the onely PiBure in Colours I remember to have feen , being much inferiour to them, I fball borrow what affiftance I can from the Pens of others. He was of the midling Stature of Men, and of Prefence grave and comely : " Having, as the Ingenious " and Learned Gentleman Mi". Evelyn obferves in his late ^' Difcourfe of Medals, a fpacious Forehead and piercing Eye, "^ always (as he had been told by one that knew him wellj ^' looking upwards, as a Soul in fublime Contemplation , and " as the Perfon who by ftanding up againft Dogmatics, was " to emancipate the long and miferable Captivated Thilofo- " fhia , which hath ever fince made fuch Confiefis in the '"^ Territories of Nature. But 4iow defective foever I am in this Vortraitofh'is Ver- fon, it would be vaftiy more apparent , {hould I attempt to defcribe his Mind ^ that Forma aterna , which can onely be it^n , in the Lineaments his own Head and Hand has drawn : For fince he was a Man of a moft fublime and exalted Genius, comparable to any thefe latter Ages of the World TT)e IntroduB'wn. Ixv World hafccknown , who befides a quick and lively Afj)re~ henfion , a ftrong and faithrul Memory , was endued with a clear and (olid Judgement , and an Elocuuon which was the Glory of his Times, and almoft inimitable : It would be a prefumption in me , fo far remov'd from his Abilities , to think my felf able to conceive a full Idea of his worth , much more to exprefs it to the World. I might inftead there- of, after the manner of fome , rather weary than fatisfie the Reader, ftiould I bring to his view, thofe many EmUgjs which have been given his Lordfliip by Domeftick and Fo- reign Writers, and which my felf have feen. But to what hath been already done of that nature , I hope no Pcrfon will be difpleafcd to fee what follows , under the Pens of two Perfons , who remembred him living, and two others, I prefume, well acquainted with his Works. * There happened in my Time,faith the Learned Poet Ben. " Jobnfonjin his DifcoveriesjOne Noble Speaker, the Lord f^c- " rulam, who was full of Gravity in hi fpeaking. His lan- " guagc, where he could pafs by a Jeft, was nobly cenfo- " rious. No Man ever fpake more neatly , more preftly, ** more weightily, or fufFer'd lefs emptinefs, lefs idlenefs in " what he utter'd. No member of his Soeeeh, but confifted " of his own Graces. His Hearers could rK)C cough or look " afide without lofs : He commanded where he (poke, and ** had his Judges angry and pleafed at his Devotion. No Man ** had their affe<5Hons more in his Power , the fear of every " Man that heard him, was, left he ihould make an end. j^nd ** afterwards J Lord Egerton thcCbancelUr, a great and grave Ora- ** toTj &c. But his learned and able,tho' unfortunate Snccefjcr " the Lord BacoH, is he who hath filled up all Members,and " perform'd that in our Tongue, which may be compared *' or prefer'd, either to Infolent Greece, or Haughty Rcwe. " Injhortj within his view, and about his time, were all tlic '* H'its born, that could Honour a Language, or could iiclp ** Study. Now things daily fall ; JVits grow downward, and " Eloquence goes backward : So that he may be named, and " ftand as the Mark or tK/u# ot our Language. " I have ever obferv'd it to have been the Office of a " wife Patriot, among the Greateft Affairs ot State, to ( k ) * r^kc ixvi ^he IntroduBion. " take cai^ of the Commonwealth of Learning. For Schools *' they are the Seminaries of State ^ and nothing is worthier ^^ the Study of a Statefman, than that Part of the RepMck, " which we call the Advancement of Letters. Witnefs the ^^ Care of Julius Cafar, who in the Heat of the Civil War, ^^ writ his Books of Analogy, and Dedicated them to TmOj. " This made the late Lord St. Alban Entitle his Work No- '' vum Organum: Which though, by the moft of Superficial -^' Men, who cannot get beyond the Title ofNominals, it *Msnot penetrated, nor underftood , it really openeth all " ^Defeds of Learning whatfoever, and is a Book ^i Longum noto Scriptori prorogat avum. " My conceit of his Perfin , was never increa- ^' fed towards him, by his Tlace or Honours. But I have *' and do reverence him for the Greatnef, that was onely ^^ proper to himfelf; in that he feem'd to me ever by his Works, ^' one of the greateft Men, and moft worthy of admiration. " that had been in many Ages. In his adverfity I ever pray a " that God would give him Strength,for Greatnefshe could '^ not want. Neither could I condole in a word or fyllable ^' for him ; as knowing no accident could do harm to Virtucy '^ but rather help to make it Manifefi. After, Mr. Oshorn, in the fecond Part of his Advice to his Son, hath recommended an Univerfal Infpec^ion into the Sciences, as moft becoming a Gentleman, unfix'd in a fettled Calling. He goes on, " And my Memory neither doth, nor " I believe poflible, ever can dired: me towards an Example ^' more fplendid in this kind, than the Lord Bacon, Vicount *^ St. Albans. Who in all Companies did appear a good Pro- " ficient, if not a Mafier in thofe Arts entertain'd for the Sub- '^ jedt of every ones Difcourfe. So as I dare maintain, without " the leaft affedation of Flatter^ or Hyperbole, that his moft ^' cafual Talk deferveth to be written, as I have been told *^ his firft or fouleft Copies required no great labour to rcn- " der them competent ior the niceft Judgements. A high ^^ Perfedion, attainable onely by Ufe, and treating with ^^every Man in his refpedive Profeffion, and what he was " moft The IntroduBion. Ixvii '* raoft vers'd in. So as I have heard him entertain a Goun- " try Lord in the proper Terms , relating to Hawks and Dogs ; " and at another time out-cant a London-Ch^rurgeon, Thus he " did not onely learn himfelf, but gratihe iuch as taught *^ him , who looked upon their Callings as Honoured " through his notice. Nor did an eafie falling into jirgu- *^ ments (not unjuftly taken for a Blemijh in the moft) appear " Icfs than an Ornament in him ; the ears of the Hearers re- *' ceiving more gratification than trouble ; and fo no le(s " forry, when he came to conclude, than difpleas'd with " any that did interrupt him. Now this general knowledge he '* had in all things. Husbanded by his fVit, and Dignified ' with fo Majefiical a carriage he was known to own, ftruck *^ fuch an awful Reverence in thofe he queftion'd, that they " durft not conceal the moft intrinfick part of their Myfteries, *^ for fear of appearing ignorant or faucy. All which ren- *' dred him no lefs neceflary than admirable, at the Council- * Table I where in reference to Impofoions, MonopoUesy &c. " the meaneft Manufadures were an ufual Argument. And " as I have heard, did in this Baffle the Earl of MiddUfex, " that was born and bred a Citi^^en, &c. yei without any " great, if at all, interrupting his other Studiesy as is nor '' hard to be imagin'd of a quick AffrebeMfiony in which he " was Admirable. The two fuccceding Cbara^ers, I am to mention, werede- fcribed upon the fame occafion. The One by the prefent Bi- ihop of Kochefier, in his xcellent Hijlory ot the Royal Society at LondcHy Inftituced for the promoting of Natural znA .v- ferimental Kno-wledgCy upon the Plan arid Rules laid down by my Lord Bacon. The other in a Toem of the Admirable Mr. Co-wlefi to the faid Society, whereof I have onely tranfcribed the Fitth Stanza ; tho' there is much more faid by way of Encomium on this Lord. '* The third fort of New Philofophersy have been thofe who " have not onely difagreed trom the Ancients, but have alfo " propos'd to themfclves the right courfe of flow and fure '* Experimenting ; and have profccutcd it as far as the fbort- *' nels of their own Lives, or the Multiplicity of their Af- '* iiirs, or the narrownefs of their Fonuncs, have given ( k z ) "them. Ixviii T^he IntroduBion. to Gocl*s Gpodnefs. From Grays^Inn^ the 27th of, March 1603. (b) Mr. Anthony Bacon, th Elder and onely Brother to Sir Funds Bacm of the whole Blood, was faid to have been equal to him in height of> Wit, tho' interior to him in the Endowments of Learning and Know- ledge j and by Sir Henry JVotten, that he was a Gentleman of impotent Feet, but of a nimble head, through whofe Hands ran all the Intelli- gences with Scotland. II. To Mr, Fowlys. Mr, Fowlys^ I Did write unto you yeflerday, by Mr. Lake, (who^ was diipatched hence from their Lord/hips') a Let- ter of reviver of thofe Sparks of Former Acquaint- ance between us, in my Brother's time : And now, upon the fame confidence, finding fo fit a Meflenger, I would not fail to falute you , hoping it will fall out fo ' ?,. y 5'/r F R A N C I S B A C O N. 5 fo happily, as that you fhall be one 6f the King's Servants , which his Majefly will firft employ here with us , where, I hope, to have fome means, not to be barren in Friend (hip towards you. We all third after the King's coming, accounting all this but as the dawning of the day, before the ri- fmg of the Sun, till we have his prefence. And though now his Majefty muft be Janus Bifrons^ to have a face to Scotlantl^ as well as to England^ yet, Qj4od nunc irt' flat agendum : The expe(5tation is here, that he will come in State^ and not in Strength (a). So for this time I commend you to God^s Goodnefs. 28. March 1603. (4) This is what my Lvri Bicon^ in his Hiftory of the Reign of ^irtg Henry the Seventh^ oblerves to have been done by that wife Prince in or- der to quiet the Fears of the People, and difperfe the conceit of his co- ming in by Ctnqueji. III. To Sir Thomas Chaloner. {a) S I R, FOR our Money* matters, I am aflurcd, you re- ceived no infatis faction ,* for you know my Mind, and you know my Means , which now, the openncfs (i) sir thwiiK Chaloner^ was Son to Sir Tbo. Chdoner who behaved him- felt with great Valour under the Commands of the Emperour Charles the Fifth, and the Duke of Sonnrfet, and equal prudence in the Courts of the Emperour and King of Sjjin ; whither he was fenc AmbafTador in the beginnmg of theKciga of Queen Elixabeth. He was, like unto his Father, a Gentleman of great Parts and Abilities, to whofe Care King fdrnt^ committed the Tuition of his Son Prince Henrjiy upon his coming into EngUrd. Sir Thoms having a few years before, made the tirft difcovery' ot Alum Minis in this Nation, at or near Gisberou^b in Jorlijhirt \ where fome of his Name and Family doth ftill continue. He furvived his Royal I*upil juft three years, dying in Ncvember i6if. B X of Letters and Memoir es of the time, caufed by this blefled confent, and peace, will encreafe .- and To our agreement, according to your time, be obferved. For the prefent, according to the Roman Adage ; ([that one Clufter of Graphs ripen^ eth heft hefides another ;) I know, you hold me not unworthy, whofe mutual Friendlhip you (hould che- rifh : And I, for my part, conceive good hope, that you are likely to become an acceptable Servant to the King our Mafler. Not fo much, for any way made heretofore, C^hich, in- my Judgment, will make no great Difference) as for the fluff and fufficieney, which I know to be in you ; and whereof, I know, his Ma- jefty may reap great Service. And therefore, my ge- neral requcfl is, that according to that Tnduftrious vivacity, which you ufe towards your Friends, you will further his Majefly's good conceit and inclination towards me ; to whom words cannot make me known, neither mine own, nor others ; but time will, to no difadvantage of any, that- (hall forerun his Majefly's Experience, by your Tellimony and Commendation. And though Occafion give you the precedence of doing me this fpecial good Office ; yet I hope, no long time will intercede, before I Ihall have fome means, to requite your favour, and acquit your re- port. More particularly , having thought good to make Oblation of my mofl humble Service to his Majefly, by a few Lines, I defire your loving care and help, by your felf, or fuch means as I refer to your discretion, to deliver and prefent the fame to his Majefly 's hands. Of which Letter, I fend you a Co- py, that you may know what you. carry; and may take of Mr, Mathew^ the Letter it felf; if you be pleafed to undertake the delivery. Laflly, I do com- mend to your felf, and fuch your Courtefies, as occa- fion may require, this Gentlemaiv Mn Mathew, Ef- deO: c/^ iJ/r F R A N C I S B A C O N. 5 deft Son to my Lord B'lfhop of DurefmCy and my very good Friend, aduring you that any Courtefie, you (hall u(e towards him, you (hall ufe to a very worthy young Gentleman, and one, I know, whofe Ac- quaintance, you will much efteem. And fo I ever continue. IV. To the l^IKG, Tt may pleafeyour moft Excellent Majeftyy IT is obferved upon a place in the Canticles^ by fome ; * Ego f urn flos Campi, ^ Lilium Coval/ium, that a *iamtbe i/ifpari^ it Is not faid. Ego fum flos Hortiy ^ Ltlium f/j'^'J^^/ Montium ; becaufe the Majefty of that Terjon is not en- ^^.^ the ' clofed for a Few, nor appropriate to the Great. And y^/of^^ yet, notwithftanding this Royal Virtue of Acceft ,^ (jj^f ^i't ^5 which Nature and Judgment hath planted in your not faid, Majefty's Mind, as the Portal of all the reft, could \^^^'^ not of it felf, (my Imperfedtions confidered ) have th^Gir- animated me to have made Oblation of my felf, ^^-^ ^j^ immediately to your Majefty , had it not been \l])!^JJ^. joyned with an habit of the like liberty, which I en- Ainr. joyed with my late dear Sovereign Miftrefi ; a Prin- ceTs happy in all things elfe, but moft happy in ftich a Succejjor. And yet further, and more nearly, I was not a little encouraged,, not only upon a fuppofal^ that unto your Majefty s Sacred Ear, (open to the Air of all Virtues) there might come fbme fmall breath of the good memory oi my Father^ (o long a Prin. cipal CouHcsllor in your Kingdom (^a) ; but alfo, by the particular knowledge, of the infinite devotion, and (4) Sir NicholM B^con Lord i{fepcr of the Great i'M/ from the fir(^ to the ij. year of Qjiccn EUx*btth. m- 6 Letters and Memoir es. inceflant endeavours, (beyond the ftrength of his Body, and the nature of the times) which appeared in my Good Brother^ towards your Majedy's Service j and were on your Majefty's part, through your fingu- lar benignity, by many, moft gracious and lively fig- nifications and favours accepted and acknowledged, beyond the Merit of any thing he could efFed. Which endeavours and duties, for the moft part, were com- mon to my felf with him, though by defign, as (be- tween Brethren) diflembled. And therefore, moft high, and mighty King, my moft dear and dread Sove- reign Lord ; fince now, the Corner-ftone is laid of the Mightiefl Monarchy in Europe ; and that God above, who hath ever a hand in bridling the Flouds and Mo- tions of the Seas, hath by the miraculous and uni- verfal content, (the more ftrangc, becaufe it proceed- eth from fiich diverfity of Caufes in your coming in); given a Sign and Token of great happinefs in the Con- tinuance of your Reign , I think, there is no Subjcdt of your Majefty's, which loveth this Ifland, and is not hollow or unworthy, whofe heart is not fet on fire , not only to bring you Peace-offerings, to make you propitious ; but to facrifice himfelf a Burnt.offering or Holocaufl to your Majefty's Service : Amongft which number no Man's fire (hall be more pure and fervent than mine : But how far forth it (hall blaze out, that refteth in your Majefty's Imployment. So thirfting after the happinefs of Kifting your Royal Hand, I continue ever. V. of Sir Francis Bacok.. V. To Mr, Davis, {a) Mr. Davisy T Hough you went on the fudden, yet you could not go, before you had fpoken with your (elf, to the purpofe, which I will now write : And there- fore, I know, it fhall be altogether needlefs, fave that I meant to fhew you, that I was not afleep. Briefly, I commend my (elf to your Love, and the well ufing my Name , as well in reprefling and anfwering for me, if there be any biting or nibling at it in that place ; as by imprinting a good conceit and opinion of me, chiefly in the KiMgy (of whofe favour I make my felf comfortable afTurance) as othcrwife in that Court : And not only fo, but generally to perform to me, all the good Offices which the vivacity of. your Wit can fugged to your mind , to be performed^ to one, with whofe AfTedlion you have Co great fym^ pathy ; and in whofe fortune you have Co great In- tereft. So defiring you to be good to concealed Poets^.^ I continue. {a) Mr. Vivis liaving made his way unto the knowledge of King ^smery by a Poetn he lX*dicated unto the late ^eeru, Entituled, Kofce teiffum, was very favourably receiv'd by the King ; and not long after made his /Uiarney General in IreUniy aad Serjeint at Law. And in the next Reign, was nominated to be Chit^ ^.''/^/'i? of the J^/ngsBemh in EngUnd upon the difplacing of Sir KAndil Creme \ but died fuddenly on the 17th of Pp- (tmhcT 1616. He was very converlant with the Wits ot his time; fome of his Writings declare his Excellency in tha: kind, as others do his Abi. lities in his own Prot'tllion. VI. 8 ' Letters and Memoires VL To Mr. Robert Kempe. Mr. Kempe, THIS Alteration is fo great, as you might jull- ly conceive, fome coldnefs of my AfFeoungert Daughter the Lady Lucj Percy, a Lady of the nioft ce- icbiated Wit and Beauty of any in her times : His Rclcrife from the Toner .:! ohtnin'd about the year k^zi. Though it is faid the Earl was M ith great ditiiculty prevail'd to accept of this Favour, becaufo procured by a Man, he difdauied to own to be fo near a Relation as that of a bori. {^b) L-.Htad of thi F R A N C I S B A C O N. f i I may fafcly be now that which I was truly before. And (b craving no other pardon, than for troubling you with my Letter, I do not now begin to be, but continue to be Tour Lordjh'tps humble and much devote J^ FR. BACON. IX. To Mr. Mathewe. {a) SIR, I Was heartily glad to hear that you had pafled (b great a part of your Journey in (b good health. My aim was right in my Addrefs of Letters to thofe Perfons in the Court oi Scotland, who were liklieft to (4) I make no doubt but that this Letter was written to Mr. Afdthevee^ although it is not lo exprefs'd in his CoUedJion. He was Son to Dr. Tobie Mathewe Bifliop of Durhim, and afterwards Archbijhopo( Torli; one of the meft Eminent Divines of this Nation, confider'd either in the Schools, the Pulpit, or the Epilcopal Chair j and was born in Oxford in 1J78, whilft iiis Father was Dean of Chriji Church, but was to the great grief of his Pa- rents a few years after the coming in of the King, reconciled to the Church of Rome, thro"gh the means, as is faid, of Parfbns the Jefuit : And became fo induftrious an Agent for her, that his retufal of the Oath of Allegiance Eftabliftied by a late A61 of Parliament, together with fome imprudent Carriage, gave the King U) great offence, that he was in a manner exiled the Kingdom in the year \6o7. He conrinucd roving from one Country and Prince's Court to another till 1^17, when applying himfelf with much earneftneis to the Earl of Bucliinghsm, he obtain'd a permirtion to come into EngUnd, which he did in fuly that year, prefent- inghimlelfin the firft place to Sir Frdncis Bacon thew Lord I^ffffr of the Great Seal. But the King being aftcrw:irds difpleafcd with him, did not- withftanding his moving and prefllng Letters command him again to de- part in Oifober i6\i. Yet in t(ix he was recalled to affift in the bufinefs of the i';ii//fe Match then in agitation, and Knighted the year following. He is reprelented as a Man of very good Parts and Literature, but of an adive and reftlefs temper. What opinion Sir Fr. Bacon had of him w hen young appears before in his Letter to Sir Tbonif Chalorcr, and what cfteem he had for Sir f rands may be feen in the Preface to his Collttfli- ons of Letters. At the beginning of which is Printed his Charay In my Particular I have many Com- forts (b) Upon this occafion it may not be amifs to remember what the moft Eminent Cardinal D'Offat writ from Rome to Monfieur de Filleroy upon the Acceffion of King ^ames to the Crown of England^ part of which I wifli iio Prince would ever forget. C'eft I'ordinaire des hommcs de regaruer plus au Soleil Orient qu'a I'occident, & des Princes bien advifez qui font appelkz a un nouvcl Eftate, d'y entrer doucement, fans irriter ni mecontenter Perfonne ni de- dans ni dehors. Si _ce Prince continiie guide par la vertu, & accompag-ie de bon heur, come jufques icy, il fera tres-grand, & fera bon I'avoir pour amy ; & nous qui depuis quelques annees en ca n'avions eu TcEil quafi qu'en un lieu, faudra que I'ayons cy aprcs en deux ; comme faudra bien aufTi qui faflent encores d'autres. Et en Fin de Compte, Celui de tous qui regmra. o/" i*//* F R A N C I S B A C O N. I J forts and Aflurances ; but in my own opinion the chief is, that the Canvaflfing World is gone, and the deferving World is come. And withal I find my felf as one awaked out of lleep , which I have not been this long time, nor could I think have been now without fuch a great n^fe as this, which yet is in Aura Lent, I have written this to you in haft, my end being no more than to write, and thereby to make you know that I will ever continue the (ame, and dill be (ure to wifh you as heartily well as to my felf. regnera. le mieux, isf It phis jujiement i tbonneur is' gloire de Dieu, O" m Souligemtnty Profit t^ Felicite de fes fujets j [era le fLs affeuri, le plus forty (3" le plus aimt louk O* beni de Dieu O* des Htmrnes ; en quoy confijle U vrsye C7* ferdurxble grandeur O" PuijfiTice des Roys , O" I'ajfcurince de leur Po- fterite. X. To the Earl of Northumberland. // may pleafe your Good Lor JJhip^ I Would not have loft this Journey, and yet I have not that I went for, for I have had no private Con- ference to purpofe, with the King. No more hath almoft any other Englijh. For the Speech his Majefty admittcth with fome Noblemen, is rather matter of Grace than matter of Bufmcfs ; with the Atturney he fpake, \xx%(t^hy t\\QTreafurer o^ Scotland^ but no more than needs muft. After 1 had received his Majefty 's firft welcome, and was promifcd private accefs , yet not knowing what matter of Service your Lordlhip'j Let- ter carried (for I faw it not) and well knowing that primcnefs in advertifcmcnt is much ; I chofl* rather to deliver it to Sir Tho. Heskins , than to cool it in my own hands, upon expectation of Accefs. Your Lord- i^ Letters and Memoir es. Ihip (hall find a Prmce, the farthefl from vain glory, that may be ; and rather like a Prince of the Ancient Form^ than of the latter time. His Speech is fwift and cur- fory, and in the full Dialed of his Country , and in Speech of Bufinefs, ihort ; in Speech of Difcourfe, large. He affecSteth Popularity by Gracing fuch as he hath heard to be Popular, and not by any falhions of his own : He is thought fomewhat general in his Fa- vours ; and his virtue of Accefs, is rather, becaufe he is much abroad, and in prefs, than that he giveth eafie Audience. He hafteneth to a Mixture of both Kingdoms and Occafions, fafler perhaps than Policy will well bear. I told your Lordfliip once before, that (^me- thought} his Majeily rather asked Counfel, of the time paft, than of the time to come. But it is yet early to ground any fetled opinion. For the Particulars, I refer to Conference, having in thefe Generals gone further in fo tender an Argument, than I would have done, were not the bearer hereof fo afTured. So I con- tinue, ^c, XL To Mr. Pierce Secretary to the Lord Deputy ; of Ireland. Mr. Tierce. I Am glad to hear of you, as I do , and for my part, you ihall find me ready to take any Occafion, to further your Credit, and Preferment. And I dare af- fure you, (^though I am no Undertaker) to prepare your way with my Lord of Salisbury^ for any good fortune which may befall you. You teach me to com- plain of Bufinels, whereby I write the more briefly , and of Sir Francis Bacon. r 5 and yet I am fo unjuft, as that which I alledge for mine own Excufe, I cannot admit for yours. For I muft, by expediing, exad your Letters, with this fruit, of your Sufficiency, as to underftand how things pals in that Kingdom. And therefore, having begun, 1 pray you continue. This is not meerly Curiofity, for I have ever (I know not by what inftin(fi) wifhed well to that impolifhed part of this Crown, And fo, with my very Loving Commendations, I remain. XII. To the Earl of Salisbury, (a) It may pie afe your Good Lordjhip^ IPrefent your Lordfhip with a Work of my vacant time , which if it had been more, the Work had been better. It appertaineth to your Lordfhip (beTides my particular relpec^s} in fbme propriety ; in regard you are a great Governour, in a Province of Learning. And (that which is more) you have added to your place AfTedtion towards Learning ,- and to your Aflfe- dion, Judgment. Of which, the lad, Icouldbecon- (4) sir KohcTt Cecil, Created by King ^Anlis Lord Cecily Vicount Crsn kurnty and Eir\o( Salisbury ; was not only Son to one of the Greateft Statefmen of his Age, the Lord BurUigby but fucceeded him in his Places and Abilities, and was one of the great Supports of the Queen's declining years. Yet the ill Offices he was thought to perform towards the Noble and Popular Earl of E(fcx, together with his condudl in fome Particulars in her Succeflbr's Reign, has abated the Luftre of his Charader, which otherwife from his Parts and Prudence would have appear'd very confpi- cuous. After he had beon long Secretary of Stite^ fome years Lord Treafurer and chancellor o( the Univerfity of C'iw5r/<^f, he died in ^fJJ 1611, at MArlbvrou^h in his return from xhtBath ; as by a Diary of his Sicknefs,and the account given by Sir Kobtrt Haurr.cn one of his Retinue, appears ; which I Ihould not here mentmn, hut that his Enemies in their Libels which flew freely about, have fucj;eit :u that he died on the Pownx, whicii if true, could be cftccmcd at rr.oU bia his Miiioitunc. fent, i^ Letters and Memoir es tent, were (for the time) lefs, that you might the Ids exquifitely cenfure, that which I offer unto you. But fure I am, the Argument is good, if it had hghted up- on a good Author. But I (hall content my felf to awake better Spirits ; like a Bell-ringer, which is firll up to call others to Church. So with my humble defire of your Lordship's good acceptation, I remain* XIII. To the Lord Treafurer Buckehurft. {a) May it pie afe your Good Lord flip ^ IHave finiOied a Work touching the Advancement^ or fetting forward of Learnings which I have Dedica- ted to his Majefly ; the mod Learned of a Sovereign, or Temporal Prince, that time hath known. And upon reafon, not unlike, 1 humbly prelent one of the Books, to your Lordfliip : Not only as zQhancellor of an Uni^ {a) I fliall draw this Noble Lord's Charaifler from Sir Kohtn Naunton's Obfervations of the Favourites of Queen Elizabeth ; and much in his own words : My Lord of Bttclieburft was ot the Noble Houfe of the SacliviUes^ and of the Queen's Conlanguinity. He was a very fine Gentleman ofPer- fon and Endowments, both of Art and Nature 5 but without meafure mag- nificent, till on the Turn of 4iis Humour, and the allay that his years and good counfels of the Queen, (^c. had wrought upon thole imm.oderate courfes of his Youth, and that Heighth of fpirit inherent to his Houfe ; She began to affift him in the reparation of that vaft Patrimony he had much wailed. After the Honour fhe had given him of Lord c^e/;r/?, and Knight of the Garter, fhe procured him to be chofen Chancellor of the Uni- verfity of Oxford, upon the death of Sir Chrijfopher Hanon, and conftituted him T.vrd Treafurer on the death of the Lord Burleigh, which Office he en- joy'd till^/r/7 i6o2, dying then fuddenly at the Co-incil-Table: The King having fome years before Created him f.arl of Porjtt. He is alio much commended for his happy vein in Poetry, to which he was addidled in his Youth ; and for his Flocuticn, and the Excellencies of his Pen 3 Faculties that yet run in the Blood, as Sir Robert Nauntcn obferves in his Son Robert and his Grandfons FJchard and Edivard, Succeflive Earls of Dorfet., and this Age has the fat'sfaftion to fee continued in the Peribn of the Right Ho- nourable Chirles Earl of Vbrfet and MidH'i^^ex. verfity^ of Sir FrancisBacon. 17 verfity^hut as one that was Excellently bred in all Learn- ing ; which I have ever noted t ihine in all your Spee- ches and Behaviours. And therefore your Lordihip will yield a Gracious Afped: to your firfl: Love ; and take pleafure in the adorning of that where- with your felf are fo much adorned. And (b humbly defiring your favourable Acceptation thereof, with /ig- nification of humble Duty, I remain. XIV. To the Lord Chancellor, (a) May it pleafeyour Good Lordfhip^ 1 humbly prefent your Lordfliip with a Work^ where- in, as you have much Commandment over the Au" thor ; fb your Lordfliip hath great intereil in the Argu^ tnent : For to fpcak without flattery, few have like ufe of Learning, or like Judgment in Learning, as 1 have obfcrvcd in your Lordfliip. And again, your Lord- ihip hath been a great Planter of Learning ; not only in thofc places in the Church, which have been in your own Gift, but alfb in your Commendatory Vote, no Man hath more conQantly held,- Let it be given to the mod deferving, detur digrtlori : And therefore, both your Lordfliip is beholding to Learnings and Learning beholding to you ; which maketh mc prcfume with good affurance that your Lordfliip will accept well of thcfe my Labours , the rather becaufe your Lordfliip in private Speech hath often begun to mc in cxprcfTing your Admiration of his Majefty's Learning, to whom I have Dedicated this Work j and whofc Virtue and Perfedion in that kind did chiefly move me to a Work (j) sir Tbomit Egtrton Lord Elltfmere. Szt the IntroJu^ion. D ol .-.:.: : Letters and Memoir es of this Nature. And Co with figniflcation of my mod humble Duty and Affedtion to your Lordfhip, I re- main. XV. To the Earl of Northampton, {a) It may pleafe your Good Lordfhip^ HAving finiihed a Work touching the Advancement of ie^r;//;/g,and Dedicated the fame to his Sacred Majefty, whom I dare avouch, Cif the Records of time err not} to be the Learned^ King that hath Reign- ed , I was defirous, in a kind of Congruity, to pre- fent it by the Learnedfi Comfellor in this Kingdom ,* to the end that fo good an Argument^ lighting upon fo bad an Author^ might receive fbme reputation by the hands into which, and by which it fhould be delivered. And therefore, I make it m.y humble Suit to your Lordfliip, to prefent this mean but well meant Writing to his Ma- jefty, and with it , my humble and zealous Duty , () The Earl of Mortbampton was the fecond Son, and bore the Name of that accompliflied Gentleman Hmry ffoward, Earl of Surrey^ Son and Heir to the Duke of Horfolky who fufifer'd under the Severity of King Henry the Eighth's latter days, the one by Death, the other Imprifonment. During great part of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth, while his Family lay under tht Cloudy he appli'd himfelf to Learning ; and to what a degree he ar- rived appears by a Book he Publifhed in ij8?, againfl: the Poylon of Sup- pofed Prophefies, and Dedicated to Sir Francis IVdfingbum ; and the Eulo- gy that was generally given him, Tbat He roa/s tbe mofl Lgarfied among the Noble, and the moft Noble among the Learned. But in the King's Reign His Advancement was fpeedy both in Favours, Honours and Riches. The Ser- vices he performed as a Commiffioner in making the Peace between Eng- itni and Spain., gave birth to a Saying in thofe Times, fbut with whaf truth I know not) That his Houfe in the Strand now call'd NorthumberUnd- Houfe, was built by Spanijh Gold. He died in 1614, leaving behind him the memory of fome real good Wor4cs, and of fome fuppoifed ill ones ; con- cealing as was thought his Religion for many years, and of being privy to the untimely death of Sir Tho. Overburj. and o/"iy/r Francis Bacon. 19 and alfo, my like humble requefl: of Pardon, if I have too often taken his Name in vain,not onely in the the Dedication, but in the voucher of the Authority of his Speeches and Writings. And Co I remain. XVI. To Sir Thomas Bod ley. (a) SIR, J Think no Man may more truely fay, with the Pfalm, * Multum Incola fuit Anima tnejj than my * My soul f ; for I do confefs fmce I was of any underftanding, {^^^h been my mind hath in cffedt been abfent from that I have jojjnen^ done: And in abfence are many Errors, which I do willingly acknowledge ; and amongft the reft, this great one that led the refl; ; that knowing my felf by inward calling to be fktcr to hold a Book, than to play a part, I have led my life in Civil Cau fes ; for which I was not very fit by nature, and more unfit by the pre- occupation of my Mind. Therefore calhng my felf home, I have now for a time enjoyed my (elf ; whereof, likewife I defire to make the World partaker. My Labours (if I may fo term that whicli was the comfort of my other Labours} I have Dedicated to the King ; defirous if there be any good in them, it may be as the fat of a Sacrifice, incenfed to his Honour : And the (econd Copy I have fent unto yoH,not onely in good affection, but in a kind of Oongruity, In re- gard of your great and rare defert of Learning. For (4] sir Thomas BoiUy reftorcd the Library in OxfvJL, begun in the Times of King Henry the Sixth by Humpbry Duke of Gloucejier j or was rather the Founder ot a new One, which now bears his Name, and which hath pla- ced him among the chief Benefa^ors to that llniverfity, and to the Conv monwealth of Learning. He died in the entrance of the year 1^13. D z Books %o ..r Letters and Memoires Books are the Shrines where the Saint is^ or is ^believed to be. And you having built an Ark to fave Learning from Deluge^ deferve propriety in any new Inflrument, or Engine, whereby Learning fliould be improved or advanced. XVII. To Dr. Playfer. Mr, Dr, Flayfer, A Great defire will take a fmall Occafion to hope and put in trial that which is defired. It pleafed you a good while fince, to exprefs unto me the good liking which you conceived of my Book of the Ad^ vancement of Learning ; and that more fignificantly, (jis it feemcd to me^ than out of courtefie, or Civil re- rpedt. My felf, as I then took Contentment in your Ap- probation thereof; fb I Ihould efteem and acknow- ledge, not onely my Contentment encreafed, but my Labours advanced, if I might obtain your help in that Nature which I defire. Wherein before I fet down in plain Terms, my requeft unto youj I will open my felf, what it was which I chiefly fought and propound*- ed to my felf in that VVork ; that you may perceive that which I now defire, to be perfuant thereupon. If I do not much err, (for any Judgment that a Man ma* keth of his own doings, had need be fpoken with a Si nunqnam faSit Imago^ (a) ) I have this Opinion, that if I had fought mine own Commendation, it had been a much fitter courfe for me to have done as Gar^ deners ufed to do, by taking their Seed and Slips, and (a) Firg. id Eclogue, alluding there to the good opinion Men are apt to laye of their own Perfons, as here of their own Works. rearing^ of Sir Francis Bacon. 21 rearing them firfl into Plants, and fb uttering them in Pots, when they are in flower, and in their bed flntc. But for as much as my end was Merit of the State of Learning (to my power} and not Glory ; and bccaufe my purpole was rather to excite other Mens Wits than to magnifie mine own ; I was defirous to prevent the uncertainneft of mine own life and times, by utter- ing rather Seeds than Plants : Nay and further, Cas the Proverb is^ by fowing with the Basket, rather than with the hand : Wherefore, fincc I have onely taken upon me to ring a BelJ, to call other Wits together, (which is the meaneft Office) it cannot but be confo- nant to my defire, to have that Bell heard as far as can be. And fiiice they are but fparks which can work but upon Matter prepared, I have the more reafon to widi, that thofe (parks may fly abroad, that they may the better find and light upon thofe minds and fpirirs which are apt to be kindled. And therefore the pri- vatenefs of the Language confidcred, wherein it is writ- ten, excluding fo many Readers ; as on the other fide, the Ohfcurity of the Argument in many parts of it, ex- cludeth many others j I mufl: account it nfecond Birtb of that Work^ if it might be Tranflated into Latin^ without manifefl lofs of the Senfe and Matter. For this purpofe I could not reprefent to my fcif any Man into whole hands I do more earneftly defirc that Work (hould fall than your felfj for by that I have heard and read, I know no Man a greater Maflcr in commanding words to ferve Matter. Nevcrthelefs, I am not ignorant of the worth of your Labours, whe- ther (uch as your place and profclTion impofcthjor fuch as your own virtue may upon your voluntary Electi- on take in hand. But I can lay before you no other perfwafions than either the Work it (elf may affcift you with ; or the Honour of his Majejiy^ to whom it is dc- dicctcd^ z^ Letters and Memoires* dkated^ox your particular inclination to my (elf; who, as I never took fo much comfort in any Labours of mine own, fo I (hall never acknowledge my felf more obliged in any thing to the Labours of another, than in that which fliall aflift it. Which your Labour, if I can by my Place, Profeffion, Means, Friends, Travel, Work, Deed, requite unto you, I fhall elleem my felf fb ftreightly bound thereunto , as I fiiall be ever mod ready both to take and feek occafion of Thank- fulnefs. So leaving it neverthelefs, Salva Amicitia^ as realbn is to your good liking. I remain. XVIII. To the Lord Chancellor. It may pie afe your Good Lordjbip^ SOme late Ad of his Maiefly, referred to fome for- mer Speech which I have heard from your Lord- ihip, bred in me a great defjre , and the ftrength of defire a boldnefs to make an humble Propofition to your Lordfhip ; fiich as in me can be no better than a wifli : But if your Lordfliip ihould apprehend it, it may take fbme good and worthy effed:. The Ad I fpeak of, is the Order given by his Majefly for the eredion of a Tomh or Monument^ for our late Sovereign Queen Elizaleth (jC) ; wherein I may note much, but only this at this time, that as her Majefly did always right to his Majefly 's hopei ; fo his Highnefs doth in all things right to her Memory ; a very juft and Princely retribution. But from this occafion by a very eafie af^ fcent 1 pafled further,being put in mind by this Repre- lentative of her Perfon of the more true,and more vive (a) The Monument here fpoken of was erefted in K. Henrj/ the Seventh's Chappei at V/ejiminlier^ in the year \6o6. Repre- of sir Francis Bacon. 13 Reprefentation which is of her Life and Government ; for as Statues and Figures are dumb H'tftories^ fo Ilijlo- ries 2iTcfpeakirtg Figures ; wherein if my adedion be not too great, or my reading too (mall , I am of this opinion, That if Plutarch were alive to write Lives by Parallels, it would trouble him for virtue and for time, both to find for her a Parallel amongft Women. And tho' flie was of the paflive Sex, yet her Government was fo adtive,as in my fimple opinion,it made more impreG fion upon the feveral States of Europe^ than it recei- ved from thence. But I confefs unto your Lordfhip I could not ftay there, but went a little further into the confideration of the times which have paflTed fince King Henry the Eighth ; wherein I find the ftrangeft variety that m fo little number of Succeflions of any Heredita- ry N4onarcliy hath ever been known. The Reign of a Child: The offer of an Ufurpation^ though it were but as a Diary Ague ; the Reign of a Lady Married to a Foreigner^ and die Reign of a Lady folitary and un* married ; fo that as it cOmeth to pafs in mafly Bodies ; That they have certain Trepidations and waverings, before they fix and fettle ; fo it (eemeth that by the Providence of God, this Monarchy (before it was to (cttle in his Majefty, and his Generations, in which I hope it is now eftabliOied forever} hath had tlicfe pre- lufive changes in thcfc barren Princes. Neither could I contain my (elf here, Qis it is eafier to multiply than to (lay a wilh} but calling to remembrance the unwor- ihinejs o^ the Hijlory o^ England (J?^., in the main con- tinuance thereof; and the Partiality and Obliquity of that {b) The unworthincfs of the Hifiorjf of EngUni hath been lonf, com- plain'd of by iiipcnioas Nkn, both of this and other Nations. Sir rrjnai Bjcon hath cxprcfTeil himklf much to tlie iamc cfTi'^ and in many of tlic fame words, iho" more at larcc in his fccond Book o[' the AJvjKce.nctt of Leurniiig. Where he carries this I'criod of remarkable I vents ivJircAliar 24- Letters and Memoir es that of Scotland, in the lateft and largeft: Author (c) that I have feen; I conceived it would be honour tor his Majefly, and a Work very Memorable, if this Iflartd of Great Britain, as it is now joyned in Monarchy, for the Ages to come ; (b it were joyned in Hijiory for the times pad , and that one juft and compleat Hijlory were Compiled of both Nations. And if any Man think it may refrefh the Memory of former difcords, he may higher than in this Letter ; beginning with the Union of the Rofes under Henry the Seventh, and ending with the Union of the Kingdoms under King ^ames. A portion of time filled with fo great and variable Accidents both in Church and State, and fince fo well difcovered to the view of the World, that had other Parts the fame performance, we fliould not longer lye under any reproach of this kind. And fince the Specimen Sir William Temple has given the Nation, and the progrefs another faithful and indu- ftrious Gentleman has made ; we may hope to fee a general Hiftory of England compleated in our times. The Reign of King Henry the Seventh was written by our Author foon after his Retirement, with fo great a Beauty of Stile and wifdom of Obfervation, that nothing can be more entertaining, where the Truth of Hiftory is not difguifed with the falfe Colours of Romance. It was lo acceptable a Prefent to the Prince of Wales, that when he became l^irg^ he commanded him to proceed with the Reign of King Henry the Eighth. But my Lord Bacon being then meditating the Hiftory of Nature, which he hardly lived to publifh ; His ill ftate of Health, and fuccceding death, put an end to this and other Noble defigns. Leaving the Ecclefiaflical and Civil Affairs of thofe Times to be fo well re- lated by the Learned Pens of Dr. Burnet, the prefent Bifliop of Sxliibury, (notwithilanding the Objcdlions of the avow'd Enemies, and feeming Friends to the Reformation) and the Lord Herbert of Cherbury ; that I think there is not much of moment to be expelled from a future hand. And for the Annah of Queen Elizabeth compiled by Mr. Cambden, the efleem of them is as Univerfal as the Language in which they are written. Nor muft I forget in this Place to take notice of two fair and large Volumes lately publiihed in French by Monjieur de Larrey, where building upon the Foun- dations laid by thefe Gentlemen, and fome other Memoires he had not forgotten to do much Honour to the Evglijh Nation. Beginning his Hiftory aifb with Henry the Seventh, and already continued to the End of King ^ames the Firft. (c) This I take to be meant of Buchanans Hiftory of Scotland, a Book mvi^h admired by fome, but cenfured by many, for his Partiality in favour of the Lords, againft Mary Queen of the Scots, and the Regal Power. In other refpedls, Archbifhop Spotfwood informs us that he Penned it with fiich Judgement and Eloquence, as no Country can (hew a better. fatisfie of Sir Francis Bacon. 25 Ivirisfie himfclfwith thcvcrfc* Olim hac tnemifiiffe juva* iit ; for the c.ifc being now altered, it is matter of Comfort and Gratulation to remember former Trou- bles. Thus much, if it may pleafe your Lordfliip, is^ in the Optative Mood ; it is time that I did look a lit- tle into the Potential ; wherein the hope which J con- ceived was grounded upon three Oblcrvations. The /vr/?, the nature of thelc times, which flourifli in Learning, both of Art and Language ,- which giveth hope not onely that it may be done , but that it mn.v be well done. Secondly , I do fee that which all the world fees in his Majefty, both a wonderful Judgement in Learning, and a fingular Aifcvftion to- wards Learning ; and Works which are of the MinJ^ anil not of the Hand. For there cannot be the like honour fought, in building of Galleries Qd)^ and Plant- ing of Elmes along High-ways, and outward Orna- incnrs, wherein France now is bufie ; ^things rather of Mi:;niiiccnce than of Magnanimity ,-)as there is in the u>3:thig of States (^f), pacifying ofControverjles (f)^ nou- riiliing and augmenting of Learning and Arts, and the particiilar A(5tions appertaining to thcfc , of w Inch kind C/cT/77 judged truly,whcn he faid to dvfir^ * Qjian- " ihir turn Ofciilus juis detrahet vctujias^ tantmn addct Laudi- ?,u' ".';', bus. And Lajlly^ I call to mind, tint yourLorddiip at as n:uc!i fomc times hnd been plealcd to exprcls unto me a great ^--p^ove (iefirr, tliat (omcthing of this nature ihould be per- J j ;!'',, j^ it formed ; nnlUcrabie indeed to your other Noble and v, .lin-. worthy Courlcs and Actions : Joyning and adding un- to the great Services towards his Miijefiy ; (^w hich (./^ TIk- Magniticcn: Gallery at the Iciu-rt in ^u^w, built by Ucr.r) tli? ,e\ Tlvj Union of Ej::Jdn.l anl SccU^.l {( ' iix" ConferciK-c a: Hjnipn'i C'ouit Iicl-J between tl-.c Bifi-.ops nod Pu- lit.ia M;!u1Uns as thcv \^frc i\un cillal. loo:i aitvi tie Ki "..7, > co-..!:'i[^ to the Cu v.ii cf rK:^!ur..l, and wl-.cre his Ma cflv \v;.s (he NtOilcrator. L ' h.nc r' 2 6 Letters and Memoir es have in fmall compafs of time, been put upon your Lordfhip} other great defervings both of the Church and Commofiwealth, and Particulars ,* fo as the opinion of fo great and wife a Man, doth feem to me a good Warrant both of the poflibiHty and worth of this mat- ter. But all this while, I afTure my felf, I cannot be miftaken by your Lordihip, as if I fought an Office or Imployment for my felf: For no Man knows better than your Lordihip, that if there were in me any fa- culty thereunto, yet neither my courfe of hfe, nor pro- feflion would permit it: But becaufe there be fo many good Painters both for flan^i and CoUurs, it needeth but encouragement and inflrudions to give life unto it, Co in all humblenefs, I conclude, my prefenting unto your Lordfhip this TViJh ; which, if it perifh, it is but a loft of that which is not. And fo craving pardon that I have taken fo much time from your Lord- ihip, I remain. XIX. To the KING. 1 could It may p leaf e your Majefty, Earing that you are at leifure to perufe Stories, a defire took me to make an Experiment what [d do in your Majefly's times, which being but a leaf or two, I pray your pardon, if I fend it for your * This is Recreation^* Confidering that Love muft creep where it Printed cannot go. But to this I add thefe Petitions, /vr/?, that ^^fcitatfo,' if your Majefly do diflike any thing, you would con- pag, HI. ceive I can amend it upcn your Icaft beck. Next, that if I have not fpoken of your Majefly, Encomiaftkally^ your Majefty would be pleafed onely to aforibe it^ to the (?/'5/r Fr A NCIS B ACON. 17 tlie Law of an Hijlory ; which doth not clutter toge ther praiies upon the firll mention of a Name, but ra- ther difperfcth and weaveth them through the whole Narrative. And as for the proper pJace of Comme- moration, O^^ich is in the period of hfe) I pray God I may never jive to write it. Thirty, that the reafbn why I prefijmed to think of this Oblation, was becaufe wliatfbcvcr my difability be, yet I (hail have that ad- vantage which almofl: no Writer of Hidory hatli had : In that I (hall write of Times not onely fmce I could remember, but fince I could obferve. And laftly, that it is only for your Majefly's reading. XX. To Mt\ Edward Coke, (a) Mr. Attorney^ 1 Thought bed, once for all, to let you know [a plainncls what I find of you, and what you (hall find of me ; You take to your (elf a Liberty to Dif- grace and difablc my Law^ my Experience^ my Difcrc tiort; what it plcafcth you, I pray, think of rnej fs Atter^ rtey and Solicitor together ; But cithcf to (crv wich an- (4) Sec the Introduction. E z otlicr t^ -vi : Letters and Ademoires other upon your remove, or to flep into fome other courfe : So as I am more free than ever I was from any Occafion of unworthy conforming my felf to you, more than general good Manners, or your particular good ufage (hall provoke ,* and if you had not been ihort-fighted in your own fortune, Qis I think} you might have had more ufe of me. But that fide is pafled. I write not this to (liew my Friends what a brave Let- I V ter I have written to yir. Attorney ; I have none of thole * humours, but that I have written is to a good end 5 that is,to the more decent Carriage of my Mader's Ser- vice , and to our particular better underftanding one of another. This Letter, if it fliall be anfwered by you in Deed, and npt in word, I fuppofe it will not be wcrfe for us both-: Elfe it is but a few lines loll ; which for a much fmaller matter, I would have adven- tured. So this being to your {hlf, I for my part reft. XXL To i/;e Earl 0/ Salisbury. . May it plea fe your Lordjhip^ I Am not privy to my felf of any fuch ill deferving towards your Lordfhip, as that I fhould think it an impudent thing to be a Suitor for your Favour in a reafonable matter; your Lordfhip being to me as Cwith your good Favour} you cannot ceafe to be, but rather it were a fimple and arrogant part in me to forbear it. ' It is thought Mr. Attorney fliall be Chief fuftice of the Common Pleas ; in cafe Mr. Solicitor rife, I would be glad now at laft to be Solicitor ; chiefiy becaufe I think it will increafe my practice, wherein God blcf- fing me a few years, I may mend my ftate , and fo o/* A> F R A N C I S B A C O N. 29 fo after fall to my Studies and cafe , u hereof one is requifite for my Body, and the other fcrvcth for my mind; wherein if I (liail find your Lordfhip's Favour , I fliall be more happy than I have been, uhicli miy make me alio more wile. I have finall (lore of means about the King, and to fuc my (elf is not fit; and therefore I (hall leave it to God, his Majcfiy, and your Lordlhip, for I mud dill be next ths Door. I thank God in thefe Tranfitory things I am well rcfolved. So befeeching your Lordlhip not to think this Letter the 'Z lefs humble, becaufc it is plain. I red, &c. Fr. Tdacou. To the Earl of Salisbury. // niiiy pleafe your good Lordfhip^ IAm not ignorant, how mean a Thing, I dand for, in defiring to come, into the Solicitors Place : For I know well, it is not the Thing it hath been ; Time having wrought Alteration, both in the Profellion,and in that fpecial Place. Vet becaulc, I think, it willen- crcafe my Pra(fbice,and that it may (atisfie my Friends ; And becaufe I have been voiced ta it, I would be glad it were done. Wherein, I may fay to your Lordlhip, in the Confidence, of your Poor Kinfman, and of a Man, by you advanced , * Tu irlem fer Opem, qui Spent dedijli : For, I am dire, it was not polhblc, ior a Man ^'^^:^,f} Living, to have received, from another, more flgniil- cant, and comfortable, words of Hope ; your Lord ihip being pleafed, to tell me, during the Courfe of my lad Service, that you would raife me ,- And that, when ^o Letters and Memoir es. when ybU had refolved, to raife a Man, you wcr"5 more careful of him, than himfelf; And that, what you had done for me, in my Marriage, was a benefit to me, but of noufc to your Lordihip ; And therefore, I might aflure my Self, you wold not leave me there , with many like Speeches, which I knew, my Duty too well, to take any other hold of, than the Hold of a Thankful Remembrance. And I acknowledge, and all the World knoweth, that your Lordfliip, is no Dealer, of Holy iVater, but Noble, and Real , And, on my part, I am of a fure ground, that I have committed nothing, that may deferve alteration. And therefore, my Hope is, your Lordihip, will finiili a good Work, and confider, that Time groweth precious with me, *pecli- and that I am now in * Vergentihus Annis. And although Yean ^ know, that your Fortune is not to need, an Hundred fuch as I am, yet I (hall be ever ready, to give you my bed, and Firft fruits ,* And to fupply, (as much as in me lieth,) Worthinefs, by Thankfulnefs. XXIII. To th Lor-d Chancellor. It may pleafi your Geod LorJfljip, AS I conceived it to be a Pvcfolution, both w ith his Majefty, and your Lordjhips of his Cou:icil, that I fhould be placed Sollicitor^ and the Solicitor^ to beremoved,to be the Kings Serjeant : So I moft thank- fully acknowledge , your Lordihip's furtherance, and forward nefs therein : your Lordihip, being the Man, that firfl: devifed the Mean : Wherefore, my humble Requed, to your Lordihip is, that you wouJd let in, with fome Strength, to finilh this yoojr Work : Which I affure ^ ly/r Fr ANCi s Ba CO N. 31 I aflure your Lord, I defire the rather, becaufc being placed, I hope, for many Favours, at lail, to be able, to do you fomc better Service. For as I am, your Lord- fliip cannot ufe mt; nor fcarcely indeed know mc : Not that I vainly think, I fliall be able, to do any great Matters, but certainly, it will frame mc to ufe a nearer Obfervance, and Application, to fuch, as I honour Co much, as I do your Lordlhip ; And not, (I hope} with- out fbme good Oifices, which may, now and then, de- ferve your Thanks. And hercwithal, Cgoo^i ^Y Lor^I) I humbly pray your LordiTiip, to conQdcr, that Time groweth precious with me, and that a Married Man, is teven years elder, in his thoughts, the firfl day. And therefore, what a di(comfortable Thing it is tor me, to be unfetlcd ftill ? Certainly, were it not, that I think my Self born, to do my Sovereign Service ; And there- fore, in that Station, I will live and die; Otherwife, for mine own Private comfort, it were better for me, that the King, did blot me out of his Book ; Or that I fbould turn my Courfe, to endeavour, to ferve, in (bme otlier kind, than for me, to (land thus at a flopp ; And to have that little Reputation, which by my Induftry I gather, to be fcattered, and taken away, by continual Diigraces, every new Man coming above me. Sure I am, I (hall never have fairer Prom ifes, and Words, from all your Lord (hips. For I know not what my Ser- vices are, (faving that your Lordlhips told me, they were good ;) And I would believe you , in a mudi greater Matter. Were it nothing el(c, I hope tlie Mo- defty of my Sute, deierveth fbmewhat , For I know well, the Solicitors Place, is not as your Lordlhip left it ; Time working Alteration, fomewhat in the Profef- fion, much more in that fpccial Place. But to conclude, as my Honourable Lady, your Wife, was (bme Mean, to make me, to change the Name of Another ; So if it- 5Z Letters and Ademoires itplcafeyou, to help me, to change mine own Name,' I can be, but more and more boimden to you : And I am much deceived, if your LordOiip, find not the^/;?^, well inclined, and my Lord of Salisbury lorward, and affedionate. XXIV. To the ]^inG. O W honeflly ready I have bee^i (mofl Gracious Sovereign^^ to do your Majefly humble Service, to the bell of my Power, ajid in a manner, beyond my power, (^as I now (land,} I am not fo unfortunate, but your Majefly knou^eth. For both, in the Commijfion of Union, (the Labour whereof, for ^ylen of my Pro- feflion, refted mofl upon my hand,-) And this hfxPar^ liament, in the i?i// of the Suhfiefy ; Both Body and Pre- amble 5 In the Bill of Attainders^ both Tre/har/i, and the refl ; In the Matter of Purveyance ; In the Ecclefia^ ftical Petitions ; Tn the Grievances; And the like; as I was ever careful, (and not without good Succefs,) (bmetimes to put forward, that which was good ; fome- times to keep back, that which was not fo good ; So yourMajefiy was pleafed, kindly to accept of my Ser- vices, and to fay to me ; SuchConflids were the Wars of Peace ; And fuch Vid:ories the Vidories of Peace , And therefore fuch Servants, that obtained them, were by Kings, that reign in Peace, no lefs to be efteemed, than Services of Commanders in the Wars. In all which, neverthelefs, I can challenge, to my Self, no Suflicicncy, but that I was diligent, and reafbnable happy, to execute thofe Diredions, which I received, either immediately fi'om your Royal Mouth, or from my Lord of Salisbury. At what time, it pleafed your Majefly of Sir FrancisBacon. 35 Majefty alfo, to promife, and affure me, that upon the Remove of the then Atturney^ I fhould not be forgot- ten, but brought into Ordinary Place. And this was after confirmed to me, by many of my Lords, and to- wards the end of the lad Term, the manner alfo, in particular, fpokcn of; That is, that Mr. SoUicitor^ (hould be made your Majefly's Serjeant ^^n^ I Soil kit or : For fo it was thought befl, to fort, with both our Gifts, and Facuhies, for the good of your Service : And of this Refblution, both Court, and Country, took know- ledge. Neither was this, any Invention, or Project, of mine own ; but moved from my Lords^ I think, firfl from my Lord Chancellor : whereupon refling, your Majcfly well knowcth, I never opened my Mouth, for the Greater Place ; Though I am fure, I had two Cir- cumfiances, that Mr. Atturney, that now is, could not r. Hedge : The one. Nine years Service of the Crown : The oihcr, the being Coujin Germain^ to the Lord of Salislnry^ whom your Majefly efleemeth, and trufleth fb much. But for the lefs Place, I conceive it was meant mc. But after tliat, Mr. Atturney Hohert was placed, I heard no more of my Preferment ,- but it (cemed to me at a flopp, to my great Difgrace, and Difcouragemcnt. For (Gracious Sovereign^) if ftiH, when the iVaters are Jlirr^d^ another fhall be put in be- fore mc, your Majefly had need work a Miracle^or clfc, I (hall be flill, a lame Man, to do your Service. And rhererorc, my mcfl humble Sutc, to your Majefly, is; That this, which Teemed to me intended, may fpccdi- ly be per brmcd : And, I hope, my former Service, fhall be, I ut as Beginnings to better, when I am bet- ter flrengtlicncd : For fure I am, no Man's Heart is luller, (flay not, but many ma}' have greater Hearts, but I lay not fuller,) ot" Love, and Duty, towrrJs your Majcflv, and vour Cluldrcn ; As, 1 hope, Time F will 2 A. Letters and Memoires will manifeft, againft Envy, and Detra(51:ion , if any be. To conclude, I mofl humbly crave pardon for my boldnefs, and reft. XXV. To the Earl of Salisbury upon a New-years T'tie, It may pleafe your Good Lordjhip^ HAving no Gift to prefent you with, in any De- gree proportionable to my mind , I defire, ne- verthelefs, to take the advantage of a Ceremony^ to ex- prefs my felf, to your Lordfliip ; it being the firft time, I could make the like acknowledgment, when I ftood out of the Perfbn of a Suter ; wherefore, I moft hum- bly pray your Lordlhip, to think of me, that now it hath pleafed you, by many effec^iual and great benefits, to add the aflurance and comfort of your love and fa- vour, to that precedent dilpofition, which was in me, to admire your Virtue and Merit ; I do efteem whatfb- ever I have, or may have, in this World, but as Trafh, in comparifbn of having the honour and happinefs, to be a near and well accepted Kinfman, to fo rare and worthy a Cmnfellor^ Govern our ^ and Patriot. For ha- ving been a Studious, if not a curious obferver of An- tiquities of Virtue, as of late Pieces ; I forbear to (ay to your Lordfhip what I find and conceive,- but to any other I would think to make my felf beUeved. But not to be tedious in that which may have the (liew of a Complement, I can but wifh your'Lordfhip, many happy years , many more than your Father had , Even fb many more, as we may need you more. So I re- main. XXVL of Sir Francis Bacon. 35 xxvr. To Mr, Machew. Mr. Mathevo. t DO not think me forgetful, or altered towards you: But if I (hould fay, I could do you any good, I Ihould make my power more than it is. I do hear that, which I am right forry for ; That you grow^ more impatient and bufie, than at firfl ; which maketh me exceedingly fear the ilTue of that which feemeth not to (land at a (lay. I my felf am out of doubt, that you have been miferably abufed, when you were firfl: feJuced : But that which I take in compaflion, others may take in fevcrity. I pray God, that underdand- cth us all, better than we underftand one another, contain you (even as I hope he will} at the leafl, with- in the bounds of Loyalty to his Majefty, and Natural Piety towards your Country. And I intreat you much, fbmetimcs, to meditate upon the extreme effeds of Superfl'ttioyt^ in this lad Powder-Treafon ; fit to be Ta- bled and Pidured, in the Chambers of Meditation^ as anotlier // F R A N C I S B A C O N. 37 ing more than your publifliing them to others. Thus in extream haflc, I have (cribled to you I know not what, which therefore is the kCs afTedtcd, and for that very reafbn will not be efleemed the lefs by you. XXVIII. To Sir George Carew. {a) My very Good Lord^ BEing asked the Queflion by this Bearer, an Old Servant of my Brother Anthotiy Bacons^ whe- ther I would command him any thing into France; and being at better leifure than I would, in regard of Sick- nefs ; I began to remember, that neither your Bufinefs, nor mine, (though great and continual} can be, upon an cxacfl account, any jufl: occafion, why fo much good will as hath palTcd between us, Ihould be Co mucli dill continued, as hath been. And therefore, bccaufc one muft begin, I thought to provoke your Remembrance of me by a Letter : And thinking to fit it with fbme- what, befidcs Salutations, it came to my mind, that this laft Summer Vacation, by occafion of a Fadtious Book, that endeavoured to verifie, Mifera Fam'tna^ (the Addition of the Pope 5 Bull) upon Qi*een Elizabeth^ (4) sir George Curcrv of ilic Family of the Carevet in Cormtil, was made a Mauer ot ihc Court of Cbarcen in tlie time of Qticcn Eti-^ibeth ; .ind in the year it;?, ferit her Amhallador i:i*o PoUn.i\ and in i6c5 went unto the Court of lrir.(t with the like Char?.(fter. After about three years Continuance, lu was rccilloil bv the King to ni.ike ufc of his Sen- ices at home ; but lie lirvlv'il ii )t mmv year";. Mvijirur di T::ou in a Letter to Mr Ctmbdcn in \6\^ very n-.uch laments liis Death ; Inflncj 'Thereby a IrienJfhip \\: mucii vahud, a-ul an aififtance the rjolccution of his Hiftury would not a little require. 'lavi ig rccc:\ \\ the hke fro n him in that pair which relate-; to the plllent'ons between the Pi'.is and tiu- StveJes in ti.e vcar ijv)3, as .ipi'viis b^'frrc t!;e Contents of the . i '( }\cok of i.is lliUory. Idui 5 8 Letters and Memoir es. I did write a few Lines in her Memorial (l)^ which I thought you would be pleafed to read, both for the Argument , and becaufe you were wont to bear affe- drion to my Pen, Ferum, ut aliud ex alio, if it came handCbmely to pafs, I would be glad the Prefident de Thou, (who hath written an Hifiory, as you know, of that Fame and Diligence} faw itj Chiefly, becaufe I know not whether it may not ferve him for fbme ufe in his Story , wherein, I would be glad, he did right to . the truth, and to the memory of that Lady, as I per- ceive by that he hath already written, he is well in- clined to do. I would be glad alfb, it were fbme oc- cafion, (fuch as abfence may permit) of fbme acquain- tance, or mutual notice between us. For though he hath many ways the precedence (chiefly in worth) yet this is common to us both, that we ferve our Sove- reigns in places of Law eminent : And not our felves only, but our Fathers did fb before us. And laftly, that both of us love Learnings and Liberal Sciences, which was ever a bond of FriendOiip, in the greateft diftance of places. But of this I make no farther re- quefl, than your Occafions and refpeds (to me un- known) may further or limit , my principal purpofe being to falute you , and to fend you this Token. Whereunto I will add my very kind Commendations to my Lady; and fo commit you both to God's holy Pro- ted:ion. {h) Of the Memorial here mention'd I have given an account in the In- troduction. XXIX. of Sir Francis Bacon. 59 XXIX. To fk KING. Tt may pie aje your Excellent Majefly, I Know not better how to expre(s my good Wiflies o^2i New-year to your Majefty, than by this little Book, which in all humblencfs I fend you *. The (lyle *^l^^^l^ is a flyle of Bufinefs rather than Curious or Elaborate, in the Re- And herein I was encouraged by myExperience of your Horatio, Majefty's former Grace, in accepting of the like poor p^^*^^' Field-fruits touching the Union, And certainly I reckon this adion as a fecond Brother to the Union. For I afl fure my felf that England, Scotland ^nd Ireland ^'q\\ uni- ted, is fuch a Trefoyle as no Prince except your felf (who are the Worthieft} weareth in his Crown ; t Si ^/^/^' Potentia reducatur in a^um. I know well, that tor me duced in- to beat my Brains about thefe things, they be * Majora i^<^^o"- qum pro Fortune ; But yet they be \\ minora quam pro thaJ^my^ Jiudio, ac voluntate. For as I do yet bear an extreme Abiliries. zeal to the memory of my old Miftrefs Queen Elizaletb; \^^.\^^^,^^ to whom I was rather bound for her Trufl: than her Endca- ' Favour , (b I muft acknowledge my felf more bound yi^/if^'^ to your Majedy both for Truft and Favour ; where- of I will never defirc the one as I can never defend the other. And (b in all humblencfs killing your Majeftys Sacred Hand, I remain. Defiles XXX 4.0 Letters and Memoires XXX. To the BiOiop of Ely, upon fending his Writing, Enthukdy Cogitata dc Vifa. My very Good Lord, OW your Lordfliip hath been fo long in the _ Church^'Sind the Palace^ difputing between KingSy and Popes (a) ; Methinks, you fliould take pleafure to look into the Field,, and refrefti your mind, with fome Matter \ \ (a) The King and Kingdom being very mucH exafperated by the Barba- rous Defign of the Gun-Powder Treafon 5 thought it neceflary to make fome more efFedual Laws to diftinguifli between thofe Papijis that would pay a due obedience to the King, and thofe that would not. For which end, at the Parliament which met upon the Memorable Fifth of November i5of, a New Oath of Allegiance was framed , Declaring that the Pope, &c had no power to Depofe Kings, Abfolve their Subjefts, or difpofe of their King- doms, ^c. The Court of Rome, jealous of lof^ng an Authority, they had been many years afliiming, and efpecially perceiving that many Papifts fub- mitted to the Oath, as not intrenching upon matter* of Faith and Confci- ence j feverely inhibited them from taking the lame, by two Briefs ; the one quickly fucceeding the other. The King on the other hand efteeming it a Point that nearly concerned him, had recourfe to thofe Arms he knew beft how to manage, and encountred the Briefs by a Premonition diredled to all Chriftian Princes, exhorting them to efpoufe the common Quarrel. Cardinal BeUcirmine who by virtue of his Title, thought himfelf almoft equal to Princes, and of his great Learning and Reading in Controverfial matters much fuperior, enters into the Lifrs with a Crown'd Head. The Seconds coming in on both Sides ; no Man was thought fitter to engage this remarkable Antagonift than this great and renowned Prelate in Learning and Sandity, Dr. Andrevps than Bifliop of Ely, and after of Wincbefter. Neither were the Reformed of the Prenck Church idle Speftators. As Mon- fieur du Moulin, and MonJJeur du Plejfis Mornay. This bfl Publiflied a Book ztSaurmir in i^it, Entituled the Myftery of Iniquity, &c. (hewing by what degrees the Bifr.cps of Ro/ne had railed themfelves to their prefent Gran- deur, and averting the Right of Sovereign Princes againft the Positions of the Cardinals BelLimir.e and Baroniui. The French Edition whereof he De- dicated to Levais the Thirteenth, and the Latin to King ^ames, and pre- fents the Book to him, with a Letter exhorting him, Ve quitter d'orefenarant U Plume, pour aller L'Efps a la main delnicher I'AntichriJt hors de [a Fortereffe : To of Sir FrancisBacon. 4.1 Matter of Philofophy ; Though that Science, be new, through Age, waxed a Child again, and Jeft to Boys, and young Men. And becaufe you were wont to mako me believe, you took liking to my Writings, I fend you fome of this Vacations Fruits ; And thus mucli more, of my mind and purpofe. I haften not to Pub- Ii(h ; perifliing I would prevent. And I am forced, to rerpecfi-, as well my Times, as the Matter. For with me it is thus ; and I think with all Men in my Cafe : If I bind my Self, to an Argument, it loadeth my Mind,- But if I rid my Mind, of the prefent Cogitation, it is rather a Recreation. This hath put me into thefe Mif. cellanies ; which I purpofe to fupprefs, if God give me To give over waging a War with his Pen, but to deflroy the Papal Power with his Sword. Wnich he excites the King to attempt in the Condufion of his Dedication, with fo much life that 1 (hall crave the liberty to in- lert part of his own words, in order to declare the fpirit and zeal of a (Jentlcman, who for his Valour and Condu6l in War, his Judgement in Counfel, his Dexterity in Difpatches, and his Firmnefs ami Conftancy in Religion ; in the Defence of which both Hand, and Tongue, and Pen was employ 'd, is far above all the Titles of Honour that mine can give. Hmc tu^ Rex Potentiffime, Uudem, hxnc Ixuresm, abjit ut tibi praripi pxti- *ris ; cuiquam alii fervaiam velis ; Non jxnguine, non vitU non arioribus ca- teris redemptam malis. At tu Jehova Deus, cujui res, cujus gloria hie proprii agitur-f cujui abfjue ope,frujlra fnt I'ofi, (ulpiria, rjolimina nojirs i rjigiUy exurge, robur indue., ^ujiitiam^ ut Loridxm. foca (tfrv^m tuum per nomen juuniy prehende dexttram UnHi tui^ arr.buU Ann faciem ejus \ Complanentur vaUety Jubftdant Montesy conjlernantur Fluvi:, pateant ^ann^, conterantur veffex, can- tremifcant Populiy Ctrruat Jericho ilia in Spiritu Oris tui in confpecfu ejxt. Ego fexagenario licet jam Mijor^ Uteri tunc itfrM haream indivulhi j intir sngujiiy inter Afpera Alpium ferudam exuam ; inter Frincipia Frxlium miUeam \ i.ucr TriumphoT prsccinente Angela Cecidit illui ungemir.em ; SanSx buk latiiia totus immergar., aterna tor.tiguui imr.miar rjptxs. But this was an Lnterpnre fuited to the Warlike Genius of Du Pleffn, Great Mailer Henry the Fourth, and not to the peaceable fpirit ot K- "garnet. Befidcs the Kin;; in hisAnlv^crof the i.tbo} Ocfober uii, (aftei h? had cxcufed his Ion" hlence, and very nv.icii commen^lcd this Author in the d<*- fign of his Boox, and as freely call'd the Pope Antichrift, and Rome Baby- lon) conceives that neither the Scriptures, nor Drftrinej or Kxa:r.pk of the Primitive Churcli, would lufTicicnrly juiline an OsJonhve War unJolta!^cl purely for Religion j cwuld he in Prudence expedl any fvccd^ in luJi a:i attempt. G leave. ^% Letters and Memoires leave, to write, ajufl, and perfed: Volume of Philofo- phy, which I go on with, though flowly. I fend not your Lordibip, too much, lefl it may glutt you. Now let me tell you, what my Defire isj If your Lordfliip be fo good now, as when you were the good Dean of Weftmtnlier^ my requeft to you is ; That not by Pricks, but by Notes, you would mark unto me, whatfbever (hall feem unto you, either not current in the Stile ; Or harfh to credit, and Opinion ; Or inconvenient, for the Perfbn, of the Writer. For no Man, can be Judge, and Party : And when our Minds judge, by Re- flexion of our Selves, they are more fubjed to Error. And though, for the Matter it felf, my Judgement, be, in fbme things, fixed, and not Acceflible by any Man's Judgement, that goeth not my way , yet even in thofe Things, the Admonition of a Friend,may make me, exprefs my Self, diverfly. I would have come to your Lordihip, but that I am haflening to my Houfe, in the Country. And fo I commend your Lordfhip to God's Goodnefs. XXXL To Sir Tho. Bodley, after he had imparted to him^ a- Writing, Entitukdj Gogitata Sc Vila. SIR, IN refped: of my Going down to my Houfe, in the Country,! (hall have mifs of my ? aper s^v^hich I pray you therefore to return unto me. You are, I bear you witnefs, Slothful, and you help me nothing , So as I am half in conceit, that you affed: not the Argument: For my Self, I know well, you love, and affed. I can (ay no more to you, But, ]^on canimus Surdis^ refpondent omnia o/" iJ/r F R A N C I S B A C O N. 43 omnia Sylva. If you be not of the Lodgings, chaulked up, (whereof I fpeak in my Preface,} I am but to pafs by your Door. But if I had you, but a Fortnight, at Gorhamhury, I would make you tell me another Tale ; or elfe, I would add a Cogitation, againft Libraries^ and be revenged on you that way. I pray, (end me fomc good News, of Sir TIjo. Smith : And commend me very kindly to him. So I reft. XXXII. To Mr. Mathew, upon fending to him a part of Inftaiiratio Magna. Mr. Mathew^ 1 Plainly perceive by your afTedionate Writing , touching my Work , that one and the fame Thing, affcdleth us both ; which is, the good End, to which it is dedicate. For as to any Ability of mine, it cannot merit, that Degree, of Approbation. For your Caution for Church-Men, and Chu rch- Matters ; As for any Impediment, it might be, to the Applaufc, and Celebrity, of my Work; It moveth me not; But as it may hinder the Fruit, and Good, which may come, of a quiet, and calm pafTagc, to the good Port, to which it is bound, I hold it a juft rcfpe(fl ; So as to fetch a fair Wind,I go not too far about. But the Troth is, that I, at all, have no occafion, to meet tlicm, in my way ; Except it be, as they will needs confederate themfclvcs, with Ar/ftotky who, you know, is intem- peratcly magnified, by the School-Men ; And is alfo allied, as I take it, to the Jefnits^ by Faher, who was a Companion of Loyola^ and a great AriJIotelian. I fend you, at this time, the oncly part, which hath iinv G z Harih- ^^ Letters and Memoires Harflinels ; And yet, I framed to my Self, an Opini- on, that whoCbcver allowed well , of that Preface, which you (b much commend, will not diflike, or at leall ouglit not to diflike, this other Speech of Prepa- ration : For it is written, out of the fame Spirit, and out of the fame NecefTity : Nay, it doth more fully lay open, that the Quejlion between re, and the Attti' ents, is not, of the Vertue of the Race, but of the Rightnefs of the Way. And to fpeak truth, it is to the other, but as Palma to Pugtius, part of the fame Thing more large. You conceive aright, that in this, and the other, you have Commiflion, to impart, and commu- nicate them, to others. According to your Difcretion. Other Matters I write not of. My felf, am like the Miller of Grattcefiery that was wont to pray, for Peace, amongft the Willows ; For while the Winds blew, the Wind -mills wrought, and the Water-mill, was lefs cu- Homed. So I fee, that Controverfies of Religion, mufl hinder the Advancement of Sciences. Let me con- clude,with my perpetual Wilh,towards your Self; That the Approbation of your Self, by your own difcreet, and temperate carriage may reflore ji> to your Country and your Friends to your Society, And fo I commend you to God's Goodnefs. Grays-Inn, O^ob* 10. 1603, S I R, XXXIII. To Mr. Mathew. IThaifk you for your lafl, and pray you to believe^ that your Liberty in giving opinion of thofe Wri- tings which I fent you, is that which I fought, which I expected, and which I take in exceeding good part ; fo of Sir V K A^scis B Acoi^. 4.5 fb good, as that it makes me recontinue, or rather con- tinue my hearty wiihes of your Company here, that fb you might ufe the fame liberty concerning my adi- ons, which now you exercife, concerning my Writings. For that of Queen Elizaleth your Judgment of the tem- per, and truth of that part, which concerns fbme of her Foreign proceedings, concurs fully with the Judg- ment of others, to whom I have communicated part of it ; and as things go, I (uppofc they are more like- ly to be more and more juftificd, and allowed. And whereas you (ay, for fome other part, that it moves and opens a fair occafion, and broad way, into fome field of Contradidlion ; On the other fide, it is writ* ten to me from the Leiger at Faris^ and fome others alfo that it carries a manifefl imprelTion of truth with it, and it even convinces, as it goes. Thefe are their very words j which I write not for mine own Glory, but to (hew what variety of Opinion riies from the difl pofition of feveral Readers. And I muft confefs my de- fire to be, that my Writings (hould not Court the pre- fent time, or fome few places in fuch forts as might make them either lefs General to Perfons, or lefs per- manent in future Ages. As to the Inflauration^ your fb full approbation thereof, I read with much Com- fort, by how much more my heart is upon it ; and by how much lefs I expeded confent, and concurrence, in matter fo obfcure. Of this I can affure you, that though many things of great hope, decay with Youth, (and multitude of Civil BufinefTes, is wont to diminilh the Price, though not the delight of Contemplations^ yet the proceeding in that Work doth gain with nic up- on my AfTedion, and defire, both by Years, and Bufi- nefTes. And therefore, I hope, even by this, that it is w ell pleafing to God, from whom, and to whom, all good moves. To him I mod heartily com.mcnd you. XXXIV. j^6 Letters and jMemoires. XXXIV. To Mr. Machew. Mr. Mathewy 1 Heartily thank you, for your Letter, of the loth of Fehruary ; And am glad, to receive, from you. Matter, both of Encouragement, and of Advertifement, touching my Writings, For my part, I do wifli, that fincc there is, no Lumenficcum, in the World. But all Madidnm^ and Maceratum^ infuled in AfFecitions, and Bloods or Humours, (a) that thefe Things of mine, had thofe Separations, that might make them more ac- ceptable : So that they claim not, fb much Acquain- tance, of the prefent times, as they be thereby, the lefs apt to laft. And to fhew you, that I have fbme Purpofe, to new-mould them , I fend you, a Leaf, or two, of the Preface, carrying fome Figure of the whole Work. Wherein, I purpofe, to take that, which I count real, and efFe(5l:ual, of both Writings ; And chiefly, to add a Pledge, Cif not Payment,} to my Promifes, I fend you alfo, z Memorial^ of Queen Eliza hth ; To requite your Elogy, of the late Duke of Florence's Felicity C^}- Of this, when you were here, I Qiewed you fbme Model j At (a) In this place our Author alludes to one of the Dark fayings of Her a- clitKi, That Dry Light is ever the beji, which in another place he thus ex- pounds.Certainly the Light that a Manreceiveth hyCcunfel from another is Drier and Purer than that which cometh frcm his own Underftanding and judgment, which is ever infufed and drenched in his Affections. (b) This Duke of Florence was named Ferdinand of the Houfe of Medici ; whofe Memory Sir Henry Wotton has Celebrated in a particular Letter Prin- ted in his Remnins^ and prefented to King Charles the Firft, and Pixfecim the Bifhop of Premifta in Poland, begins his Chronicle of the year 1609, .with an account of his death ; and fums up his Charadcr in thefe words : princeps anirno exceljo, O" omnibia Politicis artibus in tantum infiruHtHy ut in mifltis jeculis vix xqii<m habutrit. what of sir Francis Bacon. 4.7- what time, methought, you were more willing, to hear 'jul'tm Cafar^ than Qtieen Elizaheth, commended. But this, which I fend, is more full, and hath more of the Narrative. And further, hath one part, that, I think, will not be difagreeble, either to you, or that Place J Being the true Tra(^, of her Proceedings, to- wards the Catholiquesy which are infinitely miilaken. And though I do not imagin, they will pa(s allowance there, yet they will gain upon Excufe. I find Mr. Le^ ZurCy to uCe you well, (I mean his Tongue of you,} which (hev\s you, either honed, or wife. But this I fpeak merrily. For in good faith, I do conceive hope, that you will fo govern your Self, as we may take you as ailuredly for a good Suhje^^ and Patriot^ as you take your Self for a good Cbriflian ; And fo we may again enjoy your Company, and you your Confcicnce, it it may no other ways be. For my part, affure your Self, (as we fay in the Law,) mutatis mutandis^ my love, and good wiihes to you, are not diminifhed. And (b I remain. XXXV. To Mr. Mathew, upon fending his Book, Dc Sapientia Vecerum. Mr. Mathew^ 1D0 very heartily thank you, for your Letter of the 14th of Auguft^ from Salamanca ; And in recom- pence thereof, I fend you, a little Work of mine, that hath begun, to pafs tlie World. They tell me, my Latin is turn'd into Silver, and become current : Had you been here, you fhould have been my Inquifitor, bcr fore it came forth. But I think, the greateft Inquifitor in ',fl?sw?*ff'ft 4.8 Letters and Memoires in Spaift^ will allow it. But one thing, you muft par- don me, if I make no hade to believe, That the World ihould be grown to fuch an Ecftacy, as to rejedt Truth in Thilofophy^ becaufe the Author diflenteth in Religi- on : No more than they do, by Ariftotk or AverroesMy great Work goeth forward, ; And after my manner, I alter ever, when I add. So that nothing is finifhed, till all be finiilied. This I have written, in the midft of a Term, and Parliament ; thinking no time Co pollelled, but that I Ihould talk of thefe Matters, with Co good and dear a Friend. And fo with my wonted Wifhes I leave you to God's goodnefs. Prom Grays Inn Feb. 17. i6to. XXXVI. To the KING. It May pleafe your moft Excellent Majefty. I Do underfland by fbme of my good Friends, to my great Comfort, that your Majefly , hath in mind, your Majcfties Royal Promife, Q which to me is An^ chora Speiy^ touching the Atturneys Place. I hope, Mr. Atturney (hall do well. I thank God^ I wiih no Man's Death ; Nor much mine own Life, more than to do your Majefty Service. For I account my Life the Accident, and my Duty the Subflance. But this^ I will be bold to (ay. If it pleafe God^ that ever I ferve your Majefly, in the Atturneys place, I have known an Atturney Cooke ^ and an Atturney Hohert ; Both worthy Men, and far above my Self : But. if I ihould not find, a Middle way, between their two Difpofiti- ons, and Carriages, I ihould not fatisfy my Self. But thefe things are far, or near, as it (hall pleafe God. Mean of Sir FrancisBacon. 4.^ Mean while, I mod humbly pray your Majefty, to ac- cept my Sacrifice of Thanksgiving, for your Gracious Favour. God prefer ve your Majefty. I ever remain. xxxvir. To the KING.. It may pleafe your Majejlv. YOur great, and Princely, Favours towards me, in Advancing me to Place; And that, which is to mc, of no lefs comfort, your Majcflies benign, and gracious Acceptation, from time to time, of my poor Services, much above the Merit, and Value of them ; Hath, almofl, brought me to an Opinion, that I may fboner Cperchance,) be wanting, to my Self, in not asking ; Than find your Majcflies Goodncfs wanting to me, in any my reafonable, and modefl defires. And therefore, perceiving , how at this time. Preferments of Law fly about mme Ears ; to fome above me, and to fbme below me ; I did conceive , your Majefly may think it , rather a Kind of Dulncfs, or want of Faitli, than Modcfty, if I (hould not come, witli my Pitches to JacoFs iVell, as others do. Wherein Ifliall propound to your Majefly, that which tendeth, not fo much, to the Raifing ot my Fortune, as to the fttthng of my Mind; Bcmg fbmctimcs allailed whh this Cogicatioi>'$ That by reafon of my Slownefs, to tec, and apprehend fuddain Occafions; keeping on one plain Courfc of painful Service ; I may, (^ } fi>!s dicrum^ ) be in danger, to be ncglcd:cd, an J forgotten. And if that fhould be, then were it much better for me, now while I flanJ in your Majeflies good Opinion, (^ though unworthy,) and licive fome little Reputation, in the World, to give over the Courie I am in, and to make proof, to do you H lome 50 Letters and Memoir es. (bme Honour, by my Ten^ either by writing, fbme faithful Narrative^ of your Happy, C though noj: un- tra^uced, ) Times ; or by recompiHng your Laws , (^which , I perceive, your Majeity laboureth with ; And hath in your Head, as Jupiter had Pallas ;} Or fome other the like Work: ( For without fome Endeavour to do you Honour, I would not live ; ) Than to fpend my Wits, and Time, in this laborious place, where- in I now ferve; If it fhall be deprived, of thofe out- ward Ornaments, which it was wont to have, in re- fped: of an Aflured Succeflion, to (bme Place, of more Dignity, and Reft; Which feemeth now, to be an Hope, altogether Cafual, if not wholly intercepted. Wherefore , ( not to hold your Majefty long, } my humble Sute, to you, is that, than the which, I thinfc^ I cannot well go lo\ycr,* which is, that 1 may obtain, your Royal Promife, to fucceed, C if I live, } into the Attorneys Place, whenfoever it fliall be void : It be- ing, but the Natural, and Immediate Step, and Rife, which the Place, I now hold, hath ever, (in fort} made claim to, and almoft never failed of. In this Sute, I make no Friends to your Majefty, but rely upon no other Motive, but your Grace ; nor any other AfTurancc, but your Word ; whereof I had good Experience,when I came to the Sollkitors Place -, That it was like, to the Two great Lights, which in their Motions, are ne- ver Retrograde. So with my beft Prayers, for your Majefties Happinefs, I reft : XXXVIIL of Sir Francis Bacon. 51' XXXVIII. To the Earl of Salisbury Lord Treafurer. // may pleafe your Good Lordjhipj I would intreac the New Tear to anfwer for the Old, in my humble Thanks to your Lordfliip , both for many your Favours, and chiefly upon the Occafion of Mr. Attorney s Infirmity ; I found your Lordihip even as I could with. This doth increafe a Defire in me, to cxprefs my thankful Mind to your Lordihip : Ho- ping that though I find Age and Decays grow upon me, yet I may have a Flafli or two of Spirit, lok to do you Service, And I do protefl before God without Complement, or any light Vanity of Mind ; That if I knew in what Conrle of Life to do you beft Service, I would take it, and make my Thoughts which now fly to many Pieces, to be reduced to tliat Center. But all this is no more but that I am , which is not much : But yet the entire of him, that is ^c, XXXIX. To my Lord Mayor. My very good Lord^ IDid little exped, when I left your Lordihip lafl, that there would have been, a Proceeding againft Mr. Barnard^ to his Overthrow. Wherein I muft con- fefsmySelf, to be, ma fort, Acceflary : Becaufe, he relying upon me, for Counfcl, I advifed that Courfe, which he lollowed. Wherein now I begin , to que (li- on my feif, whether in prctcrving ray Refpcds, unto H \ your 5 % . . -. Letters and Memoires your Lordiliip, and the Reft, I have not failed, in the Duty, of my Profeffion, towards my Client. For cer- tainly, if the words had been hainous, and fpoken in a malicious fafliion, and in fc^me publick place, and well proved,* And not a Prattle, in a Tavern, caught hold of by one, v, ho, (^as I hear} is a detected Syco- phant (^ 5/^W/y^ I mean , ) yet I know not, what could have been done more, than to impofe upon him, a grievous Fine ; And to require, the levying of the fame; And to take away his means of Life, by his Disfranchifement ; And to commit him, to a Defamed Prifon, during Chriftmas , In Honour whereof, the- Prifoners, in other Courts, do, commonly, of grace, obtain fome Enlargement. This Rigor of Proceeding, Qx.0 tell your Ldrdihip, and the reft, as m.y good Friends, my Opinion, plainl}^) tendeth nottoflrength- en Authority, which is beft fupported, by Love^ and Fear intermixed , But rather, to make People difcon- tented, and Servile; efpecially, when fuch Punifhmenc is inflidled, for words, not by Rule of Law^ but by a Jurifdi^ioH of Difcretion^ which would evermore, be moderately ufed. And I pray God, whereas Mr. Re- corder^ when I was with you, did well, and wifely, put you in mind, of the Admonitions, you often recei- ved from my hords^ that you fliould bridle unruly Tongues; That thofe kind of Speeches, and Rumours, whereunto thofe Admonitions do refer, which are con- cerning the State^ and Honour thereof^ do not pafs too licentioufly, in the City unpunifhed ; while thefe Words, which concern your particular, are fo ftrsightly enqui- red into, and puniflied with fuch Extremity. But thefe Things, your own wifdom, (firft or lad,} will beft re- prefent unto you. My writing unto you at this time is, to the end, that howfoever I do take it fbmewhat unkindly, tnac my Mediation prevailed no more ^ yet that o/* ^y/'r F R A N C I S B A C O N. 55 that I might preferve, that further Refpe<5t, that I am wilJing to ufe , unto fuch 2 State, in delivering my Opinion, unto you, freely, before I would beof Coun- (el, or move any thing, that (liould crofs your Pro- ceedings ; which, notu'ithftanding, (^ in cafe, my Cli- ent, can receive no Relief, at your hands, ) I mu(l,and will do. Continuing, ncvcrthclefs, in. other Things, my wonted good Adedion, to your Selves, and your Occafions. XL. To Sir Vincent Skinner. Sir V merit Skimier, J Sec that by your ncedlefs delays, this matter grown to a new Qucftion ; wherein for the matter it felf, if it h.id been ftayd at the beginning by my Lord Trejfurer^ and Mr. Chancelloitr^ I fhould not i'o much have flood upon it. For the great and daily Travels which I take in his Majefties Service, either are rewar- ded in thcmfclvcs, in that they are but my Duty, or clfe may dcfervc a much greater Matter. Neither can J think amifs of any Man that in furtherance of the King's Bcneik moved the Doubt that knew not what War'rant 1 had. Cut my Wrong is, That you , having had my Lord TreafurerV and Mr. Chancellor's \Vv- rant for Payment above a month fincc , You, I (ay, ( making your Payments belike, upon fuch Differences, as are better knov\ n to your (elf, than agreeable to the RefpcL^ of h'.s Mijjily's Service;) Iiave dcla} J all this time otiurAifwtlun I might have e\pc6tedfrom our ancient Acqjain.p.nce, or Iromtlut Regard whicli one in your Place ri.iy owe to one in mine. By Occa- fjon whereof tliere enfueth to mc a greater Inconveni- ence ^ 54- Letters and Memoir es ence ; that now my Name, in fort, mufl be in Qucfli- on among you, as if I were a Man likely to demand that v/hicli were unreafonable , or be denyed that which is Reafonable : And this mufl: be, becaufe you can pleafure Men at Pleafure. But this I leave with this : That it is the firft Matter wherein I had Occafion to difcern of your Friendfliip, which I fee to fall to this ; That whereas Mr. Chancellor^ the lad time, in my Man's hearing, very honourably faid, That he would not difcontent any Man in my Place ; it feems you have no fuch Caution. But my Writing to you now, is to know of you where now the (lay is, without be- ing any more beholding to you, to whom, indeed, no Man ought to be beholden in thofe Cafes in a right Courfe. Andfb I bid you Farewel. Fra. Sacon, XLI. To Sir Henry Saville. (a) SIR, COming back from your Invitation at Eto^^ where I hadrefreihed my felf with Company, which I loved , I fell into a Confideration, of that part, of Policy y whereof Philofophy fpeaketh too much, and {a ) So much might be faid to the Honour of Sir Henry Saville, and yet fo little need to be faid, by realon of the great Name he hath acquired through his Noble Edition of St. Chryfoflom and his other learned Works j ThatI fhall nly tell the Reader, that he was many years Warden o^Mer- ton College in Oxford, ( in which Univerfity he Founded a Geometry and Aftronomy Lefture ) and Provoft of Eaton, both noted Seminaries of Learn- ing. To this Gentleman, as of all tiie moic proper, Sir Fra. Bacon fends this Difcourfe touching Helps for the Imelleciual Forcers in Touth^ , which may be found in the Refufcitatio pa. zz j. but it being purpofely left an imperfed Eflay to imitate others ; He places this ufeful Subjeifl, among the Deficients reckon'd up in his Advancement <^ Le^irning. Laws of Sir Francis Bacon. 55 Lam too little ; And that is, of Education of Toutb. Whereupon, fixing my mind, a while, I found (Iraight- ways, and noted, even in the Difcourfes of Phiiofo- phers, which are fo large in this Argument, a flrange Silence, concerning one principal part of tliat Subjed*. For astoucliing die Framing, and Seafbning o^Touth^ to Moral Vertties ; ( as Tolerance of Labours, Conti- nency from Pleafures, Obedience, Honor, and the like;) They handle it; But touching the Improvement, and helping, of the IntelU^ual Powers ; as of Conceit, Memory, and Judgement, they (ay Notliing , Whether It were, that they thought it to be a Matter, wherein Nature only prevailed ; or that they intended it, as referred, to the (evcral and proper Arts^ which teach, the ufc^ of Reafon^ and Speech. But for the Former of thefe two reafons, howfoever, it pleafeth them, to di- (linguiiTi, of Habits^ and Powers ; the Experience is manifeft enough, that the Motions, and Faculties, of the Wit, and Memory, may be not only Governed, and Guided, but alfo Confirmed, and Enlarged, by Cufloms, and Exercife dayly applyed : As if a Mia Exercifc Shooting, he ihall not only fiioot nearer the Mark, but al(b draw a ftronger Bow. And as for the latter, of Comprehending thefc Precepts, within the Jrts , of Logick^ and Rhetorick ; if it be riglitly con- fidered, their Office is diflind, altogether, from tliis point ; For it is no part, of the Do6trine, o{ the u(e, or Handling of anlnftrument, to teach how to whet or grind the Inftrument to give it a fliarp edge; Or how to quench it , or otherwifc , whereby to give it a flronger Temper. Whcrforc, fmding this part of Knowledge, not broken,! have, but tanquamaiiHd uq^e>ks^ cntred into ir, and falute you with it ; Dedicatifig it^ after the Antknt manner^ firll as to a deaf Friend ; And then as to an Apt pcrfori ; for as much, as you have, both 56 Letters and Memoir es \ This Say- ^otli pkcc, to pra(5i:i{e it, and Judgment, and Leifiire, ing of the to look deeper into it, than I have done. Herein you daf ^nl't ^^^ ^^^^ ^ mind, t "A^/^v ju^j^ v^Zp. Though the Water is Argument be not of great heighth, and Dignity, Ne* the Befl, yerthelcfs , it is of great and univerfal Ufe. And yet tinHu I ^o "ot fee, why, to confider it rightly ; That fliould Proverbjn not be a Learning of hclghth, which teacheth to raife, thltlm- ^^^ higheft, and worthieft, part of the Mind* But mon things howfocvcr that bc , if the World take any light and */^^^W^ ^/y^ by this Writing, I will, the Gratulation be, to the moreZliL- Good Friendiliip , and Acquaintance, between us bie.than two. And fo rccommcnd you, to God's Divine pro- rare things ^-/v:^ which are tCaiOn. preferred before them. XLII. To the KING. It may pleafe your Excellent Majefiy, T grieveth me exceedingly, that your Majefty fliould be fb much troubled, With this Matter of Teacham ; whofe Raging Devil^ feemeth to be turn'd into a Dumh Devil. But although, we are driven, to make our way, through Queftions, (which I wifh were otherwifej yet J hope well, the End will be good. But then, every Man, muft put too, his Help- ing Hand , For elfe, I mull: fay to your Majefly, in this, and the like Cafes, as St. Paul (aid, to theCf- turioH^ when fome of the Mariners, had an Eye to the Cock-boat ; Except thefe ftay in the Ship, ye cannot he fafe. I find, in my Lords^ gs'eat, and worthy , Care, ot the Bufinefs. And for my part, I hold my Opinion, and of Sir Francis Bacon. 57 and am ftrengthened in it, by fome Records^ that I have found. God preferve your Majejlyi Tour Majeftys^ mojl humhle, and devoted January ii. 1^14. Suhje^y and Servant. Fra, Bacon. XLIII. To the KIN G. It may pleafeyour Excellent Majefly, I His Day, in the Afternoon, was read, your Ma- jefty's Letters, of Direction, touching Peacham ; h becaufe it concerneth properly the Duty of my Place, I thought it fit, for me, to give your Majefly, both a (peedy, and a private, Account thereof ; That your Majefty knowing Things clearly, how they pafs, may have the true Fruit, ofyour own Wifdom, and clear-Seeing Judgment, in Governing the Buflneis. Firfly for the Regularity, which your Majefty, ("as a Mafter in Bufincfs of Eftate, ) doth prudently pre- fcribe, in Examining, and taking Examinations, I fub- fcribe to it ; Only, I will fay for my Self,- that I was not, at this time, the Principal Examiner. For the Courfe, your Majefly diredeth, and com- mandeth, for the feeling of the Judges of the Kings Bench ^ their feveral Opinions, by diflributing our Selves, and enjoining Secrecy ; we did firfl, find an Encounter, in the Opinion, of my Lord Cooke ; who (ccmcd to affirm, that fuch particular, and, (as he call'd it, } Auricular taking of Opinions, was not ac- cording to the Cuflom of this Realm ; And fccmcd to divine, that his Brethren, would never do it. But I when whefl Irbpiyed,. diat itr was, our Duty^ to gurfue your Majefly's Diredibusr. , And it were not amifs, for his Lordfliip, to leave his Brethren, to their own Anfwers ; It was (b: concluded ; and hisiLordiliip, diddefire, that I mought confer, with Himlelf ,*, And Mr. Serjeant iW^^- tague^ was named, to fpcak with Juflice Crook ; Mr. Ser- jeant Crew , with Juftice Houghton ; and Mr. Solicitor^ with Juftice Doddertdge. This done, I took my Fel- lows afide, and advifed.,. that they fhould prefently fpeak with the 3 Judges, before I could fpeak with my Lord Coke^ for doubt of 7//o; And that they fhould not, in any cafe, make any doubt to the Judges, as if they miftrufted, they would not- deliver any Opinion aparty but fpeali refolutely to them, and only make their Coming to be, to know, what time they would appoint, to be attended with the Papers, This fbrted not atnifs ;, fot Mr. Siolkitory came to me, this Even- ing, and- related to me^ that he had found Judge Dod- deridge^ very ready, to give Opinion, in fecret; (4 y : That though his Majcdy hath l>een ex- traordinary Fortunate (above all his Prcdeceliors ^ in the coiitijiual Ele- ction of moll V.'orthy Juil[;es ; yet hath his Majcfty never priced upo;i any T'CUch, a Man ol more Integrity and SutHciency than this Gciuleman. For which \\k they do with Tears in their Eyes praii'e and bkls him. ( c ) This IxprefTton of n foft Man, ought to be underllood in a Fx- VUFhic foole, (ince Sir Geo. Crokt gives a more than ordinary Chara- dler of him Mem. Tliat i.i HOatj Term, i.Jac, Sir Rtbbert Han^hon died at yifjeants Inn in Chin^rry Lane, bciu;a n^oll reverend, prudait, learned aod tcmiwrate Judge, and infeiiour to none of his Time. I 1 cd iJo ' '" Letters and Memoir es. '\^^ ed defirous, firft, to confer,- Alleging, that the other 1 Judges, had all ferved the Crown, before they were Judges, but that he had not been much acquainted, with Bufmefs, of this Nature. Wc purpole therefore, forthwith, they (hall be made acquainted with the Papers ; And if that could be done, as (uddainly, as this was, I fhould make fmall doubt of their Opinions : And howfbever, I hope, Force of Law, and Prefident, will bind them to the Truth : Neither am I wholly out of hope , that my Lore/ Coke himfelf, when I have, in fome dark manner, put him in doubt, that hefhall be left alone, will not continue fingular. For Owen, I know not the reafon, why there (hould have been no mention made thereof, in the lafl Ad- vertifcment , Fori muftfay for my Self, that I have loft no moment of Time in it, as my Lor^ of Canter^ hry can bear me witnels. For having received, from my Lord, an Additional, of great Importance ; which was, that Owen, of his own Accord, after Examina- tion, fliould compare the Cafe of your Majefty, ( if you were A:cowwicd!^^,) to the Cafe, of aPrifoner, condemned at the Barr; which Additional was fubfcri- bed by one Witnefs ; but yet I perceived it was fpo- ken aloud, and in the Hearing of others , I prefently fent down a Copy thereof, which is now come up, attefted with the Hands of 3 more , left there (hould * A fingle have been, any Scruple, oi* Singular is Tejlis; (6 as witnefs. for this Cafe, I may fay, f Omnia parata ; And we ex- things are pe<^5 but a Diredion, from your Majefty, for the Ac- in readi- quainting the Judges feverally : Or the 4 Judges, of ^^^^' the Kings Bench, as your Majefty fliall think good. I forget not, nor forflow not, your Majefty 's Com- mandment, to^Jichxr\g Recufants ; Of which, when it is ripe, I will give your Majefty a true Account, and what is poftible to be done, and where the Impediment is of Sir Francis Bacon. ^ i is. Mr. Secretary, hr'wgeih * Boftam Folufttatem, but he * i^vvii- Is not verled much, in thefe things; And fbmetimes ling Mind. urgeth the Conclufion , without the Premifes, and by hade hindrcth. It is my Loni Treafurer, and tlie Ex chequer, muft help ir, if it be holpen. I have iicard more ways than one, of an offer of 20000 /. per An- num, for farming, the Penalties of Recufants, not in- cluding any OfTence Capital, or of Premunire ; where- in I will prefume to fay, that my poor Endeavours, fmce I was, by your great , and (ble grace, your At- torney^ have been no fmall Spurs, to make them feel your Laws, and feek this Redemption ; Wherein, I mud alfb fay, my Lord Coke hath done his part ; And I do aflurc your Majefty, I know it, fomewhat inward- ly, and groundedly, that by the Courfes we have ta- ken, they conform daily, and in great Numbers; And I would to God, it were as well a Converfion, as a Con- form'tty ; But if it fliould die by Difpenfation, or Difl Emulation, then I fear, that whereas your Majefly, hath now, (b many ill Subje^s, poor, and deteded, you (hall then have them, rich and diffembled. And therefore, I hold this offer, very confiderable, of fb great an Increafe, of Revenue ; If it can pafs, the fiery trial, of Religion, and Honour; which I wifh, all Pro^ jeils may pafs. Thus, in as much, as I have made to your Majefty, fomewhat a naked, and particular Account, of Bufinefs, I hope your Majefty, will ufe it accordingly. God pre- fervcyour Majefy. Tin. i7. ^^*'' ^^j^fly^-t ''^^ft hum lie, and devoted i6t^ Subje^, and Servant. Fra. Bacon. XLIV. 6^ Letters and Memoires gerous ; And other words more vehement than I re- peat. I replied, in civil and plain Terms ; That I wi(ht his Lordfliip, in my love to him, to think better of it; For that this that his Lordlhip was pleafed to put into great Words, (eemed to me and my Fellows, when we ^ake of ic, amongfl: our felves, a reafbnable, and familiar Matter, For a King to confult with his Judges, either aflembled, or feleded j or one, by one. And then, to give him a little Out-let, to fave his firft Opinion, (wherewith he is moft commonly in love,) I added, that Judges, fbmetimes, might make a Sute, to be fpared, for their Opinion, till they had (poken with their Brethren , But, if the King, upon his own Prince- ly Judgement, for Reafon o^ Eflate, fliould think it fir, to have it otherwife, and (Iiould fo demand it , there was no declining : Nay, that it touched, upon a Vio- lation, of their Oath, which w^as, to counfel the King, without Diftindtion, whether it werejoyntly or feve- rally. Thereupon, I put him the Cafe, of the Trivy Council; As if your Majefly, fliould be pleafed to com- mand any of them, to deliver their Opinion, apart and in private ; whether it were a good Anfwer, to deny it, otherwife, than if it were propounded at the Tabic. To this he faid,That the Cafes were not alike, becaufe this concern'd Life. To which I replied, That Queftions of Eftate , mought concern Thoufands of Lives ; and many Things more precious , than the Life, of a particular ; As War, and Peace, and the like. uSf ^^ conclude, his Lordlhip, * Tanquam Exitum qua- with the rens, defired me, for the time, to leave with him, the Bufincfs. Papers, without prefling him, to confent to deliver a private Opinion, till he had perufed them. I faid, I would ; And the more willingly, becaufe I thought his of Sir F R A N c I s Bacon. 6^ his Lordfhip, upon due confideration of the Papers^ would find the Cafe, to be fb clear a Cafe of Treafon, as he would make no difficulty, to deliver his Opini- on in private , And fo I was pcrfwaded, of the reft, of the Judges of the Kings-Bench ; who likewife, ^as I partly underftood,) made no Scruple to deliver their Opinion in private. Whereunto he faid, (^which I no- ted well,) That his Brethren were wife Men ; And that tliey might make a (hew, as if they would give an Opinion, as was required , But the end would be, that it would come to this : They would fay, they doubted of it, and fo pray advice with the reft. But to this I anfweredjthat I was forry to hear him (ay fb much, left, uheway if it came fb to pafs, fome that loved him not,might of the make a Conftrudion, that, that which he had foretold, slothful he had wrought. Thus your Majefty fees, that as So, wiii/ig lomon faith, f Grejfus nolentes tanquam in Sepifpinarum, Perfon is It catcheth upon every Thing. ofthorns. The latter Meeting, is yet of more Importance , For then, coming armed with divers Prcfidents, I thought to fet in, with the beft ftrength I could, and faid ; That before I defcended, to the Record, I would break the Cafey to him thus. That it was true, we were to pro- ceed t upon the antient Statute of King Edward the Third, becaufe other Temporary Statutes were gone ; And therefore, it muft be faid in tlie Inditlment; * Ima. * :j^ _, ginatm efi^ ^ Compajfavit Mortem^ ^ finalem Deflrucii- gf;iej"aMd onem Domini Regis : Then muft the particular Treafons "^T.^^" follow in this manner ; viz. f Et quod, ad perimplcn [>.ath arid r>e- of our Lord the King- t And that for the fulfilling of his wicked purpoft'. he corn- poled a dcteftableand pernicious Libel or Writing, in which nmong otlic: litaioiuyV Volitions, it is thus coiitaiiieii, (S'i. K dum 66 Letters and Memoires. dum nefandum Propojittim fuum, Ccmpofuit & confcripjtt quendam deteflahilem^ & v en en of am Uhellum^ five Jcriptum^ in quo inter alia proditoria^ continepur^ &c. And then the principal paffiges of Treafin, taken forth of the Papers^ . are to beentred in h^ec Verba ; And with Leiglpeople," a^ndVrue^SuP- ^ CoDcIufion In the End ; \\ Ad Intent i^ jeds fhould withdraw their onenty qitod Ltgens Populus^ & Feri Sub-. hf^aVXT aTl^'/tar ^^ ^omni R,gu,cordiakm fu^ amonn,, againft him, <3'c. a Domtno Rege retraherent, Cs tppm Do- fninum Regem relinquerent, ^ Guerram^ ^ InfurreSiionem^ contra eum, levarent^ & facerent^ ^c. I have, in this form, followed the antient StiJe of the Indi^ments, for brevity fake, though when we come to the Bufmefs it feif, we mall enlarge it, according to the ufe of the latter times. This I reprefented to him, Cbeing a thing he is well acquainted with,) that he might perceive, the Platform of that was in- tended, without any Midaking, or Obfcurity. But then I fell to the matter it felf, to lock him in, as much as I could, viz. That there be four Means or manners, whereby the Death of the King is corapafled, and imagined. The firft, by fotne particular Fa^, or Plot, The fecond, by Difahling his Title ; As by af- firming, that he is not lawful King ; Or that another ought to be King ; Or that he is an Ufurper ; Or a Baftard ; Or the like. The third, by Subje^ing his Title^ to the Pope ; and thereby Making him, of an AbfokteKing^ a CV- ditional King, The fourth, by Difabling his Regiment, and ma- king him appear, to be incapable,, or indign, to reign. Thefe things, I relate to your Majefty in fumm, as is fit ; which when,! opened to my Lord,[ did in- fill of Sir Francis Bacon. 6j fifl a little more iipon,with more efficacy and edge, and Authority of Law and Record, than I can now expre(s. Then I placed Peachams Treafon, within the lafi Di- vifion, agreeable to divers Prefidents, whereof I had the Records ready j And concluded, that your Majefty's Safety and Life, and Authority, was thus by Law in- fconfed and quartered ; And that it was in vain, to for- tifie on Three of the fides, and fo leave you open on the Fourth. It is tru,he heard me in a grave fa(hion,more than ac- cuftomed, and took a Pen,and took notes of my Divifi- ons ; And when he read the Prefidents and Records^ would (ay, This you mean falieth within your firfl, or your (econd, Divifion. In the end, I exprefly demand- ed his Opinion, as that, whereto both he, and I was enjoyned. But he defired me to leave the Prefidents^ with him, that he might advife upon them. I told him, the reft of my Fellows, would difpatch their part, and I Ihould be behind with mine ; which I perfwadcd my Self, your Majefly v/ould impute, rather to his Back- wardnefs, than my Negligence. He faid, as foon as I fhould underlland, that the reft were ready, he would not be long after, with his Opinion. For Mr. St. John^ your Majefty knoweth, the day draweth on ; And my Lord Chancellors Recovery, the Seafon and his Age, promifing not to be too hafty. I fpake with him on Sunday, at what time I found him in Bed, but his Spirits (Irong, and not rpent,or wearied ; And fpakc wholly of your Bufinels, leading me from one Matter to another. And wilTied, and Teemed to hope, that he might attend the day, for 0. S. and it were, (as he faid,) to be his lafl: work to conclude his Services, and exprcfs his Affediion, towards your Ma- jelly. I prcfumed to fay to him, that I knew your Ma jcfty would be exceeding defirous of his being prefent K 1 that 6S Letters and Memoir es that day, fb as that it mought be, without prejudice, to his continuance; But that, otherwife, your Majefty elleemed a Servant^ more than a Service ; efpecially (uch a Servant, Surely, in mine Opinion, your Ma- jefty were better put off the day, than want his pre- fence, confidering the Caufe of the putting off, is (b notorious ; And then the Capital^ and theCr/wi^/may come together, the next Term, I have not been unprofitable, in helping to difcover and examine, within thefe few days, a late Patent^ by Surreption obtained from your Majefty, of the great- G^ForeJl in England^ worth 3 0000/ under Colour of a Defedive Title, for a matter oi ^\oqI. The Perfon mud be named, becaule the Fatent mud be queflioned. It is a great Per{bn,my Lord of Shrewsbury ; Or rather, (^as I think,) a greater than he, which is my Lady of * ^/^rfH^j^i/ry. But I humbly pray your Majefty, to know this firfl, from my Lord Treajurer ; who, methinks,. groweth even fludious in your Bufinefs. God preferve your Majefly, Jan. 31. 1614. Toitr Majeftfs moft humble and devoted^ Suhje5l and Servant^ The rather^ in regard of Mr. Murray'j Abfence, I humbly pray your M^jeHy, Fr. Bacoa. to have a little regard^to thjshttter, * That my Lady of Shrevosbmy was a Woman of Intreague, and as Camden fays in his Annals of King ^xmes, Kehus turbandis nata j will ap- pear from her Condud relating to the King's and her Kinfwoman, the Lady ArabellA : For having been the Great Inftrument of her Marriage with Sir WiUiAtn Seymour^ afterwards Earl and Marquefs of Hartford, and of procuring her Efcape from the T^raer j She was convened before the Privy Council,, and for refufing to give any Anfwer in a matter which fo nearly concerned the State j She was Fined in the Star-Chamber 5 and the Charge which was then given in againft her is Printed in the Cabalayip>^^o. and was 1 doubt not made by Sir Francis Bacon. But as if this was not a fufficient warning, (he afterwards reported that the Lady ArabeHa left a Child by her Husband, for which and her repeated Obftinacy, fhe incurred a greater Cenfure in the fame Court. XLVL o/ iSVr F R A N C I S B A C O N. 6^ XLVI. To the ]^ING. It may pkaje your Excellent Majeflyy MY Lord Chancellor fent for me, to fpeak with me this Morning, about Eight of the Clock. I perceive, he hath now that Signum Sanitatu, as to fee! better his former weaknefs. For it is true, I did a httle miftruft, that it was but a Boutade of Defire, and good Spirit, when he promifed himfelf, (Irength for Friday ^ though I was won and carried with it. But now, I find him, w ell inclined, to ufe (^fhould I fay) your Liberty, or rather your Interdid:, fignified by Mr. Secretary^ from your Majefly. His Lordfhip (hewed me alfo your own Letter^ whereof he had told me before, but had not fheweditme. What (hall I fay ? I do much admire your Goodnefs, for writing fuch a Letter^ at fuch a time. He had lent alfo to my Lord Treasurer ^ to defire him to come to him about that time. His Lordfhip came ; And, not to trouble your Majefty, with circumftanccs, both their Lordfhips concluded, my Self prefcnt and concurring ; That it could be no prcjudice,toyour Ma- jefty 's Service, to put ofTthe day, for Mr. St, John till the next Term. The rather, becaufe there are Seven, ot your fr'tvy Council^ which are at leaft, Numerus and part of the Court, which arc by Infirmity, like to be abfent ; That is, my Lord Chancellor^ my Lord Admi- raly my Lord of Shrewsbury ^ my Lord of Exceter^ my Lord Zouch^ my Lord Stanhope, and Mr. Chance //or of t/txc Dutchy ; wherefore they agreed, to hold a Coun- cil, 70 Letters and Memoires. ciljtdo morrow, in the Afternoon, for that pur- pofe. It is true, that I was always of Opinion, that it was no time loft ; And I do think fb the rather, becaufe I could be content, that the Matter oiPeacham were firft fetled, and put to a Point. For there be, perchance, that would make the Example upon Mr. St. John to fland for all. For Teacham, I expedt fbme account from my Fellows this day. If it ihould fall out otherwife, then I hope, it may not be left fo. Your Majefty, in your laft Letter, very wifely put in a Disjundive, that the Jui^ges fliould deliver an Opinion, privately, either to my Lord Chancellor^ or to our Selves,diftributed : His Sicknefs,madc the later way to be taken : But the other may be referved, with fome Accommodating, when we fee the fuccefs of the Former. I am appointed, this day, to attend my Lord Trea^ furer, for a Propofition of Raifing Profit and Revenue, by Infranchifing Copy holders, I am right glad to fee the Patrimonial part of your Revenue, well looked into, as well as the FifcaL And I hope it will fo be, in other parts, as well as this. God preferve your Majefly. Febr. 7. 1^14. four Majefly s tnoft humhle anddevote^l Sulje^y and Servant. Fr. Bacon. XLVIF. Of Sir Francis Bacon. 71 XLVIL To f fee K I N G. // may pUafsycur Excellent Majefly^ MY Self, with the reft of your Council Learned, conferred with my Lord Coke, and the reft o the fudges of the Kings- Bench oncly, being tnet at my Lord's Chamber, concerning the Bufinefs of Owen. For although it be true, that your Majefty, in your Letter, did mention that the fame Courfe, might be held,in the Taking of Opinions apart in this, wliich was prcfcri- bed, and ufed in PeachanPs Caufe ; yet both my Lorfls o( the CouMcrl, and wc amongft our Selves, holding it, in a Cafe fo clear, not needful ; But rather that it would import, a diffidence in us, and deprive us of the means, to debate it with the Judges, {if caufc were) more ftrongly, C^hich is ibmewhat,) we thought beft, ra- ther to ir(e this Form. The Judges defired us to leave the Examinations and Papers, with them for (bme little time, to confider, (which is a thing they ufe,-) But, I conceive, there will be no manner of Queftion, made of it. My Lord Chief Juftice to (hew forwardnefs (as I interpret it,) (hewed us pafFages of Suarez, and others, thereby to prove, that though your Majefty, flood not Excommunicate, by particular Sentence, yet by tlie General Bn//s of Cana Domini, and others, you were, upon the matter. Excommunicate ; And therefore, that the Treafon was as De urajenti. But I, that forelcc, that if that Courfe ihould be held, when it cometh to a publick day, to difleminate to the Vulgar an Opinion, that your Ma- jefty'sCafc is all one, as if vou were de Fatio, particu- larly jx Letters and Memoir es) larly and ex^redy, Excommunicate ; It would but in- creafe the danger of your Perfon, with thofe that are Defperate Papifts,- And that it is needlefs ; Commended my Lord's Dihgence, but withall put it by; And fell upon the other Courfe, Cwhich is the true way ;} That is, that whofoever fhall affirm , in Dkm^ or fub Con. ditione, that your Majefty, may be deftroyed, is a Tray^ tor, deprafinti ; For that, he maketh you but Tenant for Life, at the will of another. And I put, the Duke of Buckingham's Cafe, who faid, That if the King cau^ Jed him to he arrefted of Treajon, he would flab him j And the Cafe of the Impofturefiy Elizabeth Barton^ that faid. That if King Henry the Eighth took not his Wife again ^ Katharine Dowager, hejhouldbe no longer King ; And the like. It may be thefe particulars, are not worth the Rela- ting. But becaufe I find nothing in the World, Co im- portant to your Service, as to have you throughly in- formed, (^the Ability of your Diredion Gonfidered,) it maketh me thus to do; Moft humbly praying your Majefly to admoniih me, if I be over-troublefbme. For Peacham, the refl of my Fellows are ready, to make their Report, to your Majefly, at fuch time, and in fiich manner, as your Majefty (hall require it. My Self yefterday took my Lord Coke afide, after the reft were gone, and told him, all the refl were ready, and I was now to require his Lordlhip's Opinion,according to my Commiilion. He faid, I fhould have it ; And re- peated that twice, or thrice, as thinking he had gone too far, in that kind of Negative, (to deliver any Opi- nion apart,) before; And faid, he would tell it me within a very iliort time, though he were not that in- ftant ready. I have tofled this Bufinefs in omnes partes, whereof Of Sir FrancisBacon. 7j whereof I will give your Majefly knowledge, when time (erveth. God preferve your Majejly, Febr. 1 1. \6i^. four Majejly s mofl humhle and devoted Sutjed^ and Servartty Fr. Bacon. XLVni. To the KING. // may pieafe your Excellent Majefly^ ISend your Majefty Enclofed, my Lord Cokes An- fwen : I will not call them Refer ipts ; much lefs Oracles, They are of his own hand, and offered to me, as they are, in writing, though I am glad of it for mine own Difcharge. I thought it my Duty, as fbon as I re- ceived them, inftantly to fend them to your Majefty , And forbear, for the prefcnt, to fpeak further o\ them. I, for my part, ([though this Mufcovta Weather be a little too hard, for my Conjlitution {) was ready to have waited upon your Majefly this day, all rcfpedls (et afide ; But my Lord Treafurer, in refped of the Tea- * y^^^^^^ (on, and much other Bufinefs, was willing to fave mc. thmgs I will onely conclude touching thefe Papers, with a P;'^^^ [^ Text, Divided, I cannot fay ; * Oportet iflhiccferi; But ^ uuT'the f may fay, t Finis autem nondum. God prelerve your <^"J i^ ^<^^ Majejly, 14 Fbr. 1^14. Tonr M>ii I ' r- J c V- i AIL I than tore- you, ) to lo great a Qood ot yourKmgdom : Although this Proje^y is not without a Profit, immediate unto you. re- ceive. yS Letters and Memoiresy &CQ. you, by the cncreafiDg of CufioMs, upon the Materials of Dyes, But here is the Ca(c. The New Company by this Pa^ tent, and Privy Seal, are to have two Things, wholly diverfe, from the firft Intention ; or rather. Ex Dta. metro , oppofite unto the fame ; which neverthelefs , they muft, of neceflity have, or elfe the Work is over- ry^Evflf' thrown. So as I may call them * Mala Necejfaria, but yet withal Temporary, For, as Men make War, to have Peace; fb thefe Merchants, muft have licence for whites, to the end, to baniih whites ; And they muft have licence to ufe Teyntours , to the end to baniih Teyntours, This is therefore that I fay,* your Majefty upon thefe two points, may juftly , and with honour , and with preffervation of your firft Intention inviolate; demand Profit in the Interim, as long as the(e unnatu- ral Points continue , and then to ceaie. For youf Majefty may be pleafed to obferve , tliat tliey arc to have all the Old Company s Profit , by the Trade of Whites ; they are again to have, upon the proportion of Cloths , which they fti^ll vent died , and drefled , the Flemmings Profit upon the Teyntour. Now then I fay; As it had been too good Husbandry for a King, to have taken profit of them, if theProjedl could have been etfed:ed at once^ (as was voiced ;} So on the other ijde it might be perchance , too little Husbandry, and Providence , to take nothing of them , for that which is meerly lucrative to them in the mean time. Nay, I fay further, this will greatly conduce, and be a kind of Security to the F.nd dcfircd. For I always feared, and do yet fear, that when Men, by conditioa Merchants , though never fo honeft , have gotten into their Hands , the Trade of Whites^ and the Defpenja. tion to Teyritour ; wherein they (hall reap profit, for that Of Sir Francis Bacon. j^ which they never fowed , But have gotten them- fclves Certainties, in refpeci of the States hopes,- they are like enough to fleep upon this, as upon a Pillow j And to make no hade, to go on with the reft. And though it may be ftid, that that is a thing, will eafily appear to the State, yet (no doubt) means may be de- vifed, and found, to draw the Bufinefs in length. So that I Gonchide, that if your Mtjfefty^ take a profst of therriy \ti the Itttfrim^ (^confidcring yon refufe pr6fir, {ram the Old Cdnipany^) it will be both Spnr and BrUle^ to them^ ta mak6 them Face aright, to your Majefty's End. This rnf t\\ humble^teft, accor(?irrg t6 my vowed Care ^n^ Fidehty, being no Mans Many but your Ma- fcfty's, I prcienr, leave, and fubiiiif, to your Maje- fty's better Judgment f And I cotrld wi(h, yotir Majefty v^CfM fpealfy with 9\t ThffrWas Lake ink; who, beftdes his good Habit which he hath in Bufmefe, bcareth, Qme* thvrtks,) an mcMe^cnf Hand irt this particular; And (tf itpkafe your Majrfty,) h may |roce^d, as from youf SeKi ^nd nor ts a Motcon, or Obfcrvatrort of nrinc. our Majefty need not, in this, tabe ffreightncd in time ; As? if this mnflr be demanded, or treatcS, before you fign their Biff. For* f, farcfecing thi^, and fore- feeing that many things mought fall out, which I could not lorfee ,-. have bandied if fo, as with their good Con- tentment, there is a Power of Revocation, inferted in- to their Patent. And (b commending your Majejly, to God's bleflcd and precious Cuftody ; I reft, Auguft I X. four Majejljs mofl humble, and ^ * ' ^ devoted Suhje^^ and Servant, Fx. Bacon. LII. So Letters and Memoir e's LII. To Sir George Villiers. SIR, S Ending to the King upon Occafion, 1 would not fail, to falute you by my Letter , which, that it may be more than two lines, I add this for News : That as I was fitting, by my Lord Chief Juft ice, upon the Commiflion, for the Indiding of the Great Per^ fon ; One of the Judges asked Him, whether Roper were dead ? He faid, He, for his part, knew not ; Another of the fudges anfvv^ered ; It fliould concern you, my Lord, to know it. Whereupon he turned his Speech to me, and faid ; No, Mr. Attorney, I will not wreftle, now in my latter times. My Lord , faid I , you , fpeak like a wife Man. Well , faith he , they have had no luck with it, that have had it. I faid a- ,^ain, Thofe days be paft. Here you have the Dia- logue to make you merry. But in fadnefs, I was glad to perceive he meant not to conteft: I can but ho- nour, and love you, and refl, Servant^ January ^ ^ Tour ajfured Friend and Fr. Bacon. LIIL Of Sir FrancisBacon. 8i LIII. To the KING. // may pUafeyour Excellent Majejly^ 1 Spake, yefterday , long, with my Lord Coke ; And for the Rege incovJultOy I conceive by him, it will be, An amplius deliherandum cenfeo^ (as I thought at firft,) fb as, for the prefent, your Majefty fhall not need to renew your Commandment of Stay. I fpakc with him alfo, about fome Propofitions, concern- ing your Majcfty's cafual Revenue ; wherein, I found him to confent with me fully , AfTuming, nevcrthe- lefs, that he had thought of them before ; But it is one Thing to have the Vapour of a Thought ; Another, to (ligejt Bufincfs aright. He, on his part, imparted to mc divers Things, of great weight ; concerning the Reparation of your Majcfty's Means, and Finan^ cesy which I heard gladly , Infomuchjas he perceiving the fame, I think, was the readier, to open himfelf to mc, in one Circumftancc, which he did much incul- cate. I concur fully with him, that they are to be held fecrct : For I never law, but that Bufinefi, is like a Child, which is framed invifibly in the Womb , And if it come forth too foon, it will be abortive. I know, in mod of them, the Profccution muft reft much upon my Self. But I, that had the Power to prevail, in the Fanners Cafe of the French Urines, without the help of my Lord Coke, (liall be better able to go- through the(c with his help, ihe Ground being no lefs jull. And this I (hall ever add of mine own, that I Ihali ever refpedi your Majefty's f/oncur, no lels than your Proft ; And (hall alio take care, according to my M pen live Sj -' Letters and Memoir es. penfive manner , that that , which is good for the pre- jent , have not in it , hidden Seeds of future Inconveni^ ences. The Matter of the New Company , was referred to me, by the Lords of the Privy Council ; wherein, after {bme private Speech with Sir Lionel Cranfeld^ I made that Report , which I held moll: agreeable to Truth , and your Majefly's Service. If this New Company break, it mufl either be put upon the Patent , or upon the Order , made by themlelvcs. For the Patent , I fatis- fied the Board , that there was no Tittle in it , which was not , either Verhatim , in the Patent of the Old Company \ Or by fpecial Warrant from the 7ahle , in- ferted. My Lord Coke, with much refpe Coughs dry, or weak. But whofoever thinketh, his Difeafe is but Melancholy, he maketh no true Judge- ment of it ; For it is, plainly, a formed and deep Cough, with a Pedloral furcharge ; So that, at times, he doth almoft, Animam agere. I forbear to adv^rtifc your Majefty, of the Care I took to have CommifTi- ons in readinefs, becaufe Mr. Secretary Lake hath let me underftand, he fjgnified as much to your Majefly : But, I hope, there ihall be no ufe for them, at this time. And, as I am glad to advertife your Majefly, of the Amendment of your Chancellors Per/on ; So I am forry, to accompany it with an Advertifement of the Sicknefi of your Chancery Court ; though , ( by the Grace of God.^ that Cure will be much eafier, than the other. It is true, I did lately write to your Maje- fty, that for the Matter of the Habeas Corpora, (which was ^the third Matter in Law, ycm had given me in charge ,) of Sir Francis Bacon. 89 charge ;) I did think, the Communion in Service, be- tween my Lord Chancellor^ and my Lord Chief Jufiice, in the great Bufmefs of EsaminatioH^ would fb joyn them, as they would not (quare, at this time , But pardon me, (l humbly pray your Majefty,} it I have too Reafonable Thoughts. And yet, that which happened, the lall day, of the Term, concerning certain Indi^ments, in the Nature o{ Premunire^ preferred into the Kings-Bench^ but not found ; Is not fo much, as is voiced abroad ; (thougli I muft fay, it is * Omni tempore Nimiumy ^ hoc tempore * Too Alienum ,0 And therefore, J be(eech your Majefly, not ^"'^Jj^^g to give any BeUeving Ear, to Reports, but to receive bu: the Truth, from me, that am your Attorney General^ ^?"s<= *^ and ought to (land indifferent, hrjurifii^ions, of all Courts ; w hich Account, I cannot give your Majefty now, becau(e I was then abfent ; And fome are now abfent, which are properly, and authentically, to in- form me, touching that which pafled. Neither let tiiis, any ways, disjoynt, your other Bufincfs ; For there is a time, for all things ; And this very Accident, may be turned, to Good. Not that I am of Opinion, that that fame Cunning Maxim, of t Separa, ^ Impera^ t Divide which fomctimes holdeth in Pcrfons , can well take ^""^ ^"^^ place in Jurifdi^ions ; But becaufe, fome good Occafi- on, by this Excels, may be taken, to fettle that, which w^ould have been more dangerous, if it had gone out, by little and little. God ever prcferve your Majefty. 1 T rebr. x6i r. four Majefly s moft humble Subjed, and m oft hounden Servant, N LVII. ^o Letters and Memoir es LVII. To Sir George Villiers. SIR, I Received, this Morning, from you, two Letters, by the (ame Bearer ; The one written before, the other, after his Majeily had received my lafl. In this Difference, between the two Courts, of Chart' eery, and Kings-Bench ; (For fo I had rather take it, for this Time, than between the Perfons, of my Lord Chancellor, and my Lord Chief Juflice,) I marvel not, if Rumour get way, of true Relation. For I know Fa*ne h2ith fwifl wings; Specially that, which hath Black Fea- thers : But within thefe two days, (for fooner I cannot be ready,^ I will write unto his Majefty, both the Nar- rative truly, and my Opinion fincerely ; Taking much comfort, that I ferve fuch a King, as hath God's Pro- perty, in difcerning truly, of Mens Hearts. I purpofe, to fpeak, with my Lord Chancellor^ this day j And fb to exhibit, that Cordial, of his Majefty s Grace ; As I hope, that other Accident, will rather rouze, and raife his Spirit, than dejed him, or incline him to Relapfe. Mean while, I commend the Wit, of a mean Man, that faid this other day, Well, the next Term, you fhall have an Old Man, come with a Beefom ofWormvood, in his I^and, that willfweep away all this. For it is, my Lord Chdyicellors fafliion,fpecially towards the Summer,to car- ry a Pofie of Wormwood. I write this Letter in Hafle, to return of Sir Francis Bacon. 9 j return your Meflenger with it. God keep you, and Jong, and happily, may you (erve his Majejly. 19 Febr. i^^^^^ Courts^ ) the Controver- fie groweth. For the founder Interpretation, taketh them, to be meant, of thofe Courts, which though, locally, they were not held at Rome^ or where die Fopes Chair was, but here within the Realm ; yet in their Jurifdic^ion, had their Dependance, upon the Court of Rome; As were the Court of the Legate here, and the Courts of the /^/c/;.fi//Z'o/'j, and Bijhops, which were then, but fubordinate Judgment Seats, to that high Tribunal of Rome. And for this Conftru- dion, the Oppofition of the Words, ( if they be well obferved } between the Kings Courts and other Court Sy maketh very much : For it importeth, as if thole other Courts, were not the Kings Courts. Alfo, the main Scope of the Statute, fortitieth die fame ; And laftly, the p Letters md Memoires. the Pradice of many Ages. The other Into-prctati- on, Q w hich cleaveth to the Letter, } expoundeth the Kirgs Courts^ to be the Courts of taw, only, and oihcr Courts, to be Courts of Equity, as the Chancery , Fx- chequer-chamher, Dutchy, &c. Though this alio flyeth, indeed, from the Letter, for that all theie, are the Kings Courts. There is alfo another Statute^ which is but a fimple Prohibition , and not with a Penalty, of a Fremuni- re, (as the other is , } that after 'judgements given in the King's Courts, the parties fhall he in Peace, except the Judgement he undone, hy Error, or Attaint, which is a Legal form, of Reverfal. And of this alfo, I bold, the Sounder Interpretation to be, to fettle PolTeirions, againfl: Difturbances, and not to take away Remedy, in Equity, where thofe Judgements, are obtained, ex Ri- gore Juris, and againfl: good Confcience. But upon theft two Statutes^ there hath been, a late Conceit ifi fome, that if a Judgement, pafs, at the Common Law, againfl: any, that he miy not, after fue, for Relief in Chancery : And if he doth, both He, and his Counfel, and his Solicitors, yea and the Judge in Equity himfelf, are within the Danger, of thofe Statutes. Here your Majedy, hath the true (late, of the Qjie^ fiion, which I was neceffarily to open toyou firft, be- caufe your Majefty, calleth for this Relation , not as News, but as Bufinefs. Now to the Hijlorical part. It istheCourfe, of the Kings Eenchy that they give in Charge to a Grand Jury, Otfences of all Natures, to be preiented within Middlefex, where the faid Court is And the manner is, to enumerate them, as it were, in Articles. This was done by Jujlice Crook, the Wed- nefday, before the Term ended. And that Article, ( If any Man, ajter a Judgement given, had drawn the faid of Sir Fr A NCIS B ACON. ^5 faid Judgement^ to a new Examination , in any other Courts) was by him, fpecially, given in Charge; which had not ufed to be given, in Charge before* It is true, it was not folemnly dwelt upon, but, as it were, thrown in amongft the rell. The laft day, of the Term j ( And that which all Men condemn, the fuppofcd laft day, of my Lord Chancellors Hfe ; ) There were two Indidments pre- ferred, of Premunire^ for fuing in Chancery, after Judg- ment in Common Law; The one by Rich. Glanvile, the other by William Allen: The former againft Courtney^ the party in Chancery, Gill> the Councel- lor, zn6 Deurft the Chrk ; The latter, againft Alder- man Bowles, and Humfry Smith, parties in Chancery ; Serjeant /^t^rtf the Counfellor, Elias Wood, Solicitor in the Caufe, and Sir "fohn Tindal, Mr. of the Chancery, and an Aflcflbr, to my Lord Chancellor. For the Cafes themfelves, it were too long, to trou- ble yourMajefty, with them ; But this I will fay ; If they were fet on, that preferred them, they were the worft Marks-men, that ever were, that fct them on. For there could not have been chofen, two fuch Cau- fes, to the Honour, and Advantage, of the Chancery, for the Judnefs of th Decrees, and the Foulnefs; and Scandal, both of Fadl, and Perfon, in thofe that im- peach the Decrees. The Grand Jury^ confiding, ( as itfeemeth,} of very Subllantial, and Intelligent, Perfons, would not find the Bills; Notwithftanding, they were clamoured by the parties, and twice font back, by the Court; And in Concluilon , refblutely. Seventeen of Nineteen, found an Ignoramus : Wherein, for that time, I think, Ignoramus was wiler, than thofe that know too much. Your MajcQy will pardon me, if I be fparing, in delivering to you, fbme other Circumftanccs, o\ Ag- gra- 9^ Letters and Memoir es. gravatlon, and of Concurrences, of fbme like M at- ters, the fame day ; as if it had been (bme fatal Con- flellation. They be not things, fo fufHciently tryed, as I dare put them, into your Ear, For my Opinion, I cannot but begin, with this Pre. face ; That I am infinitely forry, that your Majefty, is thus put, to (alve, and cure, not only Accidents of Time, but Errors of Servants : For I account this, a kind of Sicknefs^ of my Lord Coke's, that comes, al- moll, in as ilia time, as the Skknefs of my Lord Chan, cellar. And as ( I think,) it was one of the wifefl parts, that ever he played, when he went down, to your Majefly, to Royflon^ and defired, to have my Lord Chancellor, joined with him ; So this w^as one of the weakeft parts, that ever he played, to make all the World perceive, that my Lord Chancellor, is fevered from him, at this time. But for that, which may concern your Service, which is my End, ( leaving other Men to their own 'A ays , ) Firfl, my Opinion is plainly, that my Lord Coke, at this time, is not to be difgraced , both becaufe, he is fbwell habituate, for that which remaineth, of thefe Capital Caufes; And alfo, for that, which I find, is in his Bread, touching your Finances, and Matters of Repair, of your Efiate. And, ( if Imoughtfpeak it,) as I think, it were good, his hopes were at an end, in fome kind, fo I could wilh, they were raifed, in (brae other. On the other fide, this great, and publick Affront, not only to the Reverend, and well delerving, perfon, of your Chancellor'^ ^And, at a time, when he was thought, to lye, on Dying, which was barbarous j^ But to your High Court of Chancery, which is the Court, of your abfolute Power; may not, (\n my O- pinion,} pafs lightly, nor end, only, in fome Formal Atone- of Sir FrancisBacon. p/ Atonement; But Ufe is to be made thereof, for the fet- ling of your Authority, and (Irengthning of your Pre- rogative, according to the true Rules of Monarchy, Now to reconcile, and accommodate thefe two Ad- vices, which feem almoft oppofite. Firft^ your Maje- fty, may not fee it, (^ though I confefs it be fufpicious,} tliat my Lord Coke was, any way, aforehand, pnvy to that, which was done ; Or that he did fet it, or ani- mate it; But only took the Matter, as it came before him ; And that his Error was only, that at (uch a time, he did not divert it, in fomegood manner. Secondly y if it be true, (^as is reported, ) that any of the Pu'tfne ^udges^ did ftir this Bufinefs ; Or that, they did openly revile, and menace the Jury, for doing their Conicience ; ( As they did, honeftly, and truly,) I think, that Judge^ is worthy, to leefe his place. And to be plain with your Majejiy, I do not think, there is any Thing, a greater Polychreflon^ or ad multa utile^ to your Affairs, than upon a jufl, and fit Occafion, to make fome Example, againft the Prefumption, of a Judge^ in Caufes, that concern your Majefty : where- by the whole Body of thofe Magiftrates, may be con- tained the better in awe ; And it may be, this will light, upon no unfit Subjed-, of a Perfon, that is Rude, and that no Man cares for. Thirdly^ if there be no one, (b much in fault, (^which I cannot yet affirm, either way, and there mull be a juft Ground, God forbid clfe;) yet 1 Ihould think, that the very Prefumption, of Going fo far, in fb high a Caufe, deferveth to have that done, which was done in this very Cafe, upon the Indidment of Ser-^ jeant Heale^ in Qjteen Elizabetlis time ; tiiat the Judges Ihould anfwer it, upon their knees, before your Ma- jefty, or your Council, and receive a (harp Admoni- tion: At svhich time alfo, my Lord Wray^ being O then lOO Letters and Memoires This Breach then, of this great Contrad, is wholly on their part , which could not have been, if your Ma- jefty, had broken, upon the Patent : For the Patent, was your Majefty's Adt ; The Orders, are their Ad: ; And in the former Cafe, they had not been Uable, to further Qiaeftion, now they are. There reft two Things, to be confidered : The one, if they, Q Uke Proteus, when he is hard held, } fliaU yet again, vary their ihape ; And fliall quit their Orders, convinced of Injuftice, and lay their Impofition only, upon the Trade oi^ IVhites, whether your Majefty, (hall further expert ? The other, if your Majefty dilTolve them , upon this Breach , on their part , what is further to be done, for the fetting of the Trade, again, in joynt, and for your own Honour, and Profit ? In both which Points, I will not prefume to give Opinion, but onely, to break the Bufmefs, for your Majefty's better Judgement. For the /r/?, I am (brry, the Occafion was given, fbymy Lord Coke's Speech, at this time, of the Com- mitment of fome of them ,* } That they (hould feek , To move * Omnemmovere lapidem, to help themlelves. Better it stone. had been, if C ^s my Lord Fenton faid to me, that Morning, very judicioufly, and with a great Deal of Forefight , ) That, for that time, they (hould have had, a Bridge, made for them, to be gone. But my Lord Coke floweth, according to his own Tides, and not according to the Tides of Bufmels. The thing, which my Lord Coke faid, was good, and too little, but, at this time, it was too much. But that is paft. Howfoever, if they fliould go back, and feek again, to entertain your Maje[iy, with new Orders, or Offers, C as is (aid to be intended, 3 your Majefly hath ready, two Anfwersy of Repulfe, if it plea(e your Majejly to ufe them. The of Sir Francis Bacon. i o i The one^ that this is now the Fourth time, that they have mainly broken, with your Majefty, and contra- dicted themfelves. Firft, they undertook, to dye, and drefs, all the Clothes of the Realm ; Soon after, they wound themfelves, into the Trade , of Whites^ and came down to the Proportion contraded. Secondly, they ought to have performed that Contrad according to their Subfcription, pro ratj, without any of thefe OrderSy and Impofitions : Soon after, they deferted their Subfcription, and had recourfe, to thcle Devices, of Ortlers. Thirdly, if by Order^ and not by Suhfcrip- tioft, yet their Orders, fliould have laid it, upon the Whites, which is an Unlawful, and Prohibited, Trade. Neverthelefs, they would have brought in, lawful, and fetled Trades, full ManufaHures, Merchandize ot" all Natures, Foil-Money, or Brotherhood Money, and I can- noi tell what. And now laftly, it fecmeth , they would go back, to lay it, upon the Whites : And there- fore, whether your Majefty, will any more reft, and build this great Wheel, of your Kingdom, upon thefe broken, and brittle, Pinns, and try Experiments fur- ther, upon the Health, and Body, of your State, I leave to your Princely Judgment, The other Anfwer, o{ Repulfe, is a kind of Appofing them, what they will do, after the three years, con- traded for ? Which is a point, hitherto, not much ftirred, though Sir Lionell Cranfield, hath ever beaten upon it, in his Speech with me : For after the three years, they are not tyed, otherways, than as Trade fhall give Encouragement ; o^ which Encouragement, your Majefty, hath a bitter Taft. And if they ihould hold on, according to the third years Proportion, and not rife on, by further gradation, your Majefty hath not your End. No, I tear, and have long feared, that this Feeding of the Foreigner, may be dangerous : For as we ib\ Letters and Aiemoires. we may think, to hold up our Cloathing, by Vent of Whites, till we can dye, and drefs; So they, Ql mean thQ Dutch,') will think to hold up, their Manufadiure, of Dying, and Drelfjng, upon our Whites, till they can Cloth : So as your Majefly, nath the greatefl reafon, in the World, to make the Ni?w Company, to come in, and flrengthen that part, of their Contrad: ; And they refufing, Cas it is confidently believed they will,) to make their Default, more vifible, to all Men, For the fecoft^ main part, of your Majefly's Conful- tation : That is, what fliall be done, (uppofing an ab- folute Breach ; I have had fbme Speech, with Mr. Se* cretary Lake, and like wife with Sir Lionell Cranfeld ; And, (as I conceive,) there may be three ways, taken into confideration. The/r/? is, that the Old Company be reflorcd, who, (no doubt,) are in Appetite, and (as I find by Sir Lionell CranfieU,) not unprepared ; And that the Licences ; The one,that of 30000 Cloathes which was the old Licence , The other, that of my Lord o^ Cumherlands.^ which is, without flint, (my Lord of Cumberland receiving Satisfad:ion ;) be com. pounded, into one entire Licence, without flint ; And then, that they, amongft themfelves, take order, for that profit, which hath been offered to your Majefly. This is a plain, and known way, wherein your Ma- jefly, is not an A(9^or ; onely it hath this, that the Work, of Dying, and DrefTing, Cloathes, which bath been fo much glorified, feemeth to be wholly relin- quiOied, if you leave there. The fecond is, that there be a free Trade, of Cloath, with this Difference ,* That the Dyed, and Drefled, pay no Cuflom^ and the Whites Double Cuflom, it being a Merchandize prohibi- ted, and onelv licentiate. This continueth in life, and fame, the Work defired, and will have a popular Applaufe. But I do confefs, I did ever think, that Trading of Sir Francis Bacon. i 05 Trading, in Companies, is mod agreeable to the Eng^ I'tjh Nature, which vvanteth that fame general Vein, of a Repuhlick^ which runneth in the Dutch ; And (erveth to them, inflead of a Company. And therefore, I dare not advife, to adventure, t\m great Trade^ of the Kingdom, (which hath been fb long, under Govern- ment,) in a free, or loofe Trade. The Third is, a Compounded Way of both, which is; To go on, with the Trade of Whites, by the Old Company reltored ; And that your Majefty's Profit be raifed, by Order amongfl: Themfclves , Rather than by Double Cuflom, wherein you muftbe the Ac^or : And that, neverthelcfs, there be added a Privilege, to the fame Company, to carry out Cloathes Dyed, and DrefTed, Cuftom-frec ; Which will flill continue, as a glorious Beam of your Maje- fly's Royal Defign. I hope, and Wi(h, at leafl, that this, which I have written, may be of fbmc ufe, to your Majefly, to fettle, by the Advice, of the Lords about you, this great Bufinefs. At the lead, it is the EfTed-, of my Care, and poor Ability, which, if in me be any, it is given mc, to no other end, but faith- fully , to (erve your Majcfty. God ever preferve you. M Febr. itfif. four Majefiys ntoft humble Subjed, and bounden Servant, Fr. Baco. LXI. To Sir George Villiers. SIR, I humbly pray you, not to think me over hafly, or much in Appetite, if I put you in remembrance, of my motion of ftrengthening me, with the Oath, and Trulf, ro4- Letters and JSdetytoires Trud , of a Frivy Councellor ; rot for min(e own ftrength, (for as to that, I thank God, I am armed within,} but for the ftrength of my Service.The times, I fubmit to you, who knoweth them bed. But (ure I am, there were never times, which did more require, a Kings Attorney, to be w ell armed, and (as I (aid once to you,) to wear a Gauntlet, and not a Glove. The Arraignments when they proceed ; the Contention be- tween the Chancery and King's Bench , The Great Caufe of the Rege inconfulto^which is fo precious, to the King's Prerogative ,* Divers other Services, that concern the Kings Re^enrty and the repair of his Eftate. Befides, it pleafeth his yJ/^y^T?)'? to accept well of my relations touching his Bufmefs; which may feem a kind of /- terlopeing^ Cas the Merchants call it^} for one that is no Councellor. But I leave all unto you, thinking my felf infinitely bounden unto you, for your great favours : The beams whereof I fee plainly, reflect up- on me, even from others ; So that now, I have no greater ambition, than this , That, as the King, (hew- eth himlclf to you,the beiiMaflerfa I mought be found your bed Servant. In which Wi(h and Vow, I (hall ever reft, 27 Febr. 16 IS. Mofl Devoted and AffeBonate to obey your Commands, Fr. Bacon. LXII. o/^iy/r Fr A Ncis Bacon. 105 LXII. To His Majefty. // may pie afe your moft Excellent Majefly, AT my laft accefs to your Majedy, it was fit for me to confider the time, and your Journey, which maketh me now trouble your Majedy with a remnant of that I thought then to have faid ; Befides, your Old Warranty and CommilTion to me, to advertife your M^jefty, when you are auxs champs^ of any thing that concerned your Service, and my Place. I know your Majefty is * Muttquant minus folus, quam cumfoliu ; * Never and I confefs in regard of your great Judgment, (unto J^^^ alone, which nothing ought to be prefented, but well weigh- when a- ed,) I could almofl wiHi, that the manner o^Tiherius ion- were in ufe again, of whom Tacitus faith, t Mos erat \\Iqq^! qttamvjs prafenfemfcripto aJire ; much more in abfence. ilom of I (aid to your Majefty, that u hich I do now repeat, J^'J^/^j^, thit the Evidence upon which my Lord of Somerfet ,nake ftandcth indided, is of a good ftrong thread, confi- ^'j'.^^'rAP- dering, impoyfoning is the darkeft of Offences , bur, {o^t^eFJiI- that the thread mult be well fpun, and woven togc- perorin ther : For your Majefty knowcth, it is one thing to ^''i^'"^- deal with a Jury of Middlefex and Londoners, and ano- ther to deal witli the Peers ; whofc Objcds, perhaps, will not be fo much u iiat is before them in the prc- (cnt Cafe, (which I think is as odious to them as to the Vulgar,"^ but what may be hereafter. BcfiJcs, there be two dil^ulvantages, uc that (hall give in Kvi- dcncc ihal! meet with, fomeuliat confidcrablc; tlic oncy that x\v: l^mc tilings, olten opcn'd, lolc tlicir frelhneis, except there be an afperfion of lbmc'v\ hat t.'iar is new ; rlie ether i^, flie t".\peeT:arion r.i:(eJ P \\huh io6 Letters and Memoires, which makes things feem lefs than th^y are, becaufe they are leis than Opinion. Therefore I uere not your Attorney^ nor my felf, if I (hould not be very careful, that in this laft part, which is the Pinacle of Seaft"^ your former Juftice, all things may pafs * Sine offendi' Offence or culo^ finefcrupuio. Hereupon I did move two things, Scruple, vv'hich Qiaving now more fully explained my {^t\0 I do in all humblenefs renew. Firfl^ That your Majefty will be careful to chufe a ^/^^uj^r^ of Judgement, that may be able to moderate the Evidence, and cut offDi- greflionsj for I may interrupt but I cannot filence ; The other that there may be fpecial care taken, for the ordering the Evidence, not only for the Knitting, but for the Lid, and (^to ufe your Majefty's own words} the confining of it. This to do, if your Majefty vouchfafe to dired: it your (elf, that is the beft ; if not, I humbly pray you to require my LordChatJcellor^ that he, together with my Lord Chief Jujike, will confer . with my felf, and my fellows, that fliall be ufed for the Mardialling and bounding of the Evidence ; that we may have the help of his Opinion, as well as that o[ my Lord Chief Jujiice, whofe great Travels as I much commend : yet that fame Plerophoria, or over confidence doth always fubjed: things to a great deal of chance. There is another bufinefs proper for me to crave of your Majefty at this time, (as one that have in my eye a great deal of Service to be done,} concerning your cafual Revenue ; but confidering Times and Perfons, I defire to be ftrengthened by fome liich form of Com- mandment, under your Royal Hand, as I fend you here inclofed. I moft humbly pray your Majefty, to think, that I underfland my i^tl'i right well in this which I defire, and that it tendeth greatly to the good of your Service. The Warrant I mean not to impart, but o/'5/> Fran CIS Bacon. 107 but upon juH: occafion, thus thirfly to hear of your Majeftjs good health, I reft. n Jan. i<' and Thurfday before Wljttfontide; or, if that pleafe not his Majefty, (in re- (ped it may be his Majefty will be then in Town,where- as thefc Arraignments have been ftill in his Majefty 's abfcnce from Town,^ then to take Monday and Tuejday after Trinity Sunday^ being the Monday and Tuejday be- iore Trinity Term. Now for Sir VVilliam Alounjon^ if it be his Majefty s Pleafure that my Lord Chanceiior and I (hall proceed to the Examinr.rion of himXlor tiiat of the Duke of Xf>/^.v diiicrs, in that tlicrc is not the like caufe as in that ot Somcr- I lb Letters and Memoir es. Somerfet^') then his MajeAy may be pleafed to direct his Commandment and Warrant to my Lord Chief Ju- ftice^ to deliver unto me the Examination he took of Sir William Mounfon^ that thofe Joyned to the Infor- mation which we have received from Mr. Vice Cham' herlairiy may be full inflrudions unto us for his Exami- nation. Farther, I pray let his Majefly know, that on Thurjelay in the Evening, my Lord Chief Juftice and my felf attended my Lord Chancellor at his Houfe, for the fettling that Scruple which his Majefly mofl Juflly conceived in the Examination of the Lady Somerfet ; at which time, refting on his Majefty's Opinion, that that * Accord- Evidence, as it flandeth now uncleared, mult * Secun. LaVs'oV^ <^^w leges janic confcientiie be laid afide ; The queftion Good was, whether we Ihould leave it out, or try what a re- Ccinici- examination of my Lady Somerfet would produce ? Whereupon we agreed upon a reexamination of my Lady Somerfet^ which my Lord Chief Juflice and I have appointed for Monday Morning. I was bold at that Meeting to put my Lord Chief Juflice a pofing Quefti- on J which was. Whether that Opinion which his Bre- thren had given upon the whole Evidence, and he had reported to his Majefly j viz. That it was good Evi- dence, in their Opinions, to Convid my Lord of So^ merfet, was not Grounded upon this part of the Evi- dence now to be omitted, as well as upon the reft. Who anfwered pofitively, No ; and they never faw the Ex- pofition of the Letter, but the Letter only. The fame Thurfciay Evening, before we enter'd in- to this lafl matter, and in the prefence of Mr. Secreta* ry Winwood ( who left us when we went to the former buunefs, } we had Conference concerning the Frauds, and abufivc Grants pafTed to the prejudice of His Ma- jefly 's State of Revenue ; where my Lord Chief Ju- flice made feme Relation of his Collcdtions which he had Of Sir Francis Bacon. iit had made of that kind , of which I will only fay this, that I heard nothing that was New to me, and I found my Lord Chancellor in divers Particulars, more ready than I found him. We grew to a Diftribution both of Times and of Matters^ tor we agreed what to begin with prcfently, and what fliould follow, and alfo we had Confideration what was to be holpen by Law, what by Equity, and what by Parliament , Wherein I mud confefs, that in the lafl of thefe ( of which my Lord Chief Jujlice made mofl Account } I make moll Doubt. But the Conclufion was, That upon this En- trance, I fliould advife and confer at large with my Lord Chief Jufticc, and fet things in Work. The par- ticulars I refer till His Majefty's coming. The learned Council have attended me twice at my Chamber, to confer upon that which his Majefty gave us in Commandment, for our Opinion upon the Cafe fet down by my Lord Chancellor^ whether the Statutes extend to it or no, Wherein we are more and more cdifycd and confirmed, that they do not; and ihall Ihortly fend our Report to his Majefly. Sir I hope you will bear me VVitnefs, I have not been Idle , but all is nothing to the Duty I owe his Majcfty, for his fingular Favours paftand prefent, fup- plying all with Love and Prayers I refl, y^pr ,, Tour true Friend and devoted i6i6. Servant. Fra. B.:cofi. LXV. I 1 1 1 Letters and Memoires* LXV. To Sir George Villiers. SIR, Received from you a Letter of very brief and clear Directions, and I think it a great BlelTing of God upon rne and my Labours, that my Diredions come by fo clear a Conduit, as they receive no Tindure in the PafTage. Yeflerday my Lord Chancellor^ the Duke of .f(?x, and my Self, fpent the whole Afternoon at the low- er, in the Examination of Somerfet, upon the Articles fent from his Majefty, and fome other Additional, which were in Effed: contained in the former, but ex- tended to more particularity, by Occafion of fome- what difcovered by Cottons Examination, and Mr. rke* Chamherlalns Information. He is full of Proteftations , and would fain keep that quarter towards Spain clear ; ufing but this for Ar- gument, That he had fuch Fortunes from his Majefty, as he could not think of bettering his Conditions from Spain , becaufe (^as he faid} he was no military Man. He cometh notliing fo far on C for that which concern- eth the Treaty } as Cotton which doth much aggravate Sufpicion againft him. The farther Particulars I re- ferve to his Majefly's coming. * As it In the end, '^ tanquam Obiter^ but very efFedually, \ve!eby j-j^jy lqj-j Chancellor put him in mind of the State he ^' (iood in for the Imprifonment ; but he was little mo- ved with it, and pretended carelefnefs of life, fmce Ignominy had made him unfit for his M^jedy's Ser- vice. I am of Opinion, that the fair ufage of him, as ^/Sir Francis Bacon. 113 as it was fit for the Sfamflj Examinations, and for the Queftions touching the Papers and Difpatches, and all that J ib it was no good Preparative, to make him defcend intohimfelf touching his prefent danger ; And therefore my Lord Chancellor and my Self, thought not good to infifl upon it at this time. I have received from my Lord Chiefjujlice^ the Ex- amination of Sir William Mounfon ; with whom we mean to proceed to farther Examination with all fpeed. My Lord Chief Juftice is altered touching the Re- examination ofthe Lady, and defired mcthat we might (lay till he fpake with his Majefty, faying it could be no caftins back to the Bufincfe which I did approve. My Self with the refl: of my Fellows, upon due and mature Advice , perfeded our Report touching the Chancery ; for the receiving whereof, I pray you put his Majefty in mind, at his coming, to appoint fbme time for us to wait upon him all together, for the De- livery in of the fame, as we did in our former Certi- ficate. For the Revenue matters, I referve them to his Ma- jefty's coming , and in the mean time, I doubt not but Mr. Secretary Winwood will make fbmc kind of Report thereof to F3is Majefty. For the ConcluHon of your Letter concerning my own Comfort, I can but fay the Pfalm of * Qjtid retrihu^ * ^v;,3c am ? God that giveth me Favour in his Mijefly's Eyes, fiiaiiircn will ftrcngthen mc in his Majefly's Service. I ever ^" ' reft April 18. "four true and devoted '^i^' Servant, Fra. SaiC?L Q To 14. Letters and Memoires. To requite your Foftfcrlpt of Excufefor fcribling, I pray you excufe that the Paper is not gilt , I writing from Weftmnfier-Hall where we are not fo fine. LXVI. A Letter to the KING, with His Majejlys Obferyations upon it. It may pie afe your mofl Excellent Majejiy^ YOur Majefty hath put me upon a Work of Provi- dence in this great Caufe, which is to break and diilinguifh future Events into prefent Cafes ; and fo to prefent them to your Royal Judgement, that in this Ad;ion which hath been carried with fo great Pru- dence ; Juftice ; and Clemency , there may be, ( for that which remaineth,} as little Surprize as is pofTible; But that things duly forefeen may have their Reme- dies and Diredions in readinefs; wherein I cannot for- get what the Poet Martial faith ; quantum eft fuhitis cafihus ingeniuml fignifying, that Accident is many times more fubtil than Forefight, and over-reacheth Expedation , and befidcs, I know very well the mean- nefs of my own Judgement, in comprehending or fore- cafting what may follow. Tt was your Majefly's Pleafure alfo , that I fhould couple the Supposition with my Opinion in every of them, which is a harder Task; but yet your Majeily's Commandment requireth my Obedience, and your Yruft giveth me Affurance. I of Sir F RAN CIS Bacon. 1 15 I will put the In this Cafe^ it feemeth your Cafcy which I wi(h ; Majefty will have a new Confult. thzX-Sowerfet^oMld the Points whereof will be Cx ) make a clear Con- Whether your Majefty will ftay felfion of his OfTen- the Tryaly and fo fave them both ces , before he be from the Stage, and that pub- produced to Tryal. lick Ignominy. Or ( ^' ) Whe* Rex. / fay with ther you will ( or may fitly by Apollo, t Medio tu- Law) have the Tryal proceed, tThemid- tiiis itur, // // way and ftay or reprieve the Judge- die way h fland with Law; and ment ^ which faveth the Lands ^^^^^ // it cannot^ when I from Forfeiture, and the Blood fiall hear that he From Corruption. Or ( 3.) Whe- confejfeth , I am to ther you will have both Tryal make Choice of the and Judgement proceed and fave /irji or the laft, the Blood only, not from cor- rupting, but from fpilling. Thefe be the Depths of your Majefty 's Mercy which I may not enter into; but for Honour and Reputation they have thefc grounds. That the Blood of Overhury is already revenged by divers Exe- cutions. That Confejfion and Penitenof are the Footftooh of Mercy ^ ad- ding this Circumftance likewife, that tlie former Offenders did none of them make a clear Con- feflion. That the great Downfall of (b great Perfbns carrieth in it (eli, a heavy Judgement and a kind of a civil Death, although their Lives (hould not be taken. Q.% All 1 1 6 Letters and Memoires All which may fatisfie Honour for fparlng their Lives. But if your Majefty's Mercy Ihould extend to the firft Degree, which is the higheft of fparing the Stage and the Tryal ; then three things are to be confidered. Rex. This Article Firft, That they make fuch a cannot he mended in Submifiion or Deprecation as foint thereof. they proftrate themlelves, and all that they have, at your Majefty's Feet, imploring your Mercy. Secondly ; That your Majefty, in your own Wifdom, do advife what Courfe you will take, for the utter extinguifhing of all hopes of refulcitating of their Fortunes and Favour ; whereof if there Ihould be the lead Conceit, y it will leave in Men a great deal > of Envy and Difcontent. And laftly ; whether your Ma- jefty will not fufTer it to be thought abroad, that there is a Caufe of farther Examination of Somerfet, concerning matters of Eftate, after he fhall begin once to be a Confeflant, and fo make as well a Politick Ground as a groandof Clemency for farther flay. And for the (econd Degree of Proceeding to Tryal, and flaying Judgement, I mufl better Inform my felf, by Frefidents and advife with my Lord Chancellor. The of Sir Fr The Second Cafe is, if that fall out which is likefl Cas things (land and which we c\\itSt) which is, that the i^^confefs : And that Somerfet him- felf plead not guil- ty, and be found, guilty. Rex. If flay of 'Judgement can jland with the Law^ I could even iv'tjh it in this Cafe : In all the reft the Article cannot he mended. ANC I S B A C O N. 117 In this Cafe fir ft , I flippofe your Majefty will not think of any flay of Judgement, but that the publick Procefs of Juftice pafs on* Secondly, For your Mercy to be extended to both, for Pardon of their Execution, I have part- ly touched in the Confidcrations applyed to the former Cafe; whereunto may be added, that as there is ground of Mercy for her, upon her Penitency, and free Confefrion,and will be much more upon his finding guilty,* becaufe the Malice on his part will be thought the deeper Source of the Offence,- fo there will be ground for Mercy, on his part upon die nature ot the Proof, and becaufe it refts chiefly upon Pre- furaptions. For certainly, there may be an Evidence fb balanced, as it may have fufficient matter for the Confcience of the Peers to convi(5t him, and yet leave (lifiicient matter in the Conlci- encc of a King upon the fame Evidence, to pardon his Life^ becaufe the Peers are affringcd by Neceliity, cither to acquit or condemn; but Grace is free. And for my part, I think the Evidence in this prefent Laie will be of fuch a Nature. Uird- 1 1 8 Letters and Memoires. Thirdly ; it /hall be my Care Co to moderate the manner of ^ charging him, as it might make him not odious beyond the Ex- tent of Mercy. Rex. That Dan- Laflly ; all thefe points of Mer- ger is well to be fore- cy and Favour, are to be under- Jeen^ left he upon the flood with this Limitation, if he one part commit un~ do not by his Contemptuous, and pardonable Errors^ Infolent Carriage at the Barr, and I on the other make himfelf uncapable and un- part feem to punijb worthy of them. him in the Spirit of Revenge, The thirdCafe is, In this Cafe, I (hould think fit, if he fhould (land that, as in Publick, both my felf, Mute, and will not and chiefly my Lord Chancellor, plead,whereofyour (fitting then as Z- W Steward oi Majefty knoweth , England) Ihould dehort and de- there hath been ter him from that Defpcration ; fome Secret Que- fo neverthelefs , that as much flion. (hould be done for him, as was done for Wefion, which was to adjourn the Court for (bme days, upon a Chriftian Ground , that he may have time to turn from Rex. this Article that mind of deftroying himfelf; cannot be mended. during which time your Maje- {ly's farther Pleafiire may be known. The 0/ SVr Fr A N c I s B A c o N. 119 The foMrth Cafe In this Cafe the Lord Steward is that, which I muft be provided what to do. fhould be very for- For as it hath been never feen, ry it (hould hap- (^ as I conceive it } that there pen ; but it is a fu- (hould be any rejecting of the ture Contingent ; Verdi[i^ or any refpiting of the that is if the Peers 'judgment of the Acquittal, fo on fhould acquit him theother fide, this Cafe requircth, and find him not that becaufe there be many high Guilty. and heinous Offences, (though not Capital} for which he may Rex. 7his isfo al- be quefiioned in the Star Cham' fo her, or otherwife, that there be fbme touch of that in general, at the Conclufion,by my Lord Stew- ard of England, And therefore he be remanded to the Tower , as clofe Prifoner. For matter of Examination, or other Proceedings ; my Lord Chancellor^ with my Advice hath fet down, To morrowy being Monday, for the Reexamination of the Lady. Wednefday next, for the meeting of the Judges, concerning the Evidence. Thurfday, for the Examination of Somerfet himfelf, according to your Majefty's Inftrudions. Which three parts, when they (hall be performed, I will give your Majefty Advcrtilcment with fpeed, and in the mean time be glad to receive from your Majefty C whom it is my part to inform truly } fuch Diredi- ons, or fignifications of your Plcafurc, as this Advcr- tifement may induce, and that with fpeed, becaufe the time Cometh on : Well remembring who is the Perfon, whom izo Letters and Memoir es whom your Majefly admitted to this Secret , I have fent this Letter open unto him, that it may take your Majelly's times to report it, or (hew it unto you ; aflii- jing my felf that nothing is more firm than his Truft, tyed to your Majefly's Commandments. April x8. Tour MaJfly\ mo ft humble and mofi ^^^^' hounden Suhjetl and Servant, Fr. Bacon. LXVII. To Sir George Villiers. S I R, II have received my Letter from his Majefty, with his Marginal Notes, which (hall be my Directions, being glad to perceive I underfland his Majefly Co well. That fame little Charm, which may be fecretly infufed into Somerfet's Ear fome few hours before his Tryal, was excellently well thought of by his Majefly, and I do approve it, both for matter and time , only if it feem good to his Majefly, I would wifli it a little en- larged : For if it be no more than to fpare his Blood, he hatha kind of proud humor, which may over- work the Medicine. Therefore I could wiih it wqyq made a little ftronger, by giving him fome hopes that his Ma- jefly will be good to his Lady, and Child; and that time (^when Juflice, and his Majefly 's Honour, is once faved and fatisfied } may produce farther Fruit of his Majefly 's CompafTion : which was to be feen in the Ex- ample of Southampton^ whom his Majefly, after At- tainder, refiofed ; and Cohham and Gray, to whom his Ma- of Sir Francis Bacon. 121 Majefly notwithftanding they were Offenders agalnft his own Perfon ) yet he fpared their Lives ; and for Gray^ his Majefty gave him back fbme part of his E- ftate, and was upon Point to deliver him much more : He having been fb highly in his Majefty's Favour, may hope well, if he hurt not himfelfby his publick Mif- demeanour. For the Perfon that (hould deliver this Meflage, I am not fo well feen in the Region of his Friends, as to be able to make Choice of a Particular; my Lord Treafurer ^ the Lord Knolljs^ or any of his nearefl Friends, (hould not be trurted with it ; for they may go too far, and perhaps, work contrary to his Maje- fty's Ends. Tho(e which occur to me, are my Lord Hay^ my Lord Burleigh^ (of Englaml, I mean) and Sir Robert Carre. My Lady Somerfet hath been re-examined, and his Majefty is found, both a true Propfjct, and a mod juji King, in that Scruple he made : For now She expound- eth the Word He, that fhould (end the Tarts to Elway\ VVife, to be of Overhury, and not of Somerfet; But for the Perfon that ihould bid her, (he faith, it was Northampton, or Weflon, not pitching upon certainty, which giveth fome Advantage to the Evidence. Yefterday being Wednefday, I fpent four or five Hours with the ^t^dges, whom his Majefty defign'd to take Confideration with the four Judges of the Kings Bench, of the Evidence againft Somerfet. They all concur in Opinion, that the queftioning, and draw- ing him on to Tryal, is moft honourable and juft, and that the Evidence is fair and good. His Majefty's Letter to the Judges concerning the Commendams was full of Magnanimity and Wildom. I perceive his Majefty is never lefs alone, than when he is alone , for I am fure there was no body by him R to 1 1 z Letters and Afemoires. to inform him, which made me admire it the more. The Jut/ges have given a Day over, till the fecond Satterday of the next Term ; fo as that matter may endure farther Confideration, for his Majefly not only not to lofe Ground, but to win Ground. To morrow is appointed for the Examination of ^(7- merfet ^vfh\ch. by fome Infirmity of the Duke of Lenox^ was put off from this day. When this is done, I will write more fully, ever refling, May 2. i^i^. ^ 2or true and devoted Servant, Fr. Bacon. LXVIII. To Sir George Villiers.' SIR, IAm far chough from Opinion, that the Redinte^ gration or Refufcitation of Somerjefs Fortune can ever fland with his Majefly 's Honour and Safety , and therein I think I exprefl my {elf fully to his Majefty in one of my former Letters ; and I know well any ex- pectation or thought abroad will do much hurt. But yet the Glimmering of that which the King hath done to others by way of talk to him, cannot hurt as I con- ceive ,* but I would not have that part of the Meflage as from the King, but added by the Me{?enger, as from himfelf. This I remit to his Majedy's Princely Judge- ment. For the Perfon, though he trufr the Lieutenant well, yet it mull be fome new Man j For in thefe Cafes, that which o/^^/VFrancisBacon. 125 which is ordinary worketh not Co great Imprefiions as that which is new and extraordinary. The time I v\ iih to be the Tuefday^ being the Even of his LaJys Arraignment. For as his Majelly firfl: con- ceived, I would not have it (lay in his Stomack too long, left it fowre in the digeftion ; and to be too near the time, may be thought to tune him for that day. I fend here withall the fubftance of that which I purpo(e to fay nakedly, and only in that part which is of Tenderncfs ; for that I conceive was his Majefty's meaning. It will be ncceflary, becaufe I have diftributed parts to the two Serjeants^ Qis that Paper doth cxprefs,) and they underftand nothing of his Majefty's plea- furc of the manner of Carrying the Evidence, more than they may guefs by Obfervation of my Example, (which they may afcribe as much to my nature, as to diredion ,-) Therefore that his Majefty would be plea- fed to write (bme {qw words to us all, Signed with his own hand, that the matter it felf being Trj^/c^/ enough, bitternefs and infulting be forborn ; and that we re- member our part, to be to make him Delinquent to the Peers^ and not odious to the People. That part of the Evidence of the Ladys Expofition of the Pronoun Qhe^ which was firft caught hold of by me, and afterwards by his Majefty's fmgular Wifclom and Confcience, ex- cepted to, and now is by her reexamination retrad:- ed, I have given order to Serjeant Montague^ Cwithin whofc part it falleth) to leave it out of the Evidence. I do yet crave pardon, if I do not certific touching the Point of Law tor refpiting the Judgement, for I have not fully advifcd with my Lord Chancellor concerning it, but I will advertifc it in time. I fend his Majefty the Lord Steward's Commiffton in two fevcral Inftruments, the one to remain with my R 2. Lord 124- Letters and Memoir es Lord Chancellor^ which is that which is written in Se- cretary hand for his Warrant, and is to pafs the Sig- net J the other^ that whereunto the Great Seal is to be affixed, which is in Chancery-h^nd, his Majefty is to Sign them both, and to tranfmit the former to the Signet, if the Secretaries either of them be there, and both of them to be returned to* me with all fpeed, I ever reft, May y. i6ii. Xour true and devoted Servant^ Fr. Bacon. LXIX. To ^k KING. May ttpleafeyour Majefty, WE have done our bed Endeavours to perform your Majefly's Commiflion, both in matter and manner, for the Examination of my Lord Somer^ fet ; wherein that which pafled (for the General) was to this effed j That he was to know his own Cafe, for that his day of tryalcovXd not be far off; but that this days work was that which would conduce to your Ma- jefly's Juflicc little or nothing, but to your mercy much, if he did lay hold upon it , and therefore^ might do him good > but could do him no hurt; For as for your Juflice, there had been great and grave Opinion, not only of fuch Judges, as he may think violent, but of the mofl faddefl and mofl tempe- rate of the Kingdom, Who ought to underfland the ftate of the Proofs, that the Evidence was full to con- vi(Slhim, fp 03 th^re needeth neither Confeflion, nor fupply of Sir Francis Bacon. \^'y fupply of Examination. But for your Majcfty's mercy (^although he were not to expedl we fhould make any promife) wc did aflure him, that your Majefty was CompaflTionate of him,if he gave you (bme ground whereon to work ; that as long as he (lood upon his Innocency, and Tryal, your Ma^fty was tyed in ho- nour to proceed according to Juftice ; and that he httle underflood (^being a Clofc Prifoner) how much the ex^ fetation of the VVorld, befides your love to Jujlice it felf ingaged your Majefly, whatfoever your IncHnati- ons were : But neverthelefs, that a frank and clear Confeffion might open the Gate of Mercy, and help to fatisfie the Point of Honour. That his Lady (jis he knew, and that after many Oaths and Imprecations to the contrary) had never- thelefs in the end, been touched with remorfe, con- feffed that fhe that led him to Offend, might lead him likewife to repent of his Offence. That the Confefli- on of one of them could not fitly do either of them much good, but the Confeffion of both of them might work fome farther effecSt towards both. And there- fore, in conclufion, we wifh'd him not to fhut the Gate of your Majefty's mercy againfl: himfelf, by being 'obdurate any longer. This was the effed of riiat which was fpoken, part by one of us, part by ano*- ther, as it fell out, adding farther that he might well difccrn who fpake in us, in the courfe we held , for that Commijftoners for Examination might not prefume fo far of themielves. Not to trouble your Majefty with Circumdanccs of his Anfwers, the (equell was no other, but that, we found him flill, not to come any degree farther on to confefs; onely his Behaviour was very fober^ and modefl and mild, ( differing apparently from other times} 1 1 6 Letters and Memoir es. times) but yet, as it feem'd , refolv'd to have his Tryal. Then did we proceed to examine him upon divers Queftions, touching the Impoyfonment , which indeed were very material, and fuppiemental to the former Evidence ; wherein either his Affirmatives gave fome light, or his Negatives do greatly falfifie him, in that which is apparently proved. We made this farther Obfervation, that when we asked him fbme queftion that did touch the Trince^ or fome Foreign Fratlke^ (which we did very fparingly at this time) yet he grew a little (lir'd, but in the quefti- ons of the Impoyfonment very cold and modeft. Thus not thinking it neceffary to trouble your Majefty with any farther Particulars, we end with Prayer to God, ever to preferve your Majefty. Tour Majefty s mofl Loyal and faithful Servant, Fr. Bacon. Toftfcript. If it feem good unto your Majefty we think it not amifs fome Preacher, (well chofen} had Accefs to my Lord of Somerfet, for his preparing and. Comfort, although it be before his Tryal, LXX. To the Lord Chief Juftice Coke. My very Good Lord, T Hough it be true, that who confidereth the Wind and the Raio, fiiall neither fbw nor reap , yet there is a feafon for every Adtion, and Co there is a time Of Sir Francis Bacon. 127 time to rpeak, and a time to keep filencc. There is a time when the words of a poor fimple man may profit ; and that poor man m the Treacher^ which delivered the City by his Wifdom, found that without this 0{)- portunity, the ower both of Wifdom and Eloquence lo(e but their labour, and cannot charm the deaf Ad- der. God therefore, before his Son that bringcth mer- cy, fent his Servant the Trumpeter of Repentance to level every high Hill , to prepare the way before him, making it fmooth and ftreight : And as it is in Spiri- tual things, where Chrift never comes before his way- maker hath laid even the heart with forrow and repen- tance ; (fincc felF- conceited and proud Perfons think them(elves too good and too wife to learn of their In- feriours, and therefore need not the Phyfician ;} fo in the rules of earthly wifdom , it is not poHible for Na- ture to attain any Mediocrity of Pcrfed:ion, before flie be humbled by knowing her (elf, and her own ignor- ance. Not only knowledge, but alfo every other Gift (which we call the Gifts of Fortune) have power to puff up Earth : Afflidions only level thofe Mole-hills of Pride ; Plough the Heart, and make it fit for VVifl dom to fow her feed, and for Grace to bring forth her increafc. Happy is that man therefore, both in regard of Heavenly and Earthly wifdom, that is thus wound- ed to be cured ; thus broken to be made ftraight,- thus made acquainted with his own Impcrfediions, that he may be perfected. Suppofing this to be the t'rae of your afHidion, that which I have propounded to my (elf is, by taking this feafonable advantage, like a true Friend (though far unworthy to be counted fo) to Hicw you, your true (hapc in a Glnfs, and that not in a faKc one, to fiatter you, nor yet inonc that fliould make you feem uorfe than you are, and fo ollcnd you ; but m one made by 12 8 Letters and Memoir es. ^^ by the refledion of your own words and adions , From whofe light proceeds the voice of the People^ which is often not unfitly called the voice of Goci. Bui there- in Qfmce I have purpofed a truth) I niuft intreat liber- ty to be plain, a liberty that at this time I know not whether or no, I may ufe fafely, I am fare at other times I could not ; yet of this refolve your felf, it pro- ceedeth from love, and a true defire to do you good ; that you knowing the General Opinion may not alto- gether negledt or contemn it, but mend what you find amifs in your (elf, and retain what your Judgment fliall approve ; for to this end ftiall truth be delivered as naked as if your felf were to be Anatomized by the hand of Opinion. All men can fee their own profit, That part of the Wallet hangs before. A true Friend (whofe worthy Office I would perform, fmce I fear, both your felfy and all Great Men^ want fuch, being themfelves true Friends to few or none} is firft to fliew the other, and which is from your Eyes. Firji^ Therefore, behold your Errors ,* In difcourfe you delight to fpeak too much, not to hear other men ; this, fbme fay, becomes a Pleader not a Judge ; For by this fbmetimes your Affections are intangled with a love of your own Arguments, though they be the weaker, and rejedling of thofe, which when your Af- fe(fiions were fetled, your own Judgement would al- low for flrongefl. Thus while you fpeak in your own Element, the Laii\ no man ordinarily equals you ; but when you wander (as you often delight to do} you wander indeed, and give never fuch fatisfacStion as the curious time requires. This is not caufed by any natu- ral defedi, but firfl for want of Ele^ion, when you ha- ving a large and fruitful mind, ihouJd not fo much la- bour what to fpeak, as to find what to leave unfpoken : Rich Soils are often to he weeded. Secondly^ of Sir Francis Bacon. izj^ Secondly^ You cloy your Auditory, when you would be obferved ; Speech mud be either fwect or Ihort. Thirdly, You converfe with Booksy not Men, and Books fpecially humane, and have no excellent choice w ith Men, who are the heft Books. For a man of Acti- on and Employment you (eldom converfe with, and then but with your Underlings , not freely, but as a School mafler with his Scholars, ever to teach, never to learn; But iffbmetimes you would in your Familiar Difcourle, hear others and make Eledion of fuch as know what they (peak ; you fhould know many of thefe Tales you tell, to be but ordinary , and many other things, which you delight to repeat, and (erve in for Mavelties, to be but ftale; As in your F leadings, you were wont to infult over mifery, and to inveigh bitterly at the Perfons (which bred you many Enemies, whofe Poyfon yet fwclleth, and the effeds now ap- pear;} fo are you ftill wont to be a little carelcfs in tliis Point, to praife, or difgrace, upon flight Grounds, and that fbmetimes untruely , fo that your Reproofs or Commendations, are, for the moft part, ncglcdcd and contemned ; When the Cenfure o^ a Judge (^coming flow, but fiire) (hould be a Brand to the Guilty, or a Crown to the Vertuous. You will jeft at any man in Publick without refpe<2 of the Perfons Dignity, or your own : This difgraccth your Gravity, more than it can advance the Opinion of your Wit; and fo do all Anions which we fee, you do diredly with a touch of vain Glory, having no refped: to the true end. You make tlic Law to lean too much to your Opinion, whereby you Ihew your felf to be a Legal Tyrant, ftri- king with that weapon where you plcafe ; fincc you are able to turn the edge any way. For thus the wife Mafler of the Law gives warning to young Students, that they (hould be wary, left while they hope to be S innrucl:- I 5 o Letters and Memoires. in(lrud:ed by your integrity and knowledge , they fliould be deceived with your skill armed w.th Autho- rity. Your too much love of the World is too much feen, when having the living of a thouland you relieve few or none : The hand that has taken (o much, can it give (b little ? Herein you (hew no Bowels of Com- panion, as if you thought all too little for your felf ; or that God had given you all that you have (if you think Wealth to be his G//>, I mean that you get well, for I know fure, the refl is not} onely to that end you ihould ftill gather more, and never be fatisfied; but try how much you would gather, to accompt for all at the Great and General Audit-day. We defire you to amend this , and let your poor Temnts in Norfolk find fbme Comfort, where nothing of your Ellate is (pent towards their relief, but brought up hi- ther, to the Impoveriftiing of your Country. In your laft, which might have been your left piece o^ Service to the State, afftd:ioned to follow that old rule, v.hich giveth Juftice Leaden Heels, and Iron Hands , you ufed too many delays till the Deliniiuents Hands w^ere loofed, and yours bound : In that work you feemed another Fahim ; Where the humour of Marcellm would have done better: What. need you have fought more Evidences than enough? while you pre- tended the finding out of more (milling your aim} you difcredited what you had found. This bed Judgements think ; though you never ufed fuch Speeches as arc Fa- thered upon you ,* yet you might well have done it, and but rightly ; For this Crime was fecond to none, but the Towder-Fiot : That would have blown up all at one blow, a merciful cruelty ; This would have done the fame by degrees, a lingring, but a fure way ,- One might by one be called out, till all oppofers had been removed. Befides^ of Sir F RAN CIS Bacon. i ji Befides, that other Plot was Scandalous to R^wCy making Popery Odious in the fight of the whole World ; This hath been Scandalous to the whole Go. fpel ; and fince the firft Mul/ity to this inftant, when Juflice hath her hands bound, the Devil could not have invented a more mi(chievous practice, to our State and Church, than this hath been, is, and is like to be. God avert the Evil. But herein you committed another fault; That as you were too open in your Proceedings, and fo taught them whereby to defend thcmfelves , fo you gave them time to undermine Juftice, and to work upon all Ad- vantages, both of Affedions and Honour, and Oppor- tunity, and Breach of Friendfliip; which they havefb well followed, fparing neither Pains nor Cofts, that it almoft feemeth an higher offence in you to have done fo much indeed, than that you have done no more ; you ftopt the Confelfions and Accufations of fbme who perhaps, had they been (ufTered, would have fi3o- ken enough to have removed fbme (lumbling Blocks out of your way , and that you did not this in the fa- vour of any one, but of I know not what prefent unadviied humours, fuppofmg enough behind to diG cover all ; which fell not out Co. Howfoever, as the Apojlle faith in another Cafe, you went not rightly to the truth ; and therefore though you were to be commend- ed for what you did ; yet you were to be reprehend- ed for many Circumftances in the doing ; and doubt- lefs God harh an eye in this Crofs, to your negligence,- and the Briers are left to be pricks in your fides, and thorns in your eyes. But that whic'i we commend you for, are tho(e Excellent Parts in Natjre^ and Knowledge inthe/-ju>, which you are endued v.irhall; but thcle are onely good in rlieir good ufe. Wherefore we tliank you heartily for (landing Hourly in t!ic Common- S 1 weahlis I 3 z Letters and Memoires wealth's behalf ; hoping it proceedeth not from a dif- pofition to oppofe Greatnefs, (zs your Enemies fay} but to do Juftice, and deliver truth indillerently, with- out refpedi: of Perfbnsj and in this we pray for your profperity, and are forry that your good ad:ions fhould not always fucceed happily. But in the carriage of this you were faulty, for you took it in hand in an evil time, both in refpecSt of the prefent Bufinefi which is interrupted, and in regard of his prefent Skheji whom it concerned, whereby you difunited your flrength , and made a Gap for the Enemies to pals out at, and to return and aiTault you. But now fince the Cafe fo ftandeth, we deiire you to give way to power, and Co to fight that you be not utterly broken, but referved intirely to ferve theCom^ m on wealth again, and do what good you can, fince you cannot do all the good you would, and fince you are fallen upon this Rock, cad out the Goods to fave the Bottom : Stop the Leaks and make towards Land , Learn of the Steward, to make Friends of the unrigh- teous Mammon. Thofe Spaniards in Mexico who were chafed of the Indians^ tell us what to do with our Goods in our Extremity, they being to pafs over a Ri- ver in their Flight, as many as caft away their Goldy fwam over fafe ; but fome more covetous , keeping their Gold^ were drowned with it, or over-taken and flain by the Savages : You have received, now learn to give. The Beaver learns us this Leflbn, who being hunted for his Stones bites them off; You cannot but have much of your Eftate (pardon my plainnefs} ill got ; think how much of that you never fpake for, how much by fpeaking injuftly or in unjuft Gaufes. Account it then a bl effing of God, if thus it may be laid out for your good, and not left for your heir, to haften the wafting of much of the reft, perhaps of all : For fo we of Sir Francis Bacon. 13^ we^ fee God oftentimes proceeds in Judgement with many hafly Gatherers ,* You have enough to (pare, be- ing welf laid to turn the Tide, and fetch all things a- gain. But if you efcape, I fuppofe it worthy of an (ff^ fince you kno^v the old u(e, that none called in Quefti- on mud go away Uncenfured. Yet confider that Accu~ fations make Wounds > and leave Scars, and though you fee the Toy/e behind your back, your felf iree^ and the Covert before, yet remember there arc Stands; Truft not a reconciled Enemy , but think the peace is but to fecure for farther advantage, or exped a (econd and a third Encounter ; the Mah Battle ; the Wings are yet unbroken, they may Charge you at an inftant, or death before them ; Walk therefore Circumfpedly, and if at length by means of our good Endeavours,and yours, you recover the favour that you have loft , give God the Glory in adtion, not in words only ; and re- member us with fenfe of your paft misfortune, whofe E/iate hath, and may hereafter lye in the power of your breath. There is a great mercy in Difpatcb, Delays are Tor- tures, wherewith by degrees we are rent out of our Eftates (4) ; do not you (if you be reftored} as fome others do fly from the (ervicc of Vertue to ihrve the time, as if they repented their Goodncfi, or meant not to make a ftcond Hazard in God's Hou(e; but ra- ther let this Crofs make you zealous in God s Caule, (enfible in ours, and more fenfible in all ; which ex- prefs thus. You have been a great Enemy to Papijls^ if you love God, be fo ftill, but more indeed than here- tofore ; for much of your zeal was heretofore wafted {i) My Lord Biton obferves in his Effdys that the Scripture faitfr,. There be that turn Judgea.ent into Wormwood ; and faith h,e. Surely there be alio that turn it into Vinegar 5 For Inju/iicc makcth it bitter, and Delajs make it fowre; in I '3 4- Letters and Memoires. in words, call to remembrance that they were the per- fons that Prophefied of that Crofs of yours long before it happened , they favv the Storm coming, being the principal Contrivers and furtherers of the Plot, the Men that blew the Coals, heat the Iron, and made all things ready, they owe you a good Turn, and will if they can pay it you ; You fee their hearts by their deeds, prove then your Faith fo too : The bell good work you can do, is to do the bed you can againft them, that is to fee the Law feverely, juftly and dili- gently executed. And now we befeech you, my Lordy be fenfible both of the Stroak, and hand that ftriketh ; learn of VaviJ to leave Shmei^ and call upon God, he hath {bme great work to do, and he prepareth you for it ; He would never have you faint, nor yet bear this Crofs with a Stoical refolution ; There is a Chriftian Medio- crity ^ worthy of your Greatneft. I mufl be plain, per- haps ralli ; had fome l^otes which you had taken at Sermons been written in your heart to pradife ; this work had been done long ago, without the Envy of your Enemies ,* but when we will not mind our felves^ God (if we belong to him^ takes us in hand, and be- caufe he feeth that we have unbridled Stomacks, there- fore he lends outward Crofles, which, while they caufe us to mourn, do comfort us , being affured Tefti monies of his love that fends them. To humble our lelves therefore before God, is the part of a Chrt- ftian ; but for the World and our Enemies, the Coua- fel of the ?oet is apt, Tu ne cede malis^ fe^ contra audentior itOy But thou, fccure of Soul, unbent with Woes. The more thy Fortune frowns, the more oppofe. Dryd. Virg. Lib. 6. The Of Sir Francis Bacon. i jf The laft part of this Council you forget , yet none need be afliamed to make ufe of it, that Co being Armed againft Cafualties, you may {land firm againft the Affaults on the right Hand, and on the left. For this is certain , the MinJ that is mod prone to be puft up with Vrofperity^ is moft: weak, and apt to be dej(5ed with ih^c lead PufT of Aiherfity, fndccd She is llrong enough to make an Able Man dagger, ftri- king terrible Blows ; But true Chridian Wildom gives us Armour of Proof, againd all Aflaults and tcacheth us in all Ejlates to be content ; for though She caufe our trued Frienils, to declare thcmfelvcs our Enemies; Though She give heart then, to the mod cowardly to- drike us , Though an hours continuance countervails an Age of Profpcrity; Though She cad in our Di(hall that ever wc have done ; Yet hath She no Power to hurt the humble and wife, but only to break fuch as too much Profperity hath made dide in their own Thoughts, but weak indeed ; aj]d fitted for renewing. When the Wife rather gather from thence Profit and Wifdome; by the Example of David, who faid, Be- fore I was chaflifed 1 went ajiray. Now then lie that knoweth the riglit way, will look better to his Footing, Cardan faith. That Weeping, P<^fti*^ ^*'^ ^^^^^^f,-, ^^^ ^^^ chief Purgers of Grief; Indeed naturally they do af^ fwage Sorrow ; But God in this Cafe, is the only and bed Phyfitian; the Means he hath Ordained are the Ad- vice of Friends, the Amendment of our (elves; for Amendment is both Phyfitian and Cure. For Friends, Although your Lordjhip be (cant, yet \ hope you are not altogether deditute ,- If you do but look upon ^ood Books, they are true Friends, that will neither Hatter nor didcmble ; be you but true to your Self, applying what they teach unto the Party grieved, and you ihall need 15^ Letters and Aiemoires need no other Comfort nor Council. To them, and to God's holy Spirit, directing you in the reading of them, I commend your LorJjhip ; befecching him to fend you a good liTue out of thefe Troubles, and from henceforth to work a Reformation in all that is amifs, and a refolute Perfeverance, Proceeding and Growth, in all that is good, and that for his Glory, the better- ing of your Self, this Church, and Commonwealth ; whofe Faithful Servant whilflyou remain, I remain, ^ Faithful Servant toy OH. Fra. Bacon LXXI. To Sir George Villiers. SIR, TH E Time is, as I ihould think, now, or never, for his Majefty, to finifli his good meaning to- wards me ; If it pleafe him to confider, what is pad, and what is to come. If I would tender my Profit, and oblige Men unto me, by my Place and Pradice, I could have more Pro- fit than I could devife , And could oblige all the World, and offend none ; which is a brave Condition, for a Man's private. But my Heart, is not, on thefe things. Yet on the other fide, I would be forry, that worthlefs Perfons, fliould make a Note, that I get nothing, but Pains and Enemies ; and a little popular Reputation, which of Sir F RAN CIS Bacon. i 37 which followeth me, vvhetlier I will or no. If any thing be to be done for your (elf, I (hould take infinite Contentment; That my Honour\ might wait upon yours : But I would be loath, it (hould wait upon any Man's tVit. If you would put your Strength, to this Bufincfs, it is done; and that done, many things more will begin. God keep you ever. I reft May ^o. Tour true and devoted *^'^- Servant. Fra. Bacon. LXXFI. To the KING. May it pleafeyour tnojl Excellent Maje/iy, 1am not fwift to deliver any thing to your Majefty, before it be well weighed. But now that I have In- lormed my Self of as much as is necclfary, touching this Proceeding of the Judges, to the Argument of the Commendams ( notwithftanding your Mnjeliy's Pleafiire figniftcd by me, upon your Majcfly's Commandment ; in Prefence of my Lord Chancellor and tlie Bi[hop of VVincbeJler to the contrary,) I do think it fit to adver- rile vourMajelly what hath paflcd ; the rather becaufe I fuppofe the Judges, fince they perform'd not your Commandment, have at lead given your Majefty their Rcafons of failing therein , I being to anfwer for the doing your .Majclly's Commandments, and they for the not doing. I did conceive, that in a Caufe that concerned your Majclly and your Royal Power, the Ji^dges having 2 8 Letters and Memoires heard your Attorney General argue the Saturday before, would of themfclves have taken farther time to be ad- vifed. And C if I fail not in memory ) my Lord Coke recei- ved from your Majefly's felf, as I take it, a precedent Commandment, in Hilary Term 5 that both in the Rege inconjulto^ and in the Commendams^ your Attorney fhould be heard to fpeak, and then flay to be made of farther Proceedings, till my Lord had fpoken with your Majefly. Nevertheiefs, hearing that the Day appointed for the Judges Argument held, contrary to my Expectation, I fent on fhurfday in the Evening ( having received your Majefty's Commandment but the Day before , in the Afternoon ) a Letter to my Lord Coke, whereby I let him know, that upon fbme P.eport of my Lord oi Winchefter^ C who by your Commandment v/as pre- fentat my Argument of that which pafled , ) it was your Majefly's exprefs Pleafurc, that no further Pro- ceedings fhould be, until you had conferred with your Judges ; which your Majefty thought to have done at your being now lail in Town ; but by Reafon of your many and weighty Occafions, your Princely Times would not ferve , and that it was your pleafurc he fliould ftgnifie fb much to the reft of the Judges, where- of his Lordjhip might not fail. His Anfwer by Word to my Man was, that it were good the reft of the Judges underftood fo much from my fclf, whereupon 1 (that cannot skill of Scruples in matter of Service ) did write, on Friday three feveral Letters of like Con- tent, to the Judges of the Common Fleas, and the Ba^ rons of the Exchequery and the other three Judges of the Kings Bench, mentioning in that laft, my particu- lar Letter to ray Lord Chirffufiice, This o/"5'/> Francis Bacon. 139 This was all I did, and thought all had been fiire, in (b much as the fame Day being appointed in Chan^ eery for your Majefty's great Caufe, ( followed by my Lord MunJJen * } I writ two other Letters to both ^ Chief Juftkes, to put them in mind of alTifting my IJ'jep^jf! Lord Chancellor ^t the Hearing. And when my Lord cd by my Chancellor himfelf took fome Notice upon that Occa- ^^"^^ "^ fion openly in the Chancery^ that the Commendams could not hold prefently after, I heard the Judges were gone about the Commendants ; which I thought at firft, had been only to adjourn the Court. But I heard after, that they proceeded to Argument. In this their doing, I conceive they mud either ex- cept to the Nature of the Commandment, or to the Credence thereof; both which, I alTure my felf, your Majcdy will maintain. tor if they ihould fland upon the general Ground, * nulii npgahimuSy nulli differemus Juflitiam^ it receiveth two Anrwers. Thcene; That reafonable and mature * ^^^j^l Advice may not be confounded, with delay , and that or deiTy* they can well allcdge when it plea(eth them. The ^loingju- other is that there is a great Difference between a Ca(e a-lyVc?- mcerly between Sub)c I do accept of the former, to be Qounfellor for the pre- fent, and to give over Pleading at Barr ; let the other Matter reft upon my Proof, and his Majefty's Pleafure, and the Accidents of Time. For to fpeak plainly, t would be loath, that my Lord Chancellory to whom I owe mod after the King, and your Self, fliould be lock- ed to his Succejjory for any Advancement, or graccing of me. So I ever remain, June 3. 16 \6. four true and tnoft Devoted and Moji Obliged Servant, Fr. Bacon. V z To 14-8 Letters and Memoires LXXV. To Sir George Villiers. Sin, I Send his Majefty a Draught, of the A^ of Council, concerning the fuc/ges Letter; penned as near as I could to his Majefty's lnflrud:ions received in your Prefence. I then told his Majefly, my Memory was not able, to keep way with his ; and therefore his Ma- jefty will pardon me for any Omiflions, or Errours ; and be pleafed, to fupply, and reform the fame. I am pre- paring , fome other Materials, for his Majefty's excel- lent Hand, concerning Bufinefs that is coming on. For iince his Majefty, hath renewed my Heart within me, methinks, I fliould double my Endeavours. God ever preferve and profper you ; I reft^ June 1 a. Tour mofl devoted and ^^^^' hounden Servant^ Fr. Bo LXXVI. of Sir Francis Bacon. i 49 Touching the CommenJams. At Whitehall the Sixth of June^ Anno i6i6. Prefenc the KING's MAJESTY. Lord Archl'tfhop of Cant, Lord Wot ton. Lord Chancellor. Lord Stanhop. Lord Treasurer. Lord Fenton. Lord Privy SeaL Mr, y ice -Chamber la in. Lord Chamkrlain. Mr, Secretary Winwood. Duke of Lenox, Mr. Secretary Lake. Lord Zouche. Mr. Chancellor of the Excheq j BiJhoP of Winton. Majler of the Rolls. Lord Knollys. T T I S MajeJIy having this day given Order for I X Meeting of the Council, and that all the Judges Cbeing Twelve in Number} fhould be fent for to be prefent, when the Lords were fat , and the Judges ready attending ; His Majejly came himfelfin PerS)n to Council^ and opened to them the Caufe of that Af- fembly ; which was that he had called them together concerning a Q^eflion that had Relation to no private Perfon, but concerned God and the King^ the power of this Crown, and the State of his Church, whereof he was Prote^or; and that there was no fitter place to It is very clear, that this is the AH o( Council referred to in the prece- ding Letter, and drawn up by Sir Fr. Bicon, which being writti'n in a fair manner, I accidentally bought, and have correded feveral Errors therein. If any remain, as I believe the Reader will think there dotfj ; it is be- caule I had no opportunity to pcrufe the CounciLBooks. handle 10 Letters and Memoir es. handle it, than at the Heads of his CounciLTable : That there had been a dueftion pleaded and argued concerning Commendams ; The proceedings \^'herein had either been mifreported or mishandled,- for his Majefly a year fince had receiv'd Advertifements con- cerning the Caufe in two Entrances, by fome that In- trenched into his Prerogative Royal , in the General Power of Granting Commendams ; and by others, that the Doubt reded onely upon a fpecial nature of a Commendam^ fuch as in reCpecSt of the Incongruity and exorbitant form thereof might be queflioned without impeaching or weakening the General Power of all. Whereupon his Majefly willing to know the true {late thereof, commanded the Lord Bijhop of Winche^ fier^ and Mr. Secretary Winwood to be prefent at the next Argument, and to report the Hate of the Quefli- on and proceeding to his Majefly. But Mr. Secretary Winwood being abfent by Occafion, the Lord of Win^ chefier onely was prefent, and made Information to his Majedy of the Particulars thereof, which his Majefly Commanded him to report to the Board. Whereupon the Lord of Winchefter flood up, and faid. That Ser^ jeant Chihorne^ who argued the Caufe againfl the Com^ mendams had maintained divers Pofitions and Aflertions very prejudicial to his Majefly's Prerogative Royal ; as firll, That the Tranflation of Riftjops was againft the Canon Law ; and for Authority vouched the C^ic. cols i6o Letters and Memoir es. cols which was after, but efpecially iince one of the Parties is a Bijhop who pleaded for the Comwendams by the Virtue of his Majefly's Prerogative. Alfo whereas it was contained in the Judges Letter, that the Parties called upon them earneftly for Juftice , his Majefty conceived it to be but Pretence , Urging tbem to prove that there was any Solicitation by the Parties for Expedition , otherwiie then in an ordinary Courfe of Attendance ; which they could not prove. As for the Form of the Letter, his Majefty Noted, that it was a new Thing, and very undecent and unfit for Subjects to difobey the King's Commandment, but moll of all to proceed in the mean time, and to return to him a bare Certificate ; whereas they ought to have concluded with the laying down and reprefenting of their Reafons modeftly to his Majefty, why they lliouid proceed , and fo to have fubmitted the fame to his Princely Judgment, expeding to hear from him whether they had given him Satisfadion. After this his Majefty 's Declaration^ all the Judges fell down upon their Knees, and acknowledged their Error for Matter and Form, humbly craving his Ma- jefty 's gracious Favour and Pardon for the fame. But tor the Matter of the Letter, the Lord Chief J u^ fiice of the Kings Bench entred into a Defence thereof; The Effed whereof was ; That the Stay required by his Majefty was a Delay of Juftice, and therefore con- trary to Law, and the Judges Oath , and that the Judges knew well amongft themfelves, that the Cafe (^as they meant to handle it^ did not concern his Ma- jefty 's Prerogative of gran ting o'iComr/iendams. And thajt II the Day had not held by the not coming of the Judges, the Suit had been difcontinued , which had been a failing of Juftice, and that they could not ad- journ it , becaufe Mr. Attorneys Letter mentioned no Day of Sir Francis Bacon. \6i Day certain, and that an Adjournment muft always be to a Day certain. Unto which Anfwer of the Chief Juftice, his Maje- fly did reply, that for the lad Conceipt it was meer Sophijiryy for that they might in their Difcretions have prefixed a convenient Day, fuch as there might have been time for them to confult with his Majefly before, and that his Majcfty left that Point of Form to themfelves. And {or that other Point, that they (hould take upon them peremptorily to dilcern whether the Plea con- cerned the King's Prerogative, without confulting with his Majefly firft, and informing his Princely Judg- ment, was a thing prepofterous ; For that they ought firft to hive made that appear to his Majefty, and (6 to have given him Aflurance thereof upon confulting with him. And for the Matter, that it fhould be againft the Law, and againft their Oath , his Majefly faid he had fpoken enough before ; unto which the Lord Chief Ju^ Jiice in ciTc(^ hzd made no Anfwer, but only infifled upon the former Opinion ; and therefore the King re- quired the Lord Chancellor to deliver his Opinion upon that Point, whether the Stay that had been required by his Majefly were contrary to Law, or againfl the Judges Oath. 'Xh^ Chancellor flood up and moved his Majefly that becaufe this Queflion had Relation to Matter of Law, his Majelly would be informed by his learned Council firll, and they Tirfl to deliver their Opinions which his Majefly commanded them to do. Whereupon his Majefly s Attorney General gave hi Opinion, that the putting oil oi the day in manner a^ was required by his Majelly to his Undcrflanding, was V ithout aJl Icruple no delay ot Jullicc, nor danger oi Y the i6i Letters and Memoir es the Judges Oath ; infifting upon feme of the Reafbns which his Majefty had formerly opened, and adding that the Letter he had formerly written by his Maje- fly's Command, was no Imperious Letter , as to fay his Majefty for certain caufes, or for caufes known to himfdr, would have them put off the day ; but fairly and plainly expreifed tlie Caufes unto them, for that the King conceived upon my Lord o[ Winton's R-eport, that the Caufe concerned him , and that his Majefly would have willingly fpoken with them before, but by reafbn of his important Bufmefs could nor, and there- fore required a ftay till they might conveniently fpeak with him, which they knew could not be long. And in conclufion of his Speech wiflied the "fudges to con- fider fcriouOy with themfelves, whether they were not in greater danger of Breach of their Oaths by the proceedings than they would have been by their ftay ; For that it is part of their Oath to counfel his Majefty when they arc called ; and if they will proceed firft in a Bufmefs whereupon they are called to Counfel, and will Counfel him when the Matter is paft, it is more than a fimple Refufal to give him Council,* and fo con- cluded his Speech, and the reft of the learned Coun- cil confented to his Opinion. Whereupon the Lord Chief Juflice of the Kings Bench anfwering nothing to the Matter, took Excepti- on that the King's Council, Learned (hould plead or difpute with the Judges , For he faid they were to plead before Judges and not to difpute with them. Whereun- to the King's Attorney replycd, that he found that Ex- ception ftrange, for that the King's Learned Council, were by Oath and Office, and much more where they had the King's exprefs Commandment, without Fear of any Man's Face, to proceed or declare againft any the greateft Peer or Subject of the Kingdom , and not onely of Sir Francis Bacon. 163 onely any Subjcd in particular, but any Body of Sub- jeds or Perfbns were they Judges , or were they ofan Upper or lower Houfe ot Parliament^ in Cafe they ex- ceed the Limits of their Authority, or took any thing iVom his Majefty's Royal Power or Prerogative : And fo concluded, that this Challenge, and that in his Ma- jefty's Prefence, was a Wrong to their Places, for which he and his Fellows did appeal to his Majefty for Repa- rat'on. And thereupon his Majefty did affirm, that it was their Duty fo to do^ and that he would maintain them therein, and took Occafion afterward again to fpeak of it, for when the Lord Chief Juflice (aid he would not difpute with his Majefty, the King replyed, That the Judges would not difpute with him, nor his Learned Council might not difpute with them , Co whether they did well or ill, it muft not be difputed. After this the Lord Charicellor declared his Mind plainly and clearly, that the Stay that had been by his Majefty required, was not againft the Law , nor a Breach of the Judges Oath, and required that tlic Judges Oath it feU, might be read out of the Statute, which was done by the King's Solicitor, and all the Words thereof weighed and confidercd. Thereupon his Majejly and the Lords thouglit^ood, to ask the Judges (everally their Opinions ; the Q^jelli- on being put in this Manner: iVhethsr if at any tirncy in a Caje depending before the Judges his Majefty coicci- zed it to concern him either in Fcivjr or Profit^ and there- upon reijuiredto confult with them and that they lho:'.!;l flay Proceedings in the mean time ; they ought r.ot to jlay ac- cordingly : They all (the Lord Chief J ujl ice oiuly excepted) yielded that they would, and .ickno.vlcJgcd ic to be their Duties fo tn do: Onely the Lord C/vt^/'J-V^/'"- of tlie Kings Bench (aid for Anfwcr, That when rlrj C^afc fhould be, he would do that which fiiculJ I c lii Y i lor 1^4- Letters and Memoires for a Judge to do. And the Lord Chief Juftke of the Common-Pleas who had afTented with the reft, added that he would ever truft the Juflice of his Majefly's Com- mandment. After this was put to a point, his Maje- fly thought fit, in refped of the further Day of Ar- gument, appointed the Saturday following for the Om- mendamsy to know from his Judges what he might ex- ped: from them concerning the fame. Whereupon the Lord of Canterbury breaking the Cafe into fome Queftions, his Majedy did require his Judges to deal plaiiily with him, whether they meant in their Argu- ment to touch the general Power of Granting Com- fnendams^ yea or no. Whereupon all the (aid Judges did promile and aflure his Majefly, that in the Argument of the faid Cafe of Commendams they would fpeak no. thing, which (liould weaken or draw into Doubt his Majefly 's Prerogative for Granting of them , but in- tended particularly to infifl upon the Points of Lapfe^ and other Judicial Points of this Cafe, which they conceived to be of a Form differing from all other Commendams which have been pradlifed. The Judges alfb went further , and did promife his Majefly that they would not onely abftain from fpeak- ing any thing to weaken his Majefly 's Prerogative of Commendams^ but would diredly and in plain Terms affirm the fame, and corred the erroneous and bold Speeches which had been ufed at the Barr in derogati- on thereof. Alfb the Judges did in general acknowledge and pro- fefs with great forwardnefs, that it was their Duty, ii any Counjellor at the Law, prefumed at any time to call in Queflion his Majefly's high Prerogative, that they ought to reprehend them, and filence them, and all promifed fo to do hereafter. Lafilj, of Sir Francis Bacon. 165 Laftly^ the two Judges that were then next to argue, Mr. Juftice Dodder idge and Mr. Jufticc Winche^ opened themfelves unto his Majefty thus far; That they would infift chiefly upon the Laffe^ and fome Points of Un- certainty, Repugnancy, and Abfurdity; being pecu- liar to this Comr/iettdam ; and that they would fliew their Diflike of that which had been faid at the Barr, for the weakening of the General Power ; and Mr. Ju- ftice Dodderidge faid he would conclude for the King that the Church was void and in his Majefty 's Gift ; he alfo faid that the King might give a Commendam to a Bidiop cither before or after his Confccration, and that he might give it him during his Life, or for a certain Number of Years. The Judges having thtrs far fubmitted and declared themfelves, his Majefty commanded them to keep the Bounds and Limits of their fevcral Courts, not to I'uf- fer his Prerogative to be wounded by rafh and unadvi- fed Pleading before them, or by new Invention of Law : For as he well knew the true and anticnt Com^ won Law is the moft favourable for Kings of any Law in the World ; fohe advifed them to apply their Stu- dies to that antient and beft Law, and not to extend the Power of any other of their Courts beyond their due Limits ; following tiie Prefidents of the beft anticnt Judges in the times of the beft Government; and that then they might aflure themfelves that he for his part in his ProteSion of them, and expediting of Juftice, would walk in the Steps of Antient and beft Kings. Whereupon he gave them Leave to proceed in their Ar- gument. When the Judges were removed, his Majefty that bad forborn to ask the Voices and Opinions of his Council before the Judges, bccaufe he would not pre- judioate the Frecdome of the Judges Opinion, concern- ing Letters and Memoires. ing whether the Stay of Proceedings that had been by his Majelly required, could by any ConftrudJion be thought to be within the Compafs of the Judges Oath ( which they had heard .read unto them ) did then put the Queftion to his Council ; who all with one Confcnt did give Opinion, that it was far from any Colour or Shadow of fiich Interpretation, and that it was againfl common Senfe to think the contrary, efpecially fince there is no mention made in their Oath of Delay of Jufike, but only that they fhould not ^lefiy Juftice,, nor be moved by any of the King's Letters, to do anything contrary to Law or Jullice. G. Cant. Tho. Ellesmere Cane. Th, Suffolk. E. Worcejier. Temhroke. Nottingham. Lenox. W. Knollys. John Dighy. Ralph Winwoode. Tho. Lake, Fulke Greville. Jul, Cafar. Fra. Bacon. LXXVII. To Sir George Villiers. S I /?, I do think you may do your Self Honour, and, that which is more, do a good Work f if you will afTift, and perfed: a Motion begun, ( and that upon a good Ground, both of Submiflion and Conformity,) for of Sir Francis Bacon. \6y for the reftoring, o{ Doctor Surges, to preacli ;Ca) And I wi/h, likevvife, that if Grayes Inne Ihould think good, C after he is free from the State,) to chufe him, for their Preacher, his Majefty (hould not be againll it : For cet-tainly, we Ihould watcii him well, if he fliould fly forth J fo as he cannot be placed, in a more fafe Au- d'ttory. This may fccm a Trifle, but I do alfurc you, f dofcarce know a particular, wherein you may open more honed Mouths , to fpeak Honor of you, than this. And I do extremely defire, there may be a full Cry , from all (brts of People, (^ cfpecially the bed,) to fpcak, and to trumpet out your Commendations. I pray you take it to heart, and do fomewliat in it. I reft, June 1 2. Tour devoted and ^^^^- hounden Servant^ Fr. Bacon. {&) \ prefume Mr. Attorney did not fuccecJ in his Dcfircs, but that not long after Dodor BHr^e[[e was prefented to the I'arfonage of Sutton-Col- field in jyarwicljhire. In i^ic. he attended Sir Horace I'ere, into the Pulj.- unjte^ when that noble General condu(fkeJ thither a gallant Rcgimwit the largeft for Number, and greatcll for Quality, (being much compofcd of Gentlemen) that had been fecn. LXXVIII. From the Original. ' To Sir George Villiers. T SIR Here is a Particular wherein I think you may do your felf Honor, which as I am informed hath been 1^8 Letters and Memoir es been laboured by my Lady o{ Bedford Q a ) and put in good way by the -Bi/Z'c/> of Bathe and iVell-s Qi^ con cerning the reftoring to preach of a famous Preacher, one Dodor Burgejfe, who though he hath been filen- eed a great time, yet he hath now made fuch a Sub- mifTion touching his Conformity, as giveth Satisfadion. It is much defired alfo by Grays Inrte Q if he (hall be free from the State, ) to chufe him for their Preacher: And certainly it is (afer to place him there,than in ano- ther Auditory, becaufe he will be well watched, if he ihould any ways fly forth in his Sermons beyoiid Duty. This may (eem a Trifle ; but I do aflure you, in open- ing this Man's Mouth to preach; you (hall open very many Mouths to fpeak Honor of you , and I confeis I would have a full Cry of Furitans, of Fap/Jls, of all the World to fpeak well of you ; And befides I am per- fwaded , (which is above all earthly Glory ) you fliali {d) Having occafionally mention'd two or three Ladies, eminent for their Wit and Beauty ; I could not in good Manners pafs over in Silence my Lady of Bedford ; fo much celebrated for both, by that rare Wit of bis Time Doflor Dmnt j and by that of our own Time Sir fViillam Temple^ for the admirable Dilpofition of her Garden at Moor-Parli. She was Si- fler and Coheir to the laft Lord Harrington of Exton ; who dying in the entrance of the Year 1614. and the azth of his Age, revived in tlie Na- tion, theSenfeit had of the Lofs of Prince Henry , as being a young No- bleman of great Hopes and Piety. This Lady difpofed of much of the Eilate fhe had from her Brother 5 felling Burley upon the H/7/5n the County oi^ Rutland, to the then Marquis of Buciiingham, where he afterwards a- dorned the Seat with noble Struftnres, which were deftroy'd in ths Time of our Civil Wars. But this Place is now recovering its ancient Splendor at the expenfe and by the diredion, of its prelent Lord the Karl of Nottingham. {b) This Bilhop was 5'th Son to Sir EdvDard Montague, and Brother to Edward the tirfl Lord Montague of Bciighton, a Prelate of great Leaininc; and Lloquence, and very Munificent ; and by fome called Kiiig ^ames'a Kccleiiaftical Favourite. In \6i6, he was tranflated to If'inibejier, and d)'- ing in two years time, he was b'jried in the Body of the Cathedral Church of Blithe, whic'ti with great Cofl and Care he had prefervcd from the Ru- inci, v^hich Time and Negled were bringing upon it. ' do of Sir F RAN CIS Bacon. i6^ do God good Service in it. I pray deal with his Ma- jefty in it. I reft June 1 3. ffffty devoted and bounden Servant. I6l6. Fra. Bacon- LXXIX. From the Original. C < 3 To Sir George FlHiers, SIR, BEcaufe I am uncertain whether his Majefty will put to a Point, fome Rcfblutions touching Ire* landy now at Windjor ; I thought it my Duty to at- tend his Majefty by my Letter, ( and thereby to fup- ply my Abfence ) for the renewing of fome former Commiflions for Ireland, and the framing of a new Commiflion for the Wards and the Alienations, which appertain properly to me as his Majefty 's Attorney, and have been accordingly referred by my Lords. I will undertake that they are prepared with a greater Care, and better Application to his Majefty's Service in that Kingdom, then heretofore they have been ; and there- fore of that I fay no more. And for the Inftrudions of the new Deputy, they have been fet down by tlie two Secretaries ; and being things of an ordinary Na- ture, I do not fee but they may pafs. But there have been three Fropofitions and Councils, which feem to me of very great Importance : Where- in I think my (elF bound to deliver to his Majefty my Advice and Opinion, if they (hould now come in (^ueftion. (4) This Letter is printed in the RefufiitJtto ami Cdbnla, but li iicie CO! reftetl in fome places by the Original. Z The 170 Letters and Memoires The Firft is, touching the Recufaut Magiftrates of the Towns of Ireland^ and the Communaliy^s theniCelves their Eledors ; what fhali be done. Which Confulta- tion arifeth froiti the late Ad veniremen ts from the two Lords Jufikes^ upon the Inftance of the two Towns, Limerick and Kilkenny ; in which Advertifement they reprefent the Danger onely, without giving any Light for the Remedy; rather warily for themfelves, than a- greeably to their Duties, and Place. In this Pointy I humbly pray his Majefly, to remem- ber, that the Refufal is not, of the Oath of Allegiance^ (which is not enacSled in Ireland*, ) but of the Oath of Supremacy^ which cutteth deeper into Matter of Con- fcience. Alfo, that his Majelly will, out of the depth of his Excellent Wifdom, and Providence, think, and as it were, calculate with himfelf ; Whether Time, will make more, for the Caufe of Religion, in Ireland^ and > be dill more, and more, propitious; Or whether de- ferring Remedies, will not make the Cafe more diffi* cult. For if Time, give his Majefty Advantage, what needeth Precipitation, to extreme Remedies ? But if Time will make the Cafe more defperate, then his : Majffly cannot begin too foon. Now in my Opini- on, Time will open, and facilitate Things, for Refor- mation of Religion there ; And not Ihut up, or block the fame. For firfl, the Plantations going on, and be- ing, principally, of Proteftants, cannot but mate the other Party in Time : Alfb, his Majefty's Care, in placing good Bijhops , and Divines ; In amplifying the College there ; And in looking , to the Educa- tion of Wards, and the like ; As they are, the mofl Natural Means, fo are they like, to be the mofl efTe- (Sual, and happy , forthe Weeding out of /*(?^r>',with- out ufing the Temporal Sword ; So that, I think, I may truly conclude, that the Ripenefs of Time, is not yet come. There- ^ *?/> F R A N C 1 $ B A C O N. 171 Therefore my Advice, in all Humbloneis is, that this hazardous Courfe, of Proceeding, to tender the Oath, to the Magiflrates of Towns, proceed not, but dye by degrees. And yet, to preferve the Authority , and Reputation of the former Council, I would have fomewhat done j which is, that there be a Proceeding, to Seizure of Liberties ; But not by any A(Si of Pow- er, but by Qho Warranto^ or Scire facias ; which is a Legal Courfe ; And will be the Work of three , or four, Terms; By which time, ihe Matter will fome- what cool. But I would not ( in no Cafe, ) that the Proceed- ing (honld be with both the Towns,which ftind now in Contempt, but with one of them onely ; choofing that, which (hall be thought mofl fit. For if his Ma- jcfty, proceed with both, then all the Towns , that are in the like Cafe, will think it a common Caufe ; And that it is, but their Cafe to day, and their own to morrow. But if his Majefty proceed but with one, the Apprehenfion and Terror, will not be fo ilrong ; For they will think, it may be their Cafe, as well to be fpared, as profecuted; And this is the bed Advice, that I can give to his Majefty, in this Streight; And of this Opinion , fecmed my Lor J Chancellor^ to be. The Second PropofitioH is this . It may be, his Ma- jelly will be moved, to reduce the Number, of his Council o'i Ireland, which is now almoll Fifty, to Twen- ty, or the like Number ,* In refpedi, the Greatneft of the Number , doth both embafe the Authority , of the Council, and divulges the Bufinefs. Neverthelefs, I do hold this Protfofition, to be rather fpecious, and fo- lemn, than needful at this time; For certainly, it will fill the State , full of Difcontentment ; which, in s Growing and unfetled Ellate, ought not to be. Z 1 Thie iy% Letters and Memotres, This I could wi(h , that his Majefly would appoint a feled: Number of Counfellors there, which might deal in the Improvement, of his Revenue ; C Being a Thing not fit to pafs through too many Hands ; ) And that the faid feleded Number, fhould have Days of Sitting, by themfelves ; At which, the reft of the Council^ (hould not be prefent; Which being once fet- led, then other principal Bufinefs of State^ may be handled at thofe Sittings , and fo the reft begin to be difufed, and yet retain their Countenance, without Murmur orDifgrace. The Third PropoJitioH, as it is wound up, feemeth to be pretty, if it can keep promife : For it is this. That a Means may be found, to re-enforce his Maje- fty's Army there by 500, or a 1000 Men,- And that, without any Penny Encreafe of Charge. And the Means /hould be ; that there fhould be a Commande- ment of a Local Removing, and transferring fbme Companies, from one Province, to another: where- upon it is fuppofed, that many, that are planted, in Houfe, and Lands, will rather leefe their Entertain- ment, than remove : And thereby, new Men may have their Pay, and yet the old, be mingled in tha Country, for the Strength thereof In this Propofition, two things may be feared : The one, Difcontent of thofe, that (hall be put off: The other, that the Companies (hall be ftufTed with Tyrones^ inftcad of Veterani. I wilh therefore, that this Tropo- ftion^ be well debated, ere it be admitted. Thus, ha- ving performed that, which Duty binds me to , I com- mend you, to God's beft prefervation. Gorhambury, July?. 1616^ Tour moft devoted, and hounden Servant, Fra. Bacon, LXXX. Of Sir Francis Bacon. 173 LXXX. To Sir George Villiers. SIR, Ifend you the Bi// for his Majefly's Signature, re- formed according to his Majefty's Amendments, both in the two places, (which, lafliire you, were both altered with great Judgement ,0 And in the Third place, which his Majefty termed a Qucftion onely. But he is an idle Body, that thinks his Majelly, asks an idle Qjf eft /Oft ; And therefore, his Majcfty's Quefti- ons, are to be anfwcred, by Taking away the Caufe of the Qj4eftion^ and not by Replying, For the Name, his Majefly's Will is a Law in thofe things ; And to fpeak Truth, it is a well-founding, and Noble Name, both here, and abroad : And being your proper Nove a//, de- pend wholly, C next to Goc/,^ upon the Kifig; And be ruled, (as hitherto you have been,) by his In(trud:i- ens J For that's befl for your Self. For the Kings Care, and Thoughts, concerning you, are according to the Thoughts, of a great King ; whereas your Thoughts, concerning your Self, are, and ought to be, according to the Thoughts of a Mod^l Man, But let me not wea- ry you : The Summ is, that you think Goodnefs^ the bell part of Greatnefs ; And that you remcmber,whence your Rifing comes, and make return accordingly. God ever keep you. Aug. 11.16 16' fQ^f. fyj^Q a^j yyfQJi Devoted Servant^ Fr. Bacon. The greateft Truft between man and man, is the Truft of giving Coun- fely lays Sir Francis Bacon in his Ejfay of Counfel, and in one of the toU lowing Letters. And which part lurelyno man could have difchargedwith greater Fidelity and Ability, then he did, in that Excellent Difcourfe con- tained in the Cabala p. 37, and prefented to Sir George Villiers foon after he had been received into the King's Favour, and whereof this Letter is a fort of Abridgement. But therein Sir Francis doth defcend into fo particular \ a Confideration, how this new Favorite ought to govern himlelf in rela- \ tion to all Degrees of Men ; of the Good he might do , and the Evils he might prevent ; that whofocver in his Circumftances fhall obferve and pra- (flife thofe Rules, muflhave very hard luck, if he doth not become as gra- cious in the Eyes of the People, as of the Prince. LXXXII. To the KING. I It may pie afe your moft Excellent Majefly, Have Cent, Sir George Fi/Iiers Patent, drawn again, containing alfo a Baronry ; The Name Blechley, i which 0/ i'/r Francis Bacon. 177 v\ hich is his own ; And to my Thinking, foundeth bet- ter than Whaddon, I have included both in one Patent, to avoid a double Preface, and as hath been ufed in the Pa- tents of Earls, of like nature. Neverthelefs, the Ce- remony of Robing , and otherwife is to be double, as is alfo ufed in like cafe of Earls. It refteth, that I exprefs unto your Majefty, my great Joy, in your Honouring and Advancing this Gen- tleman : whom to defcribe, not with Colours but with true Lines, I may fay this; Your Majefty, certainly hath found out, and chofen a fafe Nature, a capable Man, an honcft Will , Generous and Noble Affe(5li- ons, and a Courage well lodged ; And one that, I know, lovethyour Majefty unfeignedly ,- And admircth you as much , as is in a Man, to admire his Sovereign, upon Earth. Onely, your Majefty 's School^ f wherein he hath already fo well profited, as in this Entrance upon the Stage, being the Time of greateft Danger, he hath not committed any manifeft Errour ;) will add Perfe- dtion , ro your Majefty 's comfort, and the great Con- tentment ot your People. God ever prefcrve, and proQ per your Majefty. I reft in all Humblenefs, Aug. u. 1616' Tour Majefty s, ntoft hounden and moft devoted^ Suhje^, and Servant^ Y\\ Bacon. LXXXIII. To Sir Gcoro;e Villiers. I SIR, Took much Contentment, in that, I perceive by your Letter, that you took in fo good part, the A a I rcc- 178 Letters and Memoir es Freedom of my Advice; And that your Self in your own Nature, conftnted therewith. Certainly, tto Ser- vice is comparable^ to goodComfel; And the Reafon is, becaufe no Man, can do fo much, for another, as a Man, may do for himfelf : Now good Counfel helpeth a Man, to help himfelf. But you have fo happy a Mafier^ as fupplyeth all. My Service, and good will, (hall not be wanting. It was gracioufly and kindly done alfo, of his Ma^ jeflj towards me, to tell you, that you were behold- ing tome. But it muft be then, for Thinking of you as I do ; For otherwife, for Speaking as I think , it is but the part of an honefl Man. I (end you your Pa- tent, whereof Go/?/ give you Joy : And I fend you here inclofed, a little Note of Remembrance, for that part of the Ceremony, which concerneth the Patent : For as for other Ceremonies I leave to others. My Lord Chancellor, difpatcht your Patent, prefent- ly upon the Receit ; And writ to me, how glad he was of it, and how well he wiihed you. If you writ to him, a few words of Thanks, I think, you (hall do well. Go^keep you and profper you. I ever red, Auguft ; l^Z Letters and Memoir es. I wiih what (hall be done, were done with Refolutioa and Speed, and that your Lordfhip Cbecaufe it is a gracious bufinefTe ) had Thankes of it next the King ; and that there were {bme Commijfton under his Majefties Sign Manual, to deal with fome feleded Perfons of the Old Company, and to take their Anfwers and Confent under their hands, and that the procuring the Com- miflion, and the procuring of their Offers to be accept- ed, were your Lordfhip's Work. In this Treaty my Lord Chancellor muft by no means be left out, for he will moderate well and aimeth at his Majefties ends. Mr. Solicitor is not yet returned but I look for him prefently. I reft Mondxy 14th of iCour Lord(hip\ true and October atioof /i J ^ f n the clocke. ^^J^ devoted Servant^ Fr. Bacon. LXXXVII. From the Original, . ^afons vAvf the new Company is not to be trufted and continued with the Trade of Clothes. F/r/, The Company Confifts of a Number of Young men and Shopkeepers, which not being bred in the Trade, are fearful to medle with any of the Dear and fine Clothes, but only medle with the Courfc Clothes, which is every Mans skill , And befides ha- ving other Trades to live upon, they come in the Sun- fhinc fo long as things go well, and aflbon as they meet with of Str Francis Bacon. 18} with any Storme or Cloud, they leave Trade, and goe back to Shop-keeping. Whereas the old Company were beaten Traders, and having no other means of Hving but that Trade, were fain to ride out all Accidents and Difficulties, f which being men of great ability) they were well able to do. Secondly^ Thefe Young men being the Major part, and having a Kind of Dependance upon Alderman Cockaine ^ they Carry things by plurality of voices; And yet thofe k\v ot" the old Company which are a- mongll them do drive almofl: Three parts ot the Trade; and it is impoffible things fhould go ^vell, where one part gives the vote, and the other doth the work ; fo that the execution of all things lyes Chiefly upon them that never Confentcd, which is meerly Motus violentus, and cannot lafl. Tljirdly; The new Company make Continually fuch new fpringing demands, as the State can never be fl- cure nor truft to them, neither doth it feem that they do much trufl themfdves. Fourthly, the prefent (land of Cloth at Black we/I- ha// C which is that that preflcth the State moft, and is pro- vided for but by a Temporary and weak remedy j is fuppofed would be prefently at an end, upon the revi- vor of the Old ; in rcfped that they are able Men and united amongfl themfelves. Fifthly, in thefe Cafes * Opinio eft veritate major, opinion and the very voice and expectation of revivor of the ' greater old Company will Comfort the Clothiers, and encou- lity" rge them not to lay down their Loomes. Sixthl/y 1 8^ Letters and Memoires. Sixthly y The very Flemings themfelvcs (in regard of the pique they have againft the new Company } are like to be more pHant and Tradable towards his Maje- ilies ends and defires. Seventhly ^conCidenng the Bufinefs hath not gone on well ; his Majefly muft either lay the Fault upon the matter it (elf, or upon the perfons that have managed it ; wherein the King Ihall belt acquit his Honor, to lay it where it is indeed , that is, upon the Carriage and Proceedings of the new Company, which have been full of uncertainty and abufe. Laftly^ The Subjeds of this Kingdom generally have an ill Tafte and Conceipt of the new Company, and therefore the putting of them down, will dilcharge the State of a great deal of Envy. LXXXVIIL From the Original. To the Lord Ft/count Villiers, My very good Lordy NO W that the King hath received my Opinion, with the Judges Opinion unto whom it was re- ferred, touching the Propofition for Innes in point of Law ; Itrelleth that it be moulded and carried in that fort, as it may pafs with bed Contentment and Con- veniency. Wherein I that ever love good Company, as I was joyned with others in the Legal poynt, fo I defire not to be alone in the Dirediqn touching the Conveniency. And therefore I fend your Lord- ihip of Sir Francis Bacon. 185 (hip a Forme of Warrant for the King's Signature,where. by the framing of the bufincfle and that which belong- eth to it, may be referred to my (elf with Serjeant Montague and Serjeant Finch; And though Montague fliould change his place, that alteration hurteth not the bufinefle, but rather helpeth it. And becaufe the inqui- ry and (urvey touching Innes^ will require much Atten- dance and Charge, and the making of the Licences, I (hall think fit ( when that Queflion cometh to me) to be t to the Juftice of Affife, and not to thofe that fol- t Here the low this bufmefs : Therefore His Majefty may be word { re- pleas'd to confider what proportion or Dividend (hall Tthelir be allotted to Mr. Mompejfon^ and thofe that (hall fol- Nature is low it at their own charge , which ufeth in like Ctfes or^iL to be a fifth (4) So I ever reft, Nov. 13. i6i4. Ttur Lordjhifs true andignofl devoted Servants Fr. Bacon. ^4)1 fuppofe it was not long after the Judges and Attorney general bad given the Opinion above mention'd, but that a PMent was granted for Licencing of Common Inawj Under Colour whereof Sir Gi7w Mo/npej}'on levyed (everal Summes of Money by wav of Fines, as well as by yearly Incomes from them ; and Alehoufes alfo by a fubfequent Patent. Proceed- ing therein with fo much rigor j That it was complained of in the Pkrle- ment which began in i(^, as one of the great grievances of the Nation j The Patent declared illegal, and recalled by the King's Proclamation j McmPeffon and Michel the chief Projeftors of this and fome other Op- preflions, feverely cenfured according to their Demerits : The maniier of which may be feen in the Journals of that Parlement, and the Hi- ilorys of cbofe Times. Bb LXXXIX. i8d Letters and Memoir es LXXXIX. From the Original. To the Lord Vif count Filiiers, My very good Lord, 3 think his Majefly was not onely well advifed, but ^ well infpired, to give Order for this fame v^icked hilde of Cayrt^ Bertram, to be examined before he was further proceeded with. And I for my part before I had receiv'd his Majefty's plcafure by my Lord Chamherlayn went thus far ; That I had appointed him to be further examined, and alfo had taken Order with with Mr. So^ licitor that he (hould be provided to make fome Decla- ration at his Tryal, in (bme (blemn FaOiion, and not to let fucha ftrange Murder pafle as if it had been but a Horfeftealing. But upon his Majefly 's pleafure {ignifyed, I forth- with caufec^^ the Tryall, to be flayed, and examined the party according to his Majefly 's Queftions ; and alfo fent for the principal Counfel in the Caufe, whereupon Sir John Tyndals Report was grounded, to difcern the Juilicc or Iniquity of the faid Report as his Majefly likewife Commanded. "I fend therefore the Cafe of Bertram truely flated and colleded, and the examination taken before my Selfe and Mr. Solicitor -, whereby it will appear to his. Majefly that Sir John Tyndal Q as to this Caufe ) is a kind of a Martyr : For if ever he made a Jufl Report in his life, this was it. But the Event fince all this is, that this Bertram be- ing, asitfeemeth, indurate or in defpair, hath hang- ed of Sir Francis Bacon. 187 cd himfelfe in Prifbn ; of which accident, as I am for- ry, becaufe he is taken from Example, and public Ju- ftice ; (b yet I would not for any thing, it had been before his Examination. So that there may be other- wife fome Occafion taken cither by fome Declaration in the Kings Bench upon the return of the Coroners En- queft, or by fome printed book of the Fad , or by fome other means (whereof I purpofe to advife with my Lord Chancelor ) to have both his Majefty's royal Care, and the truth of the Fa(3:, with the Circumflan- ces manifefled and publiflied. ( Francis Bacon. i8p Lordfhip,becau(e it was a thoufand pound more, then it was valued at to Somerfet^ to thirty two thoufand pounds, whereby there was fix thoufiind pounds gotten and yet juftly. Thirdly y I advifed the Courfe of rating Hart'tngton at a hundred years Purchafe and the reft at thirty fiveyears Purchaie Fee-Farme, to be (et down and exprcfled in the Warrant ; that it may appear, and remain of Re- cord, that your Lordftiip had no other Rates made to you in Favor, then fuch as Purchafers upon Sale, are feldom drawn unto; whereby you have Honor. Fourthly y That Leafe to the Feofees , which was kept as a fecret in the Dcckc ( and was not onely of Har* tington , but alfo of mod of the other Particulars in your book, ) I caufed to be throughly looked into and provided for , without which your aifurance had been nothing worth. And yet I handled it fo, and made the matter fb well underftood, as you were not put to be a Suitor to the Prince, for his good will in it, as others ignorantly thought you mull have done. Fifthly , The Annexation, ( a } ( which no body dream't of, and which fbme idle bold Lawyer, would perhaps have faid, had been needleft, and yet is of that weight, that there was never yet any man, that would purchafe any fuch Land from the King, except he had a Declaration to difcharge it ,) I was provident ta have it difcharg'd by Declaration. Sixthly, Left it fhould be faid, that your Lord (hip was the firft (except the Qjfcen and the Prince ') that brake the Annexation, upon a mere Gift ,- For that o* thers had it difchargcd onely upon Sale which was for the King's Profit and Necelfity ; I found a Remedy for ( <) The Annexation by which Lanls <^c. were united oi annexed to the Dutchys ot Cvrnvfd and Lancafier. that. 'ij^lD betters and Memoires. that alfo ; becaufe I have carved it in the Declaration ,^ as that this was not gift to your Lordfliip, but rather a Purchafe and Exchange, ^as indeed it was} ^or Sher^ hourn. Seventhly and laftly, I have taken Order Q as much as in me was ) that your Lordihip in thefe things which you have pafTedjbe not abufed, if you part with them; for I have taken Notes in a book of their values and former Offers. Now for your Office, Firft^ Whereas my Lord Teynham at the firft would have had your Lord(hip have had but one hfe in it, and he another ; and my Lord Treafurer^ and the Solicitor and Deccombe were about to give way to it,- [turned ut- terly that Courfe, telling them that you were to have two Lives in it, as well as Somerfet had. Secondly^ I have accordingly in the afliirance from your Deputies, made them acknowledge the Truft and give Security not onely for your Lord/liips time, but after : fo as you may difpofe ( if you (hould dye, which I would be forry to live to ) the Profits of the Office by your Will or otherwife to any of your Friends for their comfort and advancement. Thirdly, I dealt fo with Whitlocke as well as Heath as there was no Difficulty made of the Surrender, Laflly, I did call with my felf, That if your Lord- fhip'j Deputies, had come in by Sir Edward Cooke who was tyed to Somerfet, it would have been fubjed: to fome Clamor from Sor/ierfet, and fbme quedion what was rorfeited by Somerfefs Attainder (being but o^Fe^ lony 3 to the King : But now they coming in from a new Chief Jujiice, all is without queftion or icrupJe. Thus your Lordihip may lee my love and care to. \\drdsyou, which I think infinitely too little in refpe^ Of of Sir Francis Bacon.. ly i of the fulncfs of my Minde ; But I thought good to write this, to make you underfland better the ftate of your own bufinefle ; doing by you as I do by the King ; which is, to do his bufmefle fafely and with fore* Jight^ not onely of to morrowe or next day , but afar- otf C^ ) and not to come fiddeling with a report to him what is done every day, but to give him up a good Sum in the end. I purpofe to fend your Lordlhip a Kalendar fair writ- ten of thofe Evidence which concern your Eftate, for fo much as I have pafled my hands; which in truth are not fit to remain with Solicitors^ no nor with Friends, but in fome great Calinet, to be made for that pur- pofe. All this while I muft (ay plainly to your Lord/hip, that you fall ihort for your prefent Charge, except you play the good Husband : For the Ofice of Teyptham is in Reverfion, Darcyes Land is in Reverfion ; all the Land in your bookes is but in Reverfion, and yields you no prcfent Profit becaule you pay the Fee^Farme, So as you are a ftrange HeterocUte in Grammar^ for you want the prefeut Tenje ; many Ferbes want the prxterperfedt tcnfe and fome the future tenfe, but none want the prefent tcnfe. I will hereafter write to your Lordlhip, what I think of for that Supply ; to the end, that you may, as you have bccun to your great Honor^ defpife Mony, where it crofleth Reafon of State or Vertue. But I will ( 6 ) Certainly the Wifdom of Forefight and Prevention, is far above the Wifdom of Remedy J and yet 1 fear the following Obfervatio:a Sir Fm. Biifort makes in his Efxj of Emfirt concerning the times in or near which he lived, hath been verifyed too miuh in others. ' This is truv, ' that the Wifdonv-of all thefc latter times in Princes affairs, is rather Fine ' Deliveries and (hiftines of Dangers and Mifv;hicfs when they are ncM^ * than (olid or grounded Courfes to keep them aloof. But this is bur r > ' try Mallerys with Fortune : And let Men beware how thy ncr.hv^t an.l ' iuffer matter of trouble to be prepared 3 Fo; no raa.a caii forbid the Sji.k nor tell whence it may come, trouble ipi Letters and Memoir es trouble you no further at this time. God ever preferve and profper your Lordftiip. November 19. Tour true attd ntoft devoted ii6. Servant y Fr. Bacon; XCI. Trow the Originat . To the Lord Ft/count Villiers, My very good Lord, I delivered the Proclamathn for Cloth to Secretary Winwood on Saturday, but he keepeth it to carry it down himfelf, and goeth down, as I take it to day : His Majefly may percieve by the Docket of the Pro- clamation, that I do not onely fludy, but ad that point touching the Judges, which his Majefly commandeth in your Tad. Yefterday was a day of great good for his Majefty's fervice, and the peace of this Kingdom concerning Duelh by occafion of Darcyes Cafe. I (pake big and, publiihing his Majefty's ftreight Charge to me, fayd it had ftrook me blind, as in point of Duells and Cartels^ &c. I fhould not knowe a Coronet from a Hatband. I Was bold alfb to declare how excellently his Majefty had exprefled to me a Contemplation of his touching Duells ; That is, that when he came forth and faw himfelf princely attended with goodly Noblefle and Gentlemen, he entred into the thought, that none of their lives were in certainty not for twenty four hours from the Duel ; For it was but a Heat or a Miftaking, and of Sir Fr ancis Bacon. ^91 and then a Lye, and then a Challenge, and then life : faying , that I did not marvel feeing Xerxes (hed teares to think. None of his great Army Ihould be alive once within a 100 years. His Majefty were touched with Convpaflion to think that not one of his Attendance but mought be dead within 24 hours by the Duell. This I write becaufe his Majefty may be wary , what he layeth to me ( in things of this Nature j I being fo apt to play the Blabbe. In this al(b, I forgot not to prepare the Judges, and wiih them to profefle, and as it were to denounce , That in all Cafes of Duel Capi- tal before thcm,they will ufe equal Severity towards the infoUnt Murder by the Duel, and the hiJiJious Mur- der ; and that they will extirpate that Difference out of the Opinions of Men, which they did excellent well. I mufl alfo fay, that it was the firfl time, that 1 heard my Lor2 of Arundel fpeak in that place ; and I do afTure your Lordlhip he doth excellently become the Court; He fpeaketh wifely and weightily^ and yet eafily and clearly as a great Nobleman (hould do. Qa') There ( 4 ) My Lord of Arundel defcended from the Noble Family of the Hov>- drJs i His Grandfather the Duke of Norfollie loofing his life upon the ac- count of Mjry Queen of the Scots, and his Father fuffering fome years Imprifonment under fentence of Condemnation j He was reftored in blood , and to the titles of Arundtl and Surry \ Jac, made a privy Coun- cellor on the if. o( ^uly i6i6. and afterwards Earl Marlhal of EngUr^i and General of the Army fent againft the Scots by K. Cbdrles the iji. But about the beginning of our Civil Wars he retired into Italy^ where he had Ipent part of^his youth, and returned to the Religion he had then profei- fed dying at pjdus in i6.\6. He was a Gentliman of a noble Afpe.51 and of a noble nature, a great Virtuofo and Antiquary, w ho with much care and coft procured icvcral valuable Antiquities and Infcriptions to be broughr from Afij, Greece and Jtnly into EngUnd, and placed them in or near nis garden at Arundtl Houfe in the Stnnd ; many of which were very gcnc- rouHy prclcnted by his grandfon the Duke of Norfoll^e to the Univerfity oi" Oxford, where thev are among others of the famous Selden tixed unt the Walls entlofing the Thexter. It were to be wiflicd, tliat thr great nutr.ber of antient Statues which adorned his Houfe and Gartie:^^ nd I icar have fina* been ir.uch neglefted, bad met with as Uk a Rcpoii- C c tu; V i^a^ Letters and Memoires. There hath been a Proceeding in the Kings Bench againftBfrmWs keeper, for Mifdemeanor, and I have put a little PanViMilet (^prettily penn'd by one Mr. Trot- te^ that I fet on work touching the whole bufinefs } to the PrefTe by my Lord Chanvekrs advice. I pray God diredt his Majefly in the Cloth bufinels, That that thorne may be once out of our fides. His Majefly knoweth my Opinion al> Antquo. Thanks be to God of your Health, and long may you live to do us all Good. I reil Tour true andmofl devoted Servant, Fr. Bacon. tory. The Eloquence which Sir Fy<2. Bacon doth here cortmend in this Lord ismuch the fame which in the beginning of his Advancement of Learning he doth attribute to the T^ing^ in the words of Tacitus, concerning Auguflus C^fatj Augufto profluensj 0' quit principem IHMI deceret, eloquentia fuit. XCII. From the Original. This Letter was written to the Earl of Suc^no-^ ham, on the lame day Sir Francis 'Bacon was made Lord Keeper of the great Seal JMy deareft Lord^ IT is both in Cares and Kindnefi^ that fhiall ones FJote up to the tongue, and great ones fink down into the Heart in filence. Therefore I could fpeak little to your Lordfhip to day, neither had I iit time. But I muft profefle thus much> that in this days work, you are Of Sir Franc is B a cb n. 195 are the trued and perfccfl'ft Mirror, and Example of firm and generous Friend (hip, that ever was in Court. And I (hall count every day loft, wherein I (hall not either lludy your Weldoing in thought^ or do your Name Honor in Speech, or perform you Service in Deed. Good my Lort/, account and accept me March 7. ^^'*'' ^^fi lounden and devoted \6i6. Friend and Servant of all men living, Fr. Bacon. C S* XCIII. To the renowned UniVerJity of Cambridge, his dear and reverend Mother, 1am Debtor to you of your Letters , and of the I time likewiie, tliat I have taken, to anfwer them, but as foon as I could chufe what to think on, I thought good to let you know ; That although , you may err much in your valuation of me, Yet you (hall not be deceived in your Affurance: And for the other part alfo, though the Manner be, to mend the Figure by the life; Yet I would be glad, to mend the life by the Figure, and to become, and be, as you Expre(re me to be ; Your Gratulations, lliall be no more welcome tome, then your bufincfs or Occafions,- which I will attend ; And yet not fo, but that I (hall endeavour, to prevent them, by my Care of your Good. And fo I commend you to God's Goodncfs. G$rhmbHr) Ajpr. :i. Tour wofl liTVingand ^ ^ 7- affured Friend and Sonne Fr. Bacon. C. S, C c X xciir. iq6 Letters and Memoir es xciv. lom the Original, To the Earl of 'Buckingham, My lingular good Lord. I Am now for five or fix days retired to my houfe in the Country : For I think all my Lords are wil- ling to do, as Schoilars do^ who though they call them Holy-days, yet they mean them Play-days. We purpofe to meet again on Eafter Monday, and go all to the Sfittall Sermon for that day, and therein to revive the ancient religious manner when all the Counfel u(ed to attend thofe Sermons ; which (bme neg- lect in Queen Elizabeth's time, and his Majefly's great Devotion in the due hearing of Sermons himfelf with his Counfel at the Court brought into defuetude. But now our Attendance upon his Majefly, by reafon of his abfence cannot be, it is not amifs to revive. I perceive by a Letter your Lordfliip did write fbme days fince to my Lord Brackley, that your Lordfhip would have the King (atisfied by Prejidets, that letters Patents mought be of the dignity of an Earldom with- out delivery of the Patent by the King's own hand, or without the ordinary Solcmnitys of a Creation. I find Prefidents fomewhat tending to the fame Purpofe, yet not matching fully. But howfbever let me accord- ing to my faithfull and free manner of dealing with your Lordfhip, fay to you, That fince the King means it, I would not have your Lordfhip for the fatisfying a little trembling or panting of the Heart in my Lord or Lady Brackley^ to expofe your Lordfhip's felf, or my o/ *?/> Francis Bacon. 197 my felf (whofe opinion would be thought to be relyed upon) or the King our Mafler to envy with the Nobility of this Realm ; as to have theft Ccremonys of Honour difpenfed with, which in conferring Honour hav ufed to be obfervcd, like a kind of Dodior Bulla- tus without the Ceremony of a Commencement ; The King and you know I am not Ceremonious in Nature, and therefore you may think ( if it pleafe you ) I doit in Judgement. God ever preferve you. Tour Lordjhifs mofl faithful and devoted Friend and Servant Fr. Bacon. CS* Ipurpofe to fend the Prefidents themf elves iy my Lord of Brzckley kut I thought fit to give you fome ta/le of my Opinion before. ttrbimhury Apil 13. 1 6 1 7. xcv. From the Original, Ti^ the KING. It may pleafe your moft Excellent Majepy^ MR. Vicechamherlayn hath acquainted my (elf and the reft of the Commifftoners for the Marriage with SpaiHy which are here, with your Majefty's In- ftnidions, figned by your Royal hands, toucliinc that Point of the fupprefiing of Pirates, as it hath relation to his l^otiation ; Whereupon we met yeftcrday at my Letters and Ademoires* my Lord AJmiral's at Chelfey, becaufe we were loth to- draw my Lord into the air, being but newly upon his Recovery. Q a^ We. conceive the parts of the bufinefs are Fonr : The Charge : the Confederations^ and who Ihall be folicited or retained to come in .- The Forces 2iX\d the Diftributi^ onsof them,- and th.^ Ent er prize. We had onely at this time Conference amongft our felves, and fliall ap- point Rafter the Holy days } times for the calUng be- fore us fuch as are fit, and thereupon perform all the parts of your Royal Commandements. In this Conference, I met with fomewhat, which I muft confede was altogether new to me, and open'd but darkly neither ; Whereof I think Mr. Vicechamber- layn will give your Majefly fome light for fb we wilh- ed. By occafion whereof I hold it my Duty in refped:, of the great place wherein your Majeftyhath {et rae ( being onely made worthy ty your Grace ) which maketh it decent for me to Counfel you ad fummas re^ rum to intimate or reprefcnt to your Majefly. thus much. I do forefee, in my fimple Judgement, much Incon- venience to infue, if your Majefly proceed to this Trea- ty with Spain, and that your Counfel draw not all one way. I faw the bitter fruits jof a divided Counfel the iafl: Tarlement; I faw no very pleafant fruits thereof in the matter of the Cloth. This will be of equal, if not {a,) Ch.irles Lord Horvard o Eff.ng}um and. Earl of Natingham, was as Sir Robert Mxunton oblerves as goodly a Gentleman for Perfon as the times had any; which is confirmed by Mr Osbonrny^ although his Eyes met not CO tiie King, (who confer'd it upon the Marquis of BucJiinghara ; ) and dyed in the year 1614, and ot his Age the 88th. more Of iS'/r F R A N C I S B A C O N. ^99 more Inconvenience , For wherefoever the Opinion of your people is material ( as in many Cafes it is not ) there, if your Counfel he united^ they fh all be able almojl to give Law to OpinioHy and rumor ; but if they be divided, the Infufion will not be according to the flrength and vertuc of the votes oj your Counfel, hut according to the aptnejs and Inclination of the Popular. This I leave to your Ma- jefty in your high VVifdom to remedy. Onely I couid \vi(h that when Sir John Dighys Inflrud:ions are per- fected, and that he is ready to go : Your Majcfly would be plcas'd to write fome formal letter, to the Body of your Counfel Q{^ it (hall be in your abfence 3 fignifying to them your Refblution in General, to the end, that when Deliheraiion, fhall be turn'd into Refo^ lution, no Man, howfoever he may retain the Inward- nefs of his Opmion, may be adtive in Contrarium. The letters of my Lords of the Council, with } our Majedy touching the Affairs of Ireland written largely and articulately, and by your Majefly's diredion, will much Facilitate our Labours here ; though there will not want Matter of Confultation thereupon. God ever preferve your Majelly fafe and happy. UiuUn, April 19. ^our Majejl/s, rnofl devoted 1^17- and obliged Servant, f r. Bacon. C S. XCVL 20O Letters and Memoir es XCVI. Front the Original To the Earl of (Buckingham, My fingular good Lord, ISend your Lordfliip according to the diredion o( your letter, a Note of the Pre/idents that I find in my Lord Bradley's bufinefs; which do rather come near the Cafe then match it. Your Lordlhip knowcth already my Opinion, that I would rather have you Conflant in the Matter, then Inflant for the Time. I fend alfo inclofed an Account of Council bufinefs by way of remembrance to his Majefly, which it may pleafe you to deliver to him. The Qjieen returneth her thanks to your Lordfhip, for the Difpatch of the Warrant, touching her Houfe ; I have not yet acquainted the Lord Treafurer , and Chancelor of the Exchequer with it ; but I purpofe to morrow to deliver them the Warrant, and to advife with them for the executing the fame. I have received the King's letter with another from your Lordlhip, touching the Caufe of the Officers^ and Sir Arthur Ingram, whereof I will be very careful to do them Juftice. Yeflerday I took my place in Chancery, which I hold onely from the King's Grace and Favor, and your conflant Friend Oiip. There was much ado, and a great deal of World. But this matter of Pompe, which is Heaven to lome Men, is Hell to me, or Purgatory at leafl. It is true, I was glad to fee, that the King's Choice, was fo generally approved ; and that I had fo Of Sir Fr ANcis Bacon. 201 fo much Intercfl in Mens good Wills and good Opinions, bccaufe it maketh me the fitter In(lrument,to do myMa- fter Service, and my Friend alfo. After I was (et in Chancery I publilhed his Majefty s Charge which he gave me, when he gave me the Seal ; and what Rules and ReCblutions I had taken for the fulfilling his Commandements. I fend your Lordfliip a t Copy of that I (aid. My Lord HiPf coming to take , p . his leave of me two days before, I told him what I was in thtRe- meditating, and he defired me to (end him fomercmem- fufciuUo brancc of it ; and fo I could not, but fend him another ^**^^' Copy thereof. Men tell me, it hath done the King a great deal of Honour; infomuch that fome of my Friends that are wife Men, and no vain ones, did not (lick to (ay to me, that there was not the(e (even years fuch a preparation for a Farkment ; Which was a Com- mendation, I contcfs plea(ed me well. I pray take(bme fit time to (hew it his Majedy, becau(e if I misunder- flood him in any thing, I may amend it, becaufe I know his Judgement is higher and deeper then mine. I take infinite Contentment to hear his Majefty is in great good health and vigor ; I pray God pre(ervc and continue it. Thus wilhing you well above all Men li- ving, next my Mafter and his. I reft Dorfet-houfe, which puttetb Itinmini to thsnk jour Lori- f , ^ deVOtcd jhip, for your Cire of me touch- V / i ing York-Houfe. Fricnd and Servjnfy ^UJ%. 1617 Fi . Bacon. C S. D d XCVII. 20t Letters and Memoires K xcvii. An Account of Council bufinefs, and of other Matters committed to me by his Majefiy. Flrft, For May-D'iy ; At which time there was great apprehenfion of Tumult by Prentices, and loofe people. There was never fuch a flill. The Remedyes that did the effedl were three. firft,the putting in Multer of the Trayned Bands and Military Bands in a brave Fafliion that Way. Next the laying a ftrait Charge upon the Mayor, and Aldermen for the City, and Juftices of the Peace for the Suburbs , that the Prentices and others mought go abroad with their Flags and other Gauderys ; but without weapon of Shot and Pique, as they formerly took liberty to do. Which Charge was exceeding well performed and obeyed. And the laft was, that we had according to our Warrant Dormant, ftrengthen'd our Commiflions of the Peace in London and MidMefex^ with new Claufes of Lieutenancy ; which as foon as it was known abroad all was quiet by the Terror it wrought. This I write, becaufe it maketh good my further Aflurance, I gave his Majefly at his firft removes, that all fhould be qui- et, for which I receiv'd his Thanks. For the Irip) Affairs, I received this day, his Maje- fly's letter to the Lords^ which we have not yet open'd, but (hall fit upon them this Afternoon. I do not forget, befides the Points of State, to put my Lord Treajurer in remembrance, that his Majefly laid upon him the Care of the Improvement of the Revenue of Ireland^ by all good means, of which I find his Lordfliip very Careful, and I will help him the bell I can. The of Sir Francis Bacon. 205 The matter of the Revenue of the Recufants here in England^ I purpofe to put forward by a Conference with my Lord of Qanterhuryy upon whom the King layd it, and upon Secretary Winvooodi and becaufe it is Matter of the Exchequer ^ with my Lord Treafurer and Mr. Chancellor^ and after to take the AflTiflance of Mr. Attorney, and the learned Counfely and when we have put it in a Frame to certifie his Majefly. The bufinefs of the Pyrates is, I doubt not by this time come to his Majefty upon the letters of us the Commiflioners, whereof I took fpecial Care ; And I mud fay I find Mr. Wice-Chamhrlayn a good able Man with his Pen. Buttofpcakof the main bufinefs which is the Match with Spain, the King knows my Mind by a former letter ; that I would be glad it proceeded with an United Counfel ; Not but that Votes, and Thoughts are to be free ; But yet after a King hath refolved, all Men ought to Cooperate and neither to be a^ive nor much Loquutive in Oppofitum ; efpecially in a Cafe , where a few difienting from the reft, may hurt the bufinefs in * foro fama, in point Tefierday, which was my weary day, I bid all the of Repu- Judges to Dinner, ( which was not ufcd to be ) and ^*^^"- entertained them in a private withdrawing Chamber, with the learned Counfel. Wiien the Feaft was pafled, I came amongft them, and fet me down at the end of the Table, and pray'd them to think, I was one of them and but a Foreman. I told tliem I was weary and therefore muft be Ihort , and that I woulJ now fpeak to them upon two points. Whereof the one was that I would tell ihem plainly. That I was firmly perfwa- ded, that the former Difcords and Dificrences between the Chancery and other Courts were but Flelh and Blood ; and that now the Men weregon, the matter was gon ; And that for my part as I would not fuffcr any the leaft Dd X Dimi- 2 0i- Letters and Memolres. diminution or derogation from the ancient and due pow- er of the Chancery^ fo if any thing (hould be brought to them at any time^touching the Proceedings of the Chan' cery^ which did feem to them Exorbitant or Inordinate; that they Ihould freely and friendly acquaint me with it, and we lliould foon agree,- or if not, we had a Mafter, that could eafily both difccrn and rule. At which Speech of mine, befides a great deal of Thanks and Acknowledgement, I did fee Chearand Comfort in their Faces, as if it were a new World. The Second Point was, that I let them know, how his Majelly at his going gave me Charge, to call and receive from them the Accounts of their Circuits, ac- cording to his Majefty's former Prefcript, to be fet down in writing, And that I was to tranfmit the Writings themfelves to his Majefty, and accordingly as foon as I have receiv'd them, I will fend them to his Majelly. Some two days before I had a Conference with. fbme Judges, Q not all, but (iich as I did choofe^ touch- ing the HighCommiffion^ and the extending of the fame in (bme Points, which I fee I (liall be able to difpatch byConfent, without his Majefly's further trouble. I did call upon the Committees alfb for the Pro- ceeding in the purging of Sir Edward Cokes Reports, which 1 fee they go on with ferioufly. Qa^ Thanks (a) During the time that my Lord Chief Juftice Co^e lay under the Difpleafure of the Court, for the reafons I have mention'd in the Dif* courfe preceding thefe Letters ; fome Information was given to the King, that he having publiftied eleven books of Reports, had M'rittenmany things againft his Mzjeiiy's Prerogative. And being commanded to explain fome of them, My Lord Chancellor Ellefmere doth thereupon in his Letter of zith of Ociob. i6i6. write thus to the King. According to your Majefty $ directions fignifyei unto me by Mr. Solicitor^ I caHed the Lord Chief ^uftict bC' fore me, on Thurfiay the 1 7th inftant, in prefence of Mr. Attorney and others cf year learned Cuinfel. I did let hint linorv your Majefty's acceptance of the few Animadverfions , rehich upon Review of his own labours^ he had fent tho' fewer thin you expecled, and his Excufes other then joh expected. And did at the fame O/^y/rFRANcisBACoN. 205 Thanks be to God, we have not much to do for Matters of Counfcl, and I fee now that his Majefiy is as well able by his letters to govern England Irom 6c(?r- LanJ^ as he was to govern Scotland ^xon\ England. fame time inform him, that his Majefty was diffatisfied with fevera! other PafTages therein ; and thole not the prmcipal Points of the Cafes judged, but deliver'd by way of Expatiation, and which might have been omitted without prejudice to thejudgement : of which fort the Attomej and Soli- cjtor general, did for the prefent onely feleil five, which being deliver'd to the Chief Juftice on the 17th of OHober, he returns his Anfwers at large upon the 1 i(i. of the fame Month, the which I have feen under his own hand. 'Tis true the Lord Chancellor wiflied he might have been fpared all Service concerning the 6'fc/ef ^tf/J/cp, as remembnng the jth Petition of Dimitti nobis Debita noftrs, &c Iniomuch that though a Committee ef Judges was anpoiated to confider thefe Books, yet the Matter feems to hare flept, til after Sir Fra. Bicon was made Lord t\eepcr it revive*!, and two Judges more were added to the former. Whereupon Sir Edvrard Colit doth by his Letter make his humble Suit to thtE^xXoi Btukingh am. i.That if his Majefty (hall not be fatisfyed with his former Offer, v;^, by the Ad- vice of the Judges, to explain and publilh thofe Points, fo as no (hadow naay remain againft his Prerogative; That then all the Judges oi' England. may be called thereto, i. That they might certify alio what Cafes he had rub'.iflied for his Majefty's Prerogative and Benefit, for the good of the Church and quieting Mens Inheritances, and good of the Commonwealth. But Sir Edward being then or foon after coming into Favor by the Mar- riage of his Daughter, I conceive there was no farther Proceeiings in th's Aflwir. It w ill 1^ needlefs for me to declare what reputation thefe Books have, among the Profeflbrs of the Law j but I cannot omit upon this Oc- cafion, to take Notice of a Charader Sir Fra. Bacon had fome time before given them in his Propofition to the King, touching the Compiling and jimndment of the Ldvfs oi' England. * To give every Man his due, hid it ' not been for Sir Edward Code's Reports ( which though they may haveEr- * rors, and fome peremptory and extrajudicial Refolutions more than are * warranted, yet they contain infinite good Decifions and Rulings ovtr of * Cafes ; ) the law by this time had been almoft like a Ship without Bal- ' laft ; For that the Cafes of modem expeiience, are fled from thofe, that * are adjudged and ruled in former Time. XCVIII. %o6 Letters and Memoires. xcviir. A Note of fome ^refidents^ as come nearcft the Cafe of the Lord ^rackley. Referred to in the foregoing Letter. TH E Lord Hay was created Baron of Sawley , x8. Junijy 13. Regis^ without the Ceremony of robing, ^ as I rake it ) but then the Patent was (^as I conceive it alfb } delivered to the Perfbn of the {aid Lord Hay, by the King's own hands ; and again the Dignity of a Baron hath incident to it, onely the Ce- remony of RoheSy and not the Ciniiure of the Sword^ Coronet, &c. The Duke of Lenox was created Earl of Richmond 6 of O^obris 11. Regis without any the Ceremonies ( as I take it ) but the Patent ( as I conceive it alfb) was delivered to the perfbn of the faid Duke, with the hands of the King ; and again in regard he was invert- ed of the fuperior Dignity of Duke of Scotland, the Ceremonies were not ft> fit to be iterated. King Henry Vllth created Edward Court en ay Knight Earl of Devon z6\ OBohrisi- Regni, Tefte meipfo ap^ud Weftmona^erium. &c. Whereby it may be colled;cd,that it was done without the Solemnities ; For that where the Solemnities were performed, it hath ufed to be with a H'tfce Teflihus^ and not Tefie meipfo ; And whe- ther it were deliver'd with the King's hand or not, it appears not. Edward VI. created iVilUam Earl of EJfex Marquis of Northampton 1 6, Feb. i Edw. 6. and it is mention 'd to be per Cin^uram gladii , Cappam Honor js, (0 Circuit aurei Impofitionem, but whether the Delivery was by the of Sir Francis Bacon. 207 the King's own hand non Conjlat , but it was Tefie me* iffo and not Hifce TeJlihuSy The fame King created *John Vifcount Vljle Earl of Warwick^ the fame time, and it is mentioned to be per CMuram glaJij, &c. but it was Tejle meipfo^ and not Hifce Teftitfus. Edward VI. created Thomas Lord Wriothefley Earl of Southampton in the fame day, and in the ^mc manner, with a lefle meipfo and not Hifce Teftihus. Thefe three Creations being made upon one day and when the King was a Child of about 9 years old, and in the very en- trance of his Reign, for the Patents bear date at the Tower of London^ doth make me conje(5lure that all the Solemnities were performed, but whether the King en- dured to be prefentatthe whole Ceremony and to de- liver the Patents, with his own hand, I doubt ; For that I find that the very (elf fame day, year and place, the King created his Uncle the Earl of Hartford , to be Duke of Somerfet per Cin^uram gladij^ Cappam Ho' rtoris, &^ Circuit aurei impofitionem^ & traditiottem Virgu^ laaurea^ with a Hifce Teftihus and not TeJle meipfoy and with a Datum per manus nojlras : but thefe things are but conjec^ral. I find no Tref dents for a l^on ohftante^ or a Difpenfa- tion with the Solemnities, as the Lord Bracklefs Bill was penned. XCIX. from the Original, To the Earl of 'Buckingham, I My very good Lord, Shall wiite to your Lordfhip of a bulinefs, whicii: your Lordfliip may think to concern my fclf,- but I 2o8 Letters and Me moires. I do think it concerneth your Lordihip much more. For | as for me as my Judgement is not Co weak, to think it can do me any hurt, Co my Love to you is Co flrong, as J would prefer the good of you and yours, before mine ^ own particular. It feemeth Secretary Winwoodhzxh ofiicioufiy bufied himfelf to make a Match between your Brother and Sir Edward Coke's Daughter ; And as we hear he doth it rather to make a FaSion then out of any great Af- fedion to your Lordihip : It is true, he hath the Con- fent of Sir Edward Coke (as we hear) upon reafb- nable Conditions for your Brother, and yet no better then without queflion, may be found in fome other Matches. But the Mother's Confent is not had, nor the young Gentlewoman's, who expedetti a great Fortune from her Mother, which w ithout her Confent is endangered. This Match, out of my Faith and Freedom towards your Lordfliip, I hold very inconve- nient bctli for your Brother and your felf. Firfi^ He fiiall marry into a difgraced Houfe, which in reafon of State is never held good. N(?x^, Fie (hall marry into a troubled Houfe of Man and Wife, which in Religion and Chriftian Difcretion, is difliked. Thirdly^ Your Lordfliip wdll go near to loofe all fuch your Friends as are adverfe to Sir Edward Coke, ( my Iclf onely except, who out of a pure Love and thank- ful nefs fliall ever be Firm to you.) And lajlfyy and chiefly, ( believe it } It will greatly weaken and diftrad; the King's Service; For though in regard of the King's great Wifdom and Depth, I am perfuaded thofe things will not follow^ which they imagin ; yet Opinion will do a great deal of Harm, and caO: the King back , and make him relapfe into thofe Inconvenicncys which are now well on to be re- covered. There- of Sir Fr ancis Bacon. 209 Therefore my Advice is, and your Lordfhip fhall do your felt" a great deal of Honour ; If according to Re- ligion and the Law of G^, your Lordfliip will figni- fie unto my LaJj your Mothery That your defire is, That the Marriage be not prefled or proceeded in with- out the Confent of both Parents, and (b either break it altogether, or defqr any further delay in it, till your Lordlhip's Return: And this the rather, for that Che- fides the Inconvenience of the Matter it (elf) It hath been carried (b harflily and inconfiderately by Secreta- ry Winwoody as for doubt that the Father (hould take away the Maiden by Force; the Mother to get the Start hath convey 'd her away fecretly , which is ill of all fides. Thus hoping your Lordihip will not onely accept well , but believe my faithful Advice, who by my great Experience in the World, mud needs fee fur- ther then your Lordihip can, I ever reft Tour Lordfl}ifs true and moft devoted Friend and Servant^ Fr. Bacon, f. 5. / have not heard from your Lordfhif (ince I fent the King my lafl Account of Counfel Bu/inefiy but I ajfure my ] elf you received it, hecaufe I fent at the fame time a Pack- et to Secretary Laque who hath fignifyed to tne that he hath received it. I pray your Lordjhif deliver to his Majefty this little Note of Chancery Buftnefi. July 11. 16:7. E e C. Jrrom V "^ J I 210 ii^Jj''^ ^M ^?P^WH From the Original. Tathe Kli^G. Think it agre^^bk ^o njy Dyty, aad the great __ Q\>\\g^xm, wh^rjEia I ^m ty^d tp your ^ajefty, to be (reer then 9t;h,?r B^q in giving your Majefly ft.itlifylGounrel, y^Uh things ai:e in paSing; aojd moie hp.Uijd then other Mejj^ ia doing your Conrniandments, when your Refohition is fetkdj^nd made known to me. I flaall therefore mpft hi?,q[X.bJy cuave Pardon feonj your Majeily, if in plainefe. and no lefe humhlenefe, Ideliv?i: to your. Majefty my hoq^ft, and diffinjterefled Qpioion, in: the bufmefs of the Match of Sir John f^iU Iff/f , which I take to, be Ma^uii^t.injarvo. : preferving always the Law^ an,d Duties, of a^ Eirm Friendfhip, to my Loni of Buckingham whom I will never ceafe to love, and? to, whprjj. I have vi^ritten already, but have heard yet fronx h^^ Lprdifeip- But Firft, I have three Suits to m.ake to your Maje- (ly, hoping, vyell^ you will grant them all. The Pi r ft IS, That if there be any Merit in drawing %,%Ji ^Sfei,y.H^LMi;V^^^^ the thanks qpfifcgli 014 ?^ of S^ Wn^ar^ftqciltp pleaieypur iN^elly.!^; rio|. up.9ii tli^ ^^SJ^^- PerTuafions or PragJ ma^lc^rs, of Mr. %5e^q^HJ/?^^ bui upon them, that carrying your "Commandniients and Dired:ions Mjith SfXf n@J^,a^4J*i^ce^ ^n,^^I^.TO(rfSr ^^ ^Hi ^^^^'*- nour olDiepe (^),- m the "^^9^91.%, Rok^tBjch^ (a) All that I have feen relating to the DifTerence between the Gffver- nour of Z?/epf, and Sir EdrnArd. Col^e^ is contained in a letter of Secrefaiy JVinwoocCs to my Lord of Buchjngham, dated the z^th of fum this year, and in thefe Words. Sir Edward Coke hath conflgned into the hands of tfie'-LoHs 1400 /. for the Satisfaftion of the French AmbafTador, in the Caufe which concerneth the Govimour of Diepe. and o/* *y/> F k A N e 1 s B A fc o N. Hi and in the matter of prdteding the Lady, according to your Majefty's Commandment ; have (b humbled Sir EJw. Coke, as he feeketh now that with Submiflionj which C as your Majefty knoweth ) before he rcjed^cd with Scorn : For this is the true Oratory that hath perfbaded this bufinefs ; as I doubt not but your Ma- jcfty inl your ejtcellent Wifdom doth eafily dilc^fn, , My SecondSmt is,Thdt your Majedy would not think me to pufillanimois , as that F, that when I was btit Mr. Bacoft, had ever ( through your Majefty's Favour)' good Reafbn at Sir Edward Cokes hdnds, when he was at the greateft ,- (hould now that your Majefly of your great goodnefs, hath plated me fo near your Chair, (^ being as ! hope by God's Grace, and your Inftruc^i- ons, made a SlSrvant according to your Heart and Hand ) fear him or take Umbrage of him, in refpedt of mine own particular. My Third Suit is, That if your Majefly be refblved the Match (hall go on, after yoii have heard my Rej(- fons to the contrary ; I may receive therein your par- ticular Will and Commandments from your felf , , tha;. I may cc^nfornimy felf thereunto; imagining with my fclf ( though I will not wager on Women's Minds) that I can prevail mord with the Mother, than any other Man. For if I ihould be recjuefled in it froni my Lordoi Buckingham; the Anfwcrs of a true Friend, ought to be, That I had rather go againfl: his mind then againfl his good : But your Majefly I mud obey : And bcfides 1 Ihall conceive that your Majefly out of your great Wifdom and Depth, doth fee tliofe things which I fee not. Now therefore, not to hold your Majefly with many Words, Q which do hut drovcH Matter^ Let mc moll, humbly deflre your Majefly, to take into your Royal Confidcration, That the State is at this time not onely ' e 1 m %i% Letters and Memoir es in good Quiet and Obedience, but in good AfTedion and Difpofition. Your Maiefly's Prerogative and Au- thority having rifen fome jufl Degrees above the Hori- zon more then heretofore j which hath dilperfed Va- pors : Your Judges are in good Temper ; your Juftkes of Peace ( which is the body of the Gentlemen ofEng- land^ grow to be loving and obfequious, and to be weary of the Humour of Ruffling : All mutinous Spirits grow to be a little poor, and to draw in their Horns , and not the lefs for your Majefty s difaudori- zing the Man I I'peak of. Now then I reafonably doubt, that if there be but an Opinion of his Coming in, with the Strength of fuch an Alliance,- it will give a Turn and Rclapfe in Mens minds, into the former flate of Things, hardly to be holpen, to the great weakning of your Majefty's Service. Again, Your Majefty may have perceived, that as far as it was fit for me in Modeily to ad vife , I was ever for a Parlement, (which feemeth to me to be Cardo re. rum ox fumma fummarum for the prefent Occafions. 3 But this my Advice w'as ever Conditional ; That your Maje- jlyfhouldgo to a Parlcment u?///; a Counfel United and not Diftra^ed: And that your Majefty will give mc leave never to exped, if that Man come in. Not for any Difference of mine own , (^ for I am Omnibus omnia for your Majefty's Service} but becaufe he is by Nature Unfocialle^ and by Habit Popular^ and too old now to take a new Plye. And Men begin already to Col- lect, yea and to Conclude, that he that raifeth fuch a Smoke to get in, will fet all on Fire when he is in. It may pleafe your Majefly now I have faid, I have done *, And as I think I have done a Duty not unwor- thy the firfl year ofyour lafl high Favour; I mod hum- bly pray your Majefty to pardon me, if in any thing, I have erred : For my Errours Ihall always be fupplied by of Sir Francis Bacon. 213 by Obedience; And fo I conclude with my Prayers, for the Happy Prefervation of your Majejifs Pcrfon and Eftate. From G^hxmhury four Majejlfs mojl humhU, this x^th of ftt/r , I -^ I n , , Kij. bounaeH^ and mojt devoted Servant^ Fr. Bacon. C. S. CI. From the Original. To the Earl of ^ucktn^ham. My very good Lord, 1D0 think long to hear from your Lord/hip, touch- ing my laft Letter, wherein I gave you my Opi- nion touching your Brother's Match, As I then Ihewed my Diflike of the Matter, fo the Carriage of it here in the manner I cfiflike as much. If your Lord/hip think it is Humour or Intereft in me that leads me, God judge my Sincerity. But I mud fay, that in your ma- ny noble Favours towards me, they ever moved and flowed from your felf, and not irom any of your Friends whatfoever; And therefore in requital, give me leave, that my Counfels to you again be referred to your Happincfs, and not to the Defircs of any of your Friends. I (hall ever give you, as I give my Mailer , fafe Counfel and fuch as Time will approve. I rcceiv'd yeflerday from Mr. Attorney the Qideens Billy which I fend your I.ordlhip. The payment is not out of Lands, but out of the Cuftoms, and fo it can be but tiie Rent. Your Lordlhip rcmcmbreth, it is but in 21^ Letters and Memoires. in a Cafe, which I hope (hall never be; that is, after his Majcfty's Death, it Ihe furvive. God ever blefs and dired you. Tettr Lor dfbips mofi faithful 7 rthTf ?// ^^ ^^^ ^eififted Friend and Servant^ 1&17. Fr. Bacon. C S. CIl. To tk KING. It may pkafe ymr mofl Excellent Majefly. I Dare not prefume any more to reply upon your Majefty, but I referve my Defence till I attend your Majefty at your happy Return : when I hope ve- rily to approve my (elf, not onely a true Servant to your Majefty, but a truer Friend to my Lord of Buck- ingham ; And for the times alfb-; I hope to give your Majefty a good Account, though Diftance of Place may obfcure thenii But there is one part of your Ma* jcfty's Letter, that I could be fbrry to take time to An- fwer; which is that your Majefty conceives , That whereas I wrote that the heighth of my Lords Fortune might make him fecure, I mean that he was turned proud,, or unknowing of himfelf; Surely the Opinion f ever had of my Lord (^whereof your Majefty is beft Witnefs ) is far from that. But my meaning was plain and fimple, that his Lordihip might through his great Fortune, be the lefs apt to caft and forefee the Untaith- fulnefsof Friends, and the Malignity of Enemies, and Accidents of Time. Which is a Judgement Q your Majefty knoweth better then! j that the beft Authors makes of Sir Francis Bacok. 215 makes of the beft, and beft tempered Spirits, utfuitt res bmm.anj(t ; infomueh that Guicciardine maketh the Judge- ip^ent ( not of a particular Perfon ) but of the wiSft St(Ue ot Ewt^p^^ the Ssnate of Vevk^ ; when he faith their Profperity had made them fecure, and under weighers of Perils. Therefore 1 befeech your Majelly to deliver me in this from any the leaft Imputation to my. Dear and Noble Lord my Friend. And fo expe<^- itjg , that that Sun wkich when it went from us left us CpW Weatt^er, a^ now it is returned towards us hath bjK)ught with it a bleiled harveft; will, when it Com- eth to ys, di^l ^nd di^rfe all MiQs aed Mi(kking9 em. from, the. 0/ighai. Xa the E^rl of (Buckingham. Afy,vjy, good Lc(r4^ _ Since my lafV to youn Lordfhip, I did firft fbnd for Mr. Attorney general, and made him know, that fioce I heofd fromCowr/^ I was refolved to further the Match and the Conditions thereof for your Lordihips Brother's Advancement the bed I could. I did fend alfo to my Lady Hatton and fome other fpecial friends^ to lettheraknow, I would in any thing declare my {//ci/(?r thereupon, and there is a Scruple in it, that it (hould be one of the Grievances put down in Farlia- ment ; which if it be, I may not in my Duty and love to you, advife you to deal in it ; if it be not, I will mould it in the belt manner and help it forward. The Hay is upon the fearch of the Clerk of the Parliament, who is out of Town , but we have already found, that the lad Grievance in 7"^o. is not the fame with this Suit , but wc doubt yet of another in 3<^- For the bufmefs of Mr. Leviflon, for your Lordlhip's fake Cwho I perceive keeps your Noble Courfe with me, in acquainting me with thefe things) I Qiall apply my felf unto you j though in my nature I do defire that thofe that ferve in the Court where I fit, though they be not in places of my Gift, and ^o concerns not me nor my place in profit , yet I wifli, I fay, I mought leave them in as good ca(e as I find them. And this of Sir Francis Bacon. z25 this Suit concerneth the main Profit of the Six Clerks^ who though they be of the Majler of the Rolls his Gift, yet they ferve in my Court. But my greatefl: doubt is that the Grant cannot be good in Law ; and that it is not like thofc other Prefidents^ whereof I have re- ceived a Note. For the Difference is, where things have been written by all the Clerks indiflerently and loofely, Qm which cafe the King may draw them into an Office') and where they have appertained to one efpe- cial Oifice : In which cafe the King can no more take away the Profits of a Man's Office, than he can the Profits of his Land. Therefore I think your Lord (hip may do well, to write to Mr. Solicitor and Serjeant Finch (a)i or fbme other Lawyers that you truft, or (uch as Mr. Levijlott trufteth, being Perfons of Account, to inform you of the Point in Law, before you proceed any further : For without that all is in vain. For the bu finefs of Hawkyns touching the Regijler for the Commiffion of Bankrupts. I am not yet fatisfied like- wife for the Law, nor for the Conveniency, but I rather incline to think it may paG, and I have fet it in a Courfc by which I may be throughly informed. For Sir Rowland Egertons Caule, and his Lady's, the Parties have fubmitted themfelves unto me, and are content to do it by Bond, and therefore I will un- (4) Of sir 7t?o. Crjentry the King's Solicitor fome mention is made in thi- IntrodiidHon. Sir Henry Finth Serjeant at Law, being the Firft of his Name, that for this laft Age, has made fuch a confiderable Figure in that Profet- lion,I fiiall give a ftiort account ot him.He was younger Brother to S'lvMoiilc Finch of Kjjlvpel in the County of l{ent , and Father of fohn Lord hini.'f. Keeper of the Gieat Seal in the Reign of King Charlts the Firlh He dial 1.1 ifiy, leaving to Pofterity a fufScicnt Teflimony of his Learning in the Law, as well as the Sciences j in his Book Intituled a Dcfcript^on of t'.t- Common Laws of Enj^lind according to the Rules of Art,tr*'. His Sons good Parts and Llocution were acknowledged by the prcatcil of his t;;e;n:vS , which accompliftiments, though he died u ithout Kfiie, have e-rinc:itly 3' pear'd in fome other Defendants from this Honourable Family. G g douLt- iz6 Letters and Memoir es doubtedly make an end of it according to Jnflice and Confcienee. For Sir Gilbert Houghton s Bufinefs I am in very good hope to effect your Lordfliip's defrre for his good. For Moors Bufinefs, concerning the Printing of Books, after hearing all Parties, I have Sealed his Patent , but for his former Patent of Salt I dare not do it , without acquainting the Council therewith which I am readjrto do, if he require that Courfc to be taken. IfhisMajefty at any time ask touching the Lord Clifton s Bufinefs, I pray your Lord/hip reprefent to his Majefty thus much, That whatfoever hath pafTed I thank God, I neither fear him, nor hate him , but I am wonderful careful of the Seat oi'juftice^ that they may ftill be well munited, being Principal Sinews of his Majefly's Authority. Therefore the Courfe will be fas I am advifed} that for this heinous Mifprifion Tthat the party without all colour or fliadow of Caufe, (hould threaten the life of his Judge, and of the highefl Judge of the Kingdom next his Majeay) he be iirft examined and if he confefsit, then an Ore tenus ; if he confefs it not, then an Informmion in the Star chamber and he to remain where he is till the hearing. But I do pur- pofcly forbear yet to have him examin'd, till the de cree or agreement between him and my Lord Aubim (which is now ready^ be perfected, lead it fhould feem an oppreffion by the terror of the one, to beat him down in the other. T:hx[s I ever reft, muie^Jan. Your Lordjhifs true Friend, and devoted Servant, Fr. Bacon. Cane. Ipray o/"i/> Franc js Bacon. iiy I pray your Lordjhip to pardon me if in refpe^ of a lit- tle watering in one of mine Eyes, / have written this Let* ter, heing long and private hufwe^ in my Secretary % Hand ex. From the Original, To the KING. // ma) pleafe your mofl Excellent Majeflyy Finding as well by your Majefty's Difpatches mi Diredions to your Council^ as now by Speech with Mr. Secretary l^fue , xh^f, ypur Majefty \$ con- teat io be troubled with Bufinefs of fi^idry Natures. I thought good accof^iing to th^ PMty of njy Flace, and the neccllity of the Occa/ion, to put your Maj^eOy in mind, that on this day fennight being Friday in the Morning, I am according to cullom to give a Cti^rge and Admonition to the Judges and Jultices of Peace now before the Circuits ; wherein I am humbly to crave your Majefty's Pleafiire and Diredlions. I have for your Majefty's better ea(e fet down the Heads, which by riie iPrelfcript of your Book, and out ot the confidcratipn of the prefent times,! have thought fittcft to be rcmembred. I have alfo fent your Majc- fty tlie laft account of the Judges Circuits, not to trouble you with the reading ol them sW ; but to the -end ^te^ jif wpoin ff^Y MomoriAl, or ot{irmCo out of y9W*,Mj^y s own meajofv, whicli is above Mcmori- als, y-9ju .^oujki have oGcanon to rcjjbrt to choie Ac- covnt^, tl^ P^>^s may be by you, Gg 1 The zz8 Letters and Memoir es The Feint of greatefl: weight in my Opinion, is the carrying of a Ballancd hand at this time in the matter of Recufants, in regard of the Treaty with Spah. For it were good in refped of your People, that there were no Note made, that the String is relaxed, and in re- fped of the Treaty, that it is not flrained: And there- fore that the proceeding in thofe Caufes be rather dili- gent than fevere. I am wonderful glad to hear, that this Extremity of Weather, which 1 think the Mufcovite hath brought with him, hath not touched your Majelly, whofe Health and eafe is far dearer to me, then my' life with all the appurtenances. Gt?^ ever preferv^e and profper you. Tour Majefty will he pleas d Tour Majeflys mofl Faith- your Anjwer he with me on ful and mofl Ohliged Thurfday at Noon^orfoon Servant, after it. This Friday Morning the Sixth of ^^' -D^COn, CanC, February y 1617. CXI. From the Original. To the Marquis of Buckingham, My very good Lord. MR. Chancellor of the Exchequer hath fignified to me this day, that yefterday his Majefty called him to his Coach, and faid to him, that one that had ufed ill fpeech of me fhould be called before me, and make his fubmiflion to me ; and thereupon be called before sf Sir Francis Bacon. 229 before the Council, and receive a (harp Reprehenfion, and fo be inlarged. And Mr. C^er Aftpjiw to 4000 /. which is Twenty fold m'aJtuplied. "This I Write for two Rea- fons. ///-j?, Bccaufe I glory in it,becaufe it was my Work whoUy: Next becaufe His Majefly may take occafion by this to look better to the Improvment of his Wardes in England in d.ue tin>e-. QoA^v^t p;refqrve and profper you. rory^-Hou fe, 2 7 th. four Lordjhtps twofi Miged ^^^ ^ ^ ' Friend and fay thful Servant Fr. Vera! am Cane. cxfir. of Sir Francis Bacon^ zji cxjll. From the Ori^inaL To the Marquis o( 'Bjickin^ha^ft. My very goo J Lord. IAm very glad to hear of the Honowr His Majrfly in- tendcth to my Nobie Lady Your Lordihips Mother. This amongft many other things , (heweth in Ywf Lordfhip good Mature, which is the Root of all Virtues, next Rehgion. Befides it doth fort well in States, when Place and Power do meet, and (land not to farre at di- fhnce. C^) For the paflfing of it by Direction without B//I figned, it cannot be in Law. So is Mr. Attorney s Opinion ,. and fo is mine ; and therefore there is prefently a Bill (ent with an Indorfement of palTing it by immediate Warranty and this Antedate. For the Antedate^ I muft pnefent His MfU^fty wi^h my Caution and with my Ohedience. For the * Statute tyeth me from Antedates; jmd ifl- i8 h. ^th deed the Milchief is infinite : For by that n[ieans the "P- ' King may grant any Land, &'C, and take it away a Month hence, and grant it another by an Antedate. And fiirely were it Land or the like I would not fay Ahfit, or Your Majcfly cannot do it, for a World : Or Your Majefty is Sworn and I am Sworn , or fuch brave (4J The Advancement of this Lady to the Title of Countefs of Bwci^'n^- IfAm^ was notwithftanding the Reafons here alledged, fo ill relented by the Houlie of Commons in \6i6. That in the i ith. Article of their Impeach- ment of the Duke of her Son, it was objoflcJ againft him as one of his Offences. Phrafes, %^i t^<- Letters and Memoir es Phrafes, but furely (J. fay} I would in humblenefs re- prefent it to His Majefty. (P) But the Cafe of Honour difTereth : For therein His Majefty's Prerogative and Declaration is abfblute, and he may make him that is lad to be firll. And there- fore upon his Majefty's Signification of his Pleafure up- on the Indorfement of the Bill figned, I take it, I may lawfully do it. ^ I am here rejoycing with my Neighbours the Towns Men of St. Allans for this happy day the 5th. o^Auguft 1 61 8. CO Cwbamhurj. Tour Lordjhips mofl obliged Friend and faithful Servant Fr. Verulam Cane, (b) By this and the preceding Letter, it appears that as my Lord Chan- cellor thought it his Duty to offer to the King his Reafons againft pafTing of a Patent j yet if then the King, who was Judge of the Inconvenience, was pleafed to command it, he was obliged to allow the fame. But in thofe things which were contrary to Law, as it is to be prefumed, that after an humble Reprefentation thereof, no Prince would exaft, fo no Minifterin fuch a cafe would yield an Obedience. (c) The yth of Augi^ being the Anniverfary of the King's Deliverance from the Earl of Gowr/j Confpiracy, was by feme called the Court-Holy- day, and ridiculed as a Fiilion ; tho the truth thereof being delivered down by Archbifhop Spotsrcood, and other good Hiftorians , I fee no great rea- fon to call it into Qiieftion. CXIV. Of Sir Francis Bacon. 233 CXIV. From the Original To the Marquis of Buckingham. My very good Lord , 1 Thank your Lordfliip for your laft loving Letter. I now write to give the King an account of a Pa~ tent^ I have ftayed at the Seal. It is of Licence to give in Mortmain Eight hundred Pound Land, though it be of Tenure in Chiej to Allen that was the PUrfer^ for an Hofpital, {a) (4) That Alltn the fUytr^ who in his Age, founded an Hofpital at Vul- vich in Surry, had been an excellent A(ftor ot the Comical and Serious Part ; will appear evident to any one that (hall throughly confider the following Epigram made by that admirable Dramatick Poet Ben. ^obnfon. To Mr. Edward Allen. If Home fo great , and in her uifcft Age, I-car'd not to boaft the Glories ot her Stage : As skilful Kofcitu , and grave 9/Efop, Men Yet Crown'd with Honours, as with Riches then ; Who bad no lefs a Trumpet of their Name, Then Citero, whofe every Breath was Fame, How can lo great Example die in me f That, Allen, I fljould paule to publifti thee ; Who both their Graces in thy felf haft more Oatftrip'd , then they did all that went before. And prefcnt worth in all do'ft fo contrad A? others ]ftA , but only thou do'ft aR. IVnr thh Renown. 'Tis jjft that who did give so nuny Ptets Life , by ons ftiould live. Hh i^j. Letters and Ademoires. I like well that Alien playeth the lafl: A^ of his Life foweli; but if His Majefty give way thus to ambrtize his Tenures, his Courts of ^fards will decay, which I had well hoped fliould improve. But that which moved me chiefly is , that his Maje- {ly now lately did abfolutely deny Sir JF/enry Savik tor zoo I. and Sir Edwin Sandys for lOO /. to the perpetu- ating of two Ledures, the one in Oxford, the other in Camhridge^ Foundations of fingular Honour to His Ma- jefty (k\\q heft learned o^ Kings') and of which there is gVeat want ; whereas Hofpitals abound ; and Beggars abound never a whit the lefs. Qh) If his Majefly do like to pafs the Book at all; yet if he would bepleas'd to abridge the 800/. to 500/. and then give way to the other two Books for the Univerfi* ty, it were a Princely Work. And I would make an humble Suite to the King, and defire your Lordihip to joyn in it, that it mought be fo. GodtYGr preferve and profper you. Tork-Vioiik this 1 8th of f^fif Lordftoips moft obliged "^"^"^ '^'^- friend and fyithful Servant I have JVrhten to my Lord Cham- berlain heirg Chancellor e/ 12 \T \ r Oxford to hd^ in the bufmfs. -^ r. V erulaiti C auc. (b) It were to be wiflied this Obfervation did not hold true in thefe times 5 For tho' the Foundations of Hofpitals are to be commended, which Sir Era. Bacom hath done both in this Letter, and other his Writings 5 Yet it fhews that fome more adequate Remedy for fupporting the Poor, then what arifes from thefe'Charities, or even from the Laws cnaded for their Relief, was then, and yet is to be deflred. And as the Defedt thereof is no fmall Reproach to the Government of a Country, happy in its natural Pro- dud, and enrich'd by Comerce ; fo it would be an Aft of the greateft Hu- manity, that the Poor might be provided for , and Beggary and Idlenefs the fucceflive Nurfcry of Rogues, as far as pofllble, extir^iated. And fince his Majefty has recommended it to the Parliament from his Throne, with a tendernefs becoming the Father of his Country, it is to be hoped, that Great Aflembly, will be able in his Reign to effcd fo good a Work. Upon this occafion I cannot but take notice of a Story which has been fpread a- broad O/'i'/rFR ANc IS Bacon. 255 cxv. From the Original To the Marquis 0/ Buckingham. My very geod Lord ^ Looking for matter of Service, I have found out a Suit tor my {^\{y and it is proper for me more then all Men, becaufe it is within the accompt of the Hamper. But I have made a haw to my felfy that I will never leg any thing , which Jhall not bring a Gain to the King. Therefore ray Suit is to Farm the profits of the Alienations^y\M\ng a Thoufand Pound a Year more to the King then hath been yielded communthus annij, by a Medium of Seven Years. If the King be pleas 'd to grant me this, it will a little warm the Honour he hath given me ; and I (hall have a new occafion to be, as I ever have been, and (hall be rar^.Hwfc, 9 ocio- fgur Lordlhips ohliqed Friend her \6\^. J r I f 1 n and Jaithjul Servant Fr. Veriilam Cam, broad to the Defamation of Sir Fn. B-tcen (but upon no good Ground at far as I can judge) as if in the Accomiiliniment of the Foundation of the Chjrtreiix-Hofpitjl begun hy Mr. Sutton^ and carryed on by his Kxecutors , Sir tr.irxis who was then the King's Solititv^ had, for fomc ill Dcf:gns of gain to himlelf or otheis , endeivouicd to havi." defcatcvi the fiire. Tlw Fad^ whereof was ;. That the Hcii ac Law fu;voii:->8; , that n< twiiliRamling what Mr. 5'MXion had done in procuri'ig Afts of v>ai!!ame t, anci Patents from the King in order to tftablifli this Noble Charitv, tnc great nl part of liis hliate was delcemled to him; It was argued on bis behalf , by the Solicitor General, and by Mr. Iknx) 7d.erton , and Mr. If'sltcr M-.-n of great Rtiputation in thofe times. And \shirtYer ill Intentions fome of the Court might lave, My Ret]iu.'!l to tive Header is that bdore he pafs anv Ccnlurc upon Sir Frj. B.i(on relating hereunto, he would pleafe to perule his Advice given to the King touching Mr, .y/fffra's fclhtej and I'ublirfied m the Kejii^dtjtio pag. k f . II ii2 cxvr zi6 Letters and Memoires cxvi. From the Original To the Marquis of Buckingham. My very good Lord, THis Morning Mr. Attorney came to me and defi- red of me many Writs ofNe exeat regnum againft mod of the Dutch Merchants, and withal let me undcr- (tand that there was a Difcovery of an infinite Tranfpor- tation of Gold and Silver out of this Realm, by the faid Dutch Merchants, amounting to Millions; and that Sir John Britten had made a Book thereof, and prefent- ed the fame to his Majefty ; and further that his Maje- fly had direded him to Profecute the fame ; and had alfb given Sir Thomai Vavifor the forfeiture of fuch Ten of them as he (hould choofc. Hereupon I thought it my Duty, as in a matter of great Weight, to fignifie to his Majefty by your Lord* Ihip, what I conceive. The Difcovery I think very happy. For if it be true, it will be a great benefit to his Majefty : It will alfb content his People much, and it will demonftrate alfo that Scotland is not the Leech (as fome Difcourfers fay) but the Netherlanders that fuck the Realm of Trea- fure. So that the thing is very good. But two things I muft reprefent to his Majefty : The Firfl, that if I ftay Merchants from their Trading by this Writ, I muft do it either ex Officio^ or by fpecial War^ rant from His Tk/ajefty. If ex officio, then I muft have more then a bare Surmile, to grant the Writ upon , (b as I muft be ac- quainted with the Grounas, or at leaft apparance of Proofs* Of Sir Francis Bacon. 237 Proofs. If by Special iVarrant^ then I defire to receive the fame. The other is that I humbly befeech his Ma- jefly that theCe Royal Boughs of Forfeiture may not be Vintagcd, or Cropp'd by private Suitors (confidering his Majeftics State as it is) but that Sir Thomas Vavifor or Sir 'John Britta'nt may have a bountiful and gracious Reward of their Difcovery, but not the Prime, or with- out Stint. In Sum, I would wiih his Majcfty to referr the whole bufinefs and carriage of the fame for his Honour and Profit to the CommifTioners of Treafure , or becaufe it is a legal Forfeiture to my (elf, Mr. Chancellor^ Sir Ed- ward Coke and my Lord Chief Jujlice of England, and by us his Majefty fhall be amired to know the befl: courfe for his Judice, Honour, and Profit, and that he may difpofe what Bounty he will. God ever prefervc and profper you. Tork. Houic, 19 oao- four Lordlhips moll ohliqed Friend her ;6i8 J r \l/ I c * and jatthjul Servant^ Fr. Verulam Canu CXVII. From the Original To the Marquis of Buckingharru My very good Lcrd^ THis long Book which I fend for liis Majefties Sig^ nature , was upon a Conference and Confult , Ycllcrnight (at which time I was alliflcd by the two Chief JuJiiceSy and attended by the Survey or ^ Aitomey^ and. X^S Letters and Memoires. and Receiver of the Court of PTWj Fleetwood^ framed and allowed. It is long, becaufe we all thought fit not to piece new Inftrudbions with old Inftrudions , but to reduce both old and new into one Body of Inftrudions. I do not fee, that of the Articles which are many, any could have been fpared. They are plain , but they have a good property, that they will take fafl: hold. I may not trouble his Majefty with chufing fome of them in particular, when all are good. Onely I think fit to let his Majefty know of one, which is that according to his own Diredions, The Oath of making no pri- vate unlawful Profit) is now as well Tranflated to the Mafter and Officers that may take, as to the Parties and Suitors that may give. It little becometh me to pofiefs his Majefty that this will be to his Majefties benefit Ten thoufands yearly or Fifteen thoufands or Twenty thoufands : For thele Rattles ai^e fitter for Mountehanks of Service, then Grave CoHncellors, But my Advices ( as far as I am able to difcern) tend or extend but to thus much : This is his Majefties fureft and eafieft way for his moft good. Sir Miles Fleetwood, who both now and heretofore, hath done very good Service in this , meriteth to be particularly from your Lordlhip incouraged ; which I befeech your Lordfhip npt to forget. God ever profper you. This4thofPfcew- fgnf Lordfiips mofi faithful hounden Friend, and Servant Fr. Veriilam Cane, CXVIII. 1 Of Sir Francis Bacon. y^jf cxviir. To Mf K I N G. It iiiayplcajc Your m/t Excellent Majejfy. do many times, with gladnefs, and for a remedy of my other Labours, revolve in my mind the. great happinefs which God (^of his Angular goodnefs), hath accumulated upon your Majefty every way ; and howcompleat the fame would be, if the llate of your means were once rectified , and well ordered. Your People Military and Obedient, fit for War, ufeJ to Peace ; Your Church illightencd with good Preachers, as an Heaven of Stars ; Your Judges learned, and learn- ing from you , Juft, and juft by your Example : Your Nobility in a right diflance between Crown and People, no Oppreflbrs of the Pecple, no over-fliadowers of the Crown , Your Council full ofTributesof Care,Faith and Freedom ; Your Gentlemen and Jufiices o^ Peace willing to apply your^Royal Mandates to the nature of their feveral Countyes, but ready to obey , your Servants in awe of your Wifdom , in hope of your Goodnefs : The Fields growing every day , by the improvement and recovery of Grounds Irom the Dcfert to the Gar- den ; The City Grown from Wood to Brick ; Your Sea Walls or Pomarium of your Ifland, Surveyed, and in Edifying; Your Merchants embracing the whole Compals of the World Eafl, Weft, North, and South ; The Times give you Peace, and yet odcr you oper- tunities ot Action abroad : And laftly your Excellent Royal Ijfue entailcth tliefe Bleflings and Favours ot God to defccnd to all Pollerity. It rcfteth therefore, that God z^-O Letters and Memoir es God having done To great things for YourMajefly and you for others ; you would do (b much for your felf , as to go through (according to your beginnings) with the rectifying and fetUng of your Eftate and Means, which only is wanting ; Hoc rehus defuit mum, I there- fore whom only Love and Duty to your Majefty, and your Royal Line hath made a Financier , do intend to prefent unto your Majefly a perfe(5t Book of your Eftate like a Perfpedive Glafs , to draw your Eftate neater to your fight ; befeeching your Majefty to con- ceive, that if I have not attained to do, that I would do, in this which is not proper for me, nor in my Ele- ment, I (hall make Your Majefty amends in fome other thing, in which I am better bred. God ever pre- ferve, ^c, fin. id. i5i8. CXIX. From the Original To the Marquis of Buckingham. My very good Lord y J Send His Majefty a Volume of my Lord of Bangor s and my Lord Sheffield^ whereof I fpake when I left his Majefty at the oh aides. His Majefty may be pleas'd at his own good time and pleafiire, to caft his Eye up- on it. I purpofe at my coming to London to conferr with the chief Juftice as his Majefty appointed j And to put the bufinefs of the Furfevants in a way , which I think will be beft by a Commiftion of Oyer and Termi- ner; for the Star Chamber (without Conicftion) is long Seas, I (hould advife that this point of the Furfe- vants of Sir Fr ancis Bacon. 2^1 vants were not Tingle, but that it be coupled in the Com- mifTion with the Offences of Keepers of Prifons herea- bouts, it hath a great Affinity ; for Purfevants are but Ambulatory Keepers, and it works upon the fame Party (of the PapiftsJ And it is that wherein many of his Majcfties and the Councils {kv^rt Charges , have been hitherto Unfruitful : and it doth a great deal of mif- chief. I have fome other Reafbiis for it. But of this it will be fitted , to advertize more particularly, what 1 have refolved of on Advice, upon Conference with the Chief Jujlke. I am wonderful glad to hear of the King's good health. God prefcrve His Majefty and Your Lordfliip. I ever reft Gtrb^mbur, this laft four Lordjhips mojl obliged ''^^"'^' '"^' Friend and faithful Servant Fr. Veriilam Cane, cxx. From the Original To the },[arqtii5 of Buckingham. My very good Lord , I Think it my Duty to let his Majefly know what I find in tliis Caufc of the Ore tenus. For as his Ma- jelly hath good Experience, that when his bufincfs comes upon t\\Q Stage ^ I carry it with Strength arid Refolution , fo in the Proceedings I love to be wary and confiderate. I i I i^z Letters and Memoir es I wrote to Your Lordfhip by my laft, that I hoped by the care I had taken , the bufinefs would go well, but without that care I was fure it would not go well. This I meant becaufe I had had Conference with the two chief luftices, Sir Edward Cooke being prefent, and handled the Matter fo , that not without much ado, I left both the chief Juftices firm to theCaufe and (atisfied. But caUing to mind that in the main bufinefs, not- withftanding I and the chief Juftices went one way, yet the day was not good Cand I fliould be loth to fee more of fuch days) I am not without fome apprehenfion. For though wc have Sir Edward Cooke earned and for- ward, infomuch as he advifed the Ore teus y before I knew it at Wanfted^ and now bound the Dutchmen over to the Starr-Chamber^ before I was made Privy , unto both which Proceedings I did neverthelefs give appro- bation ; Yet if there (hould be either the major part of the Votes the other way , or any main Diftrad-ion, though we bear it through, I fliould think it a matter full of Inconvenience. But that which gives me moil to think, is the Carriage of Mr. Attorney, w-hich (brt- eth neither with the bufinefs , nor with'himfelf : For as I hear from divers and partly perceive, he is fallen from earned to be cool and faint. Which weaknefs, if it rnculd m??ke the like alteration at the Barre, it mought overthrow the Caufe. All the remedy which is in my power , is by the advice of the Judges to draw fome other of the learned Counfell to his help , which he J know is unvv'illing with, but that is all. one. This I thought it necedary to write , led the King iliould think me afleep , and becaufe I know that his Majeitits Judgment, is far better then mine. But I for my part mean to go on roundly and fb I ever red, si\i oMer 1^1 ;>. fQi^j. Lordjhips moft olUged Friend and faithful Servant. f r. Veriilam Cane. of Sir Francis Bacon. 14.3 If the King in his great Wifdom, fhould any ways incline to have the Ore tenus put off, then the way were to command, that the matter of the Ore tenus fhould be given in Evidence , by way of Aggravation in the main Caufe. And it is true, that if this Precufory matter goeth well , it giveth great entrance into the main Caufe ; if ill, contrariwilS , it will do hurt and difadvantage to the main. CXXI. From the Oripnal. To the Marquis of Buckingham. My very good Lord, I'^Hefe things which I write now and heretofore in this Caufe , I do not write , fo .as any can take knowledg, that I write, but I difpatch things ex officio here , and yet think it fit inwardly to advertize the King, what doth occurre. And I do adiire yourLord- fliip, that if I did (crve any King, whom I did not tliink farre away wifcr, then my k\\\ I would not write in tlie mid'fl of burmcfs, but go on of my felf. This Morning, notwithdanding my fpeech yefterday with the * Duke, he delivered this Letter inclofcd, and *o{ Lenox I h'lving cleared tlic Room of all fave the Cout, and learned Connfcl Cwhom I required to flay) the Letter was read, a little before our hour of fitting. \\[\Qn it was read, Mr. Attorney began to move , that my Lord fhould not acknowlcd;e his ollences, as he conceived he had committed them, but as th-^y were charged; and fbrae of the Lords fpeaking to that point , I thought fit to interrupt and divert that kind of queliion,- And (aid, before we conQdcr'd of the extent of my Lords I i X Sub- zj^^ Letters and Memoires SuhmJffiQii^ we were firll to confider of the extent of our own Duty and Power; For that I conceived it was nei- ther fit for us to ftay proceeding, nor to move his Ma- jefly in that which was before us in courfe of Juftice. Unto which (^being once propounded by me) all the Lords and the reft ufj^ voce allented. I would not fo much as aske the queftion , whether though we pro- ceeded, I (hould fend the Letter to his Majefly, because I would not (treighten his Majefly in any thing. The Evidence went well (I will not fay I fometime holp it, as far as was fit for a Judge} and at the arifing of the Court, T moved their Lord/hips openly, whe- ther they would not continue this Caufe from day to day, till it were ended ; which they thought not fit in regard of the general Juflice, which would be delayed in all Courts. Yet afterwards within I prevailed Co far, . as we have appointed to fit Wednefday, Thurfday and Fryday, and to fit by eight of the Clock , and fo to difpatch it before the King come, if we can. God preferve and profpcr you. / ever refi This 2 2 th. of o^okr Your Lordlhjps mo ft olliqed friend Friday at 4 ot the j r ii / 1 c . Clock, 16 u;. and fait hjul Servant ^ Fr. Verulam Cane. CXXII. To the Marquis 0/ Buckingham. My very good Lord , MY Lord of Suffolk's Caufe is this day fentenced. My Lord and his Lady fined at 30000 /. with Imprifonment in the Tower at their own charges. Bing" ley of Sir Francis Bacon. 2^5 ley at 2000 /. and committed to the Fleet. Sir Edward Cooke did his part, I have not heard him do better, and began with a fine of an looooo/. but the Judges firll and molt of the reft reduced it as before. I do not difl like that things pafTed moderately, and all things con- fidered it is not amifs , and might eafily have been worfe. There was much (peaking of interceding for the Kings mercy, which in my Opinion, was not fo pro- per tor a Sentence. I (aid in conclufion that mercy was to come ex mero motu^ and (b left it : I tock fome other occafion pertinent to do the King Honour by (hewing how happy he was in all other parts of his Government, fave only in the manage of his Treafure by the(e Officers. I have fent the King a new Bill for Suffex , for my Lord of l^ott'tHghams Certificate was true , and I told the Judges of it before, but they negledted it. I con- ceive the firft Man, which is newly (et down, is the fitted. God ever preferve and keep you, ^r. 13 Hffvtmber 1619- CXXIII. From the Original To the Martinis of Buckingham. My very good Lord^ 1D0 not love to interlope by Writing in the mid'ft of bufincfs. But becaufe his Majefty commanded me to acquaint him with any Occurrence which mought crols the way ; I have thought fit to let his Majcity know what hath pafled this day. This- %^6 Letters and Memoir es This day (^which was the day fet down) the great Caufe of the )/c/;*^ was enter'd into. The Pleading being open'd, and the Cafe ftated by the Counfel ; the Counfel of the Defendants made a motion to have cer- tain Examinations taken concerning the old Defendants fupprelTed, becaufe they were taken fince the laft hear- ing. I fet the bufinefs in a good way , and fliewed they " To the were but fupplemental , and that at the laft hearing, pervert- there were (bme things extrajudicial alledged * ad Inf. Judges fytandum Conjcientiam Judkis , and therefore there was Confci- more reafon thefe fhould be ufed f ad Informandum Con- ^"^^' fcientiam Judkis, and that there was order for it. The t To the Order was read, and approved both by the Court, and oF^e"^ the Defendants own Counfel ; but it was alledged, that Judges the Order was not enter'd time enorigh, whereby the Confci- Defendants mought Hkewife examine, wherein certain- ly there was fome Hip or forgetfulnefs in Mr. Attorney or Britten that followed it, which I widi had been o- therwife, yet it went fair out of the Court. But after Dinner my Lords were troubled with it, and after much difpute , we have agreed to confer fi- lently, and fine Strepitu to morrow and fet aff ftreight, calling the Judges, and the Learned Counfel , with whom I have fpoken this Evening , I think, to good * All purpofe. For in good faith I am fain to be * Omni' things to l^ Omnia as St. Paul faith, to fet forward his Maieflies 3ii men. . "^ Service. I difcern a kind of Inclination to take hold of all Ac- cidents to put oifthe Cauie, whereunto neither I fliall give way , nor I hope his Majefty ; To morrow , if caufe be , I ihall write more , but I hope all iliall be well, I ever reft. triliy night, 19th, fo^ir l^ordfhips mofl oMiz.ed November 16 1'^;. j^ r J r .1 r 1 n trtend andjaithjul Servant, Fr. Verulam Cane. of Sir Francis Bacon. 24.7 CXXIV. From the Original To the Marquis of Buckingham. My very good Lord ^ I Have conferred with S\t Lyonel CranfeU according to his Majcflics ipccial commandment , touching two points of value , for the Advancement (the one prefenr, the other fpcedy) of his Majefties Revenue. The F/rJi is of the Ctram , to reftore the Impofiti- on of five Shillings fix Pence , laid in the late QjteeMS time, and drawn down unduly to (erve private turns to Three shillings Four pence; which will amount to above Three thoufand Pounds yearly increafe. The other is, of the Tobacco for which there is ofFer'd 2000 /. increafe yearly , to begin at Michaelmas next, as it now is, and 3000/. increafe, if the Plantations of Tobacco, here within land be retrained, J approve in mine own Judgment both Propofitions, with thefe Cautions. That for the Firft the Fanners of the Corans do by Inftrument under their Seal relin- quifh to the King all their claim thereto, by any gene- ral words, of their Patent. And for the iecond that the Bargain be concluded , and made before the Pro- clamation go forth ; wherein perhaps tiiere will occur fome doubt in Law, becaufc it rcflrainctli the Subjed: in tlie Imployment of his Freehold at his liberty. But being fo many ways * pro bono publico I think it good *^5*,^. V'^ enough. ^ '^^,^^ His Majcfty may therefore be pleafed to write his Letter to the Commifiioners of the Treafury^ fignilving his Majedies plcafure directly in iKJth points, to fiavc them done, and leaving to ub the confideration de Modo. God ever prol'p-^r you. / rcjt 1 : ^iwimba 1619, ToNf Lordfhips mo/l ohliz^cd I', ;c>:d and fa/thfu! ^crv.i:ify 2ij.8 Letters and Ademoires CXXV. From the Original. May it pleafe your mofl Excellent Majefty^ According to your Commandment, we met toge- ther yefterday at Whitehall^ and there confulted what courfe were fitted to be taken now in this Bufi- nefs of your Majefly's Attorney General, both for the fatisfying your own Honour, as alfo for calling in the late exorbitant Charter of the City ; which are the two ends, as we conceive, that your Majcfty propos'd un- to your felf. To effed: both which, we humbly prefume to pre- fcnt thus much unto ycur Majefty as our Opinion. Firfl, That an Information be put into the Star-chamber, as we formerly advifed, againft your Attorney as Delinquent, againfl the Mayor^ &c. as interefled, and againft the Recorder alfo mixtly with fome Touch of Charge. That the Submi/Hon by Letter ofFer'd by Mr. Attor- ney is no way fatisfadlory for your Majefty's Honour, but is to be of Record by way of Anfvver, and dedu- ced to more Particulars. That any Submiffion or Surrender of the Patents by the City, (hould be alfo of Record in their Anfwer ; and no other can be receiv'd with your Majefly's Ho- nour, but by Anfwer in Court: The fame to come meerly of thcmfelves, without any motion on your Ma- jefty's behalf, direclly or indiredlly ; which being done in this Form, it will be afterwards in your Majefly's Choice of Sir Fr ancis Bacon. 24.9 Choice and Pleafure to ufe Mercy, and to fufpend any farther Proceedings againft your Attorney. That it is of neceflity as well for the putting in of this Information, as for your Majcfty's other urgent and Pubhck Services in that and other Courts, to have a SequeftratioH prefently of your Attorney^ and a Provi- fional Commifilon to fome other during your Majefty's Pleafure to execute that Charge. For both which In- (Iruments Legal Ihall be provided as foon as your Ma- jefty's Pleafure is known. To which we humbly and dutifully fubmit our Advice, and Opinion, befeeching God to blefs your Majeftys Sacred Perfon with conti- nuance and encreafc of much Health and Happinefs. Wherewith humbly kiifing your Royal Hands, We reft. At your Majeftys Pdace Xour Majefiys wojl humhU. and onvhnchaU. I. ^une Faithful Suhjeas and Servants, Fr. Verulam, Cane, T. Arundel, Robert Naunton, Geo. Calvert, Jul. Cacfar, Edw. Coke. CXXVI. From the Original. To the Marquis of 'Bttc gingham. My very good Lord^ IHave lately certified his Majcfty on the behalf of Sir George Chaworth, by Secretary Calvert^ touch- ing the place of a Remembrancer in the Chancery for (ctting down of Caufcs. And bccaufc the Gentleman K k tellcth Z50 Letters and Memoir es tclleth me, the King thought my Certificate a little doubtful ; He defired me to write to your Lordfhip, touching my approbation more plainly. It is true, that I conceive it to be a good bufinefs, and will be for the Service of the Court, and eafe of the Suhje^ ; I will look it (hall be accompanied with good Cautions, We ruffle over Bufmefs here in Council apace, and I think to reafonable good purpofe. By my next I will write of fome fit Particulars. I ever reft, II Jane I ^10. XoHr mofi Ohliged Friend and Faithful Servant , Fr. Verukm, Cane, CXXVII. From the Original, To the Marquis of Buckingham. My very Good Lordy YEfterday I called unto Us the Two Chief Jujiices and Serjeant Crewe about the Parliament Bufinefs. To call more Judges I thought not good. It would be little to alTiftance, much to Secrecy : The diftribution of the Bufinefs we made was irwo four parts. Fir/?, the perufing of the former Grievance, and of things of like nature which have comen fince* xdly^ The Confideration of a Proclamation with the Claufes thereof, efpecially touching Ele^ions, which Claules neverthelefs we are of opinion fhould be rather Monitory than Exclufive, l^b. The of Sir Francis Bacon. 151^ %dly^ The Inclufive : That is to fay, what perfbns were fit to be of the Houfe, tending to make a fuffi- cient and well compoied Houfe of the ableft Men of the Kingdom,fit to be advifed with Circa ardua regni^tis the ftyle of the JVrits goeth, according to the pure and true Inflitution of a Parliament ; and of the means to place iuch Perfons without Novelty or much Obfer- vation. For this purpofe we made feme Lifts of Names of the Prime Counfellors, and Principal Statefmcn or Courtiers; of tlie graved or vvifeft Lawyers , of the moft rcfpeded and bfeft tempered Knights and Gentle- men of the County. And here Obiter we did not forget to confider who were the Boutefeta of the laft SdDon, how many of them are dead, how many re- duced, and how many remain, and what were lit to be done concerning them. ^thly^ The having ready of fome Comntonwealtb Bills^ that may add refpedi and acknowledgment of the King's care; not wooing Bills to make the King, and his Graces cheap; but good matter to fct them on work, that an empty iitomack do not feed upon Humor. Of thcfe four Points, that which concerneth Per- fons is not fo fit to be Communicated with the Coun- cil-Table, but to be kept within fewer hands. The other three may when they are ripe. Mean while I thought good to give his Majefly an account what is done, and in doing, humbly craving his Dircdtion if any thing be to be altcr'd or added ; though it may be our felves (hall have fecond thoughts, this being but the Refult of our firft meeting. The State of his Majefly's Treasure flill maketh me fad ; aiid I am forty I was not at Theobalds to report it, or that it was not done by my Fellows : It is mofl ne- cclTwily wcdo it faithfuHy and freely. For to flatter iri Kk 1 this Z52 Letters and Memoires this were to betray his Majefty with a kifs. I humbly pray his Majefty to think of my former counfel, and this I will promife that whomfoever his Majefty ihali make Treafurer^ if his Ma)efty (hall dired; him to have relation to my advice, I will continue the fame care and advice I do now, and much more chearfully when 2eVJ^s ^ ^^^^ perceive,that my Fropofitiom (hall not be * Liters written in Script d^ in Glacie. ^^' Mean while to keep the Commifion in doing of fbme- what worth the doing. It may pleafe his Majefty to take knowledge that upon our Report, we had agreed to make Remonftrance to him, that we thought Ireland mought (if his Majefty leave it to our care} be brought by divers good Expedients to bear their own charge ; and therefore his Majefty may be pleas'd by his Com- mandment to fet us in hand with it out of hand. God ever profper you. 7 0Sr^-Houfe, lo fonf Lordfhip s afcSiiottate Kinfman, 0Sf9b. 1610. J rr J TT J and ajjured rrtend^ Fr. Verulam, Cane. at Viennij endeavouring to quench that Fire which began to blaze in Germany, upon the Proclaiming the Ekdor PaUtine King of B$heTHia. How grateful a Prefent this Book was to Sir Henry, cannot better be exprefled than by his anfwer to this Letter ; which tho' it may be found in his Re- mginsj I hope the Reader will not be difpleas'd to fee part of it Trani'ai- bed in this Place. Right Howurable and rtiy very Good Lori, I Have your Lordfhip's Letters dated the 20th of Clfober, and I have withall by the care of my Coufin Meautys, and by your own fpecial Favour three Copies of that /^'or^, wherewith your Lord&ip hath done a great and ever-living Benefit to all the Children of Nature, and ^o Nature her lelf in her uttermol^ extent and I atitude : Who never before had To Noble nor lo true an Interpreter, or (a^: I am readier to ftyle your Lord, (hip) never fo inwa'-d a Secretary of her Cabinet. But of your faid Work f which came but this Week to my Hands) I fhall find occafion to fpeak more hereafter ; Havi::g yet read onely the Firft Book thereof, and a few Aphorisms of the Second, For it is not a Banquet that Men may luperfici- ally Taft, and put up the reft in their Pockets j but in truth a folid Feaft, which requireth due Maftication ^ .^^wi [0 on. But I am gone further than I meant in fpeaking of this Excellent La- bour, while the Delight yet I feel, and even the Pride that I take in a cer- tain Congeniality (as I may term it) with your Lordfliip's Studies, will fcantletroe ceafe. And indeed I owe your Lordfliip even by promife, (which you are pleas'd to remem.ber, and thereby doubly binding me)fome trouble this way 5 I mean by the Commerce of Philofophical Experiments, which furely, of all other, is the moll ingenuous Traffick. cxxx. of Sir Francis Bacon. 255 CXXX, A Letter from the Lord Chancellor Verulam to the Univerfity of Cambridge upon fending to their Publick Library his ^oVum Organum^zo which this Letter written with his own Hand is af- fixed. Almae Matri Academix Cantabrigienft. CU M Vejier Filius Jtm ts* Alumnus ^ Voluptati rmhi erit^ Tar turn meum nuper editum yob is In Grnmum dare : Aliter enim Velut pro Expojito eum haherem. Nee Vos moVeat, quod via nova fie. Ne- ce/fe eji enim talia per Mtatum eu6 Vobii Cr Studtis Vefiris FaVeat. Ex itaibus Eborac. Piljus vcfter Amantiflimus, ^moOM. i6zo. Franc. Verulam, Cane. CXXXI. 2^6 Letters and Alemoires CXXXI. V ' From the Original. To the Marquis of ^uclqngham. My very good Lord. I fend his Majefly a Form of a Proclamation for the Parliament^ which I thought fit to offer firit to his Majefty's perufaJ, before I acquainted the Council. For that part which concerneth the Foreign Bufinefs, his Majefty will gracioufly confider, how eafy it is for me to miftake, or not to attain ; which his Majefty in his Wifdom will pardon, corred:, and dired:. For that part touching the Ele^ions, I have commu- nicated it with my CoUegues, Sir Edward Coke, the Two Chief Juftices, and Serjeant Crew, who approve it well ; and we are all of opinion, that it is not good to have it more peremptory, more particular, nor more (harp. We are thinking of fbme Commonwealth Laws, a- mongft which I would have one fpecial for the Mainte- nance of the Navy, as well to give occafion to publifh (^to his Majefty's Honour} what hath been already done J as, to fpeak plainly, to do your Lordftiip's Ho- nour in the fecond place ; and befides, it is agreeable to the Times. God ever profper you. 18 oHob. i6io. Tour Lordjhip's moft obliged Friend and faithful Servant, Fr. Verulam Cane. cxxxir. of Sir Francis Bacon. 257 CXXXII. From the Original. Draught of a Proclamation /or a Parliament) referred to in the preceding Letter. AS in our princely Judgement , we hold nothing more worthy of a Chriftian Monarch , than the Conjervation of Peace at home and abroad ,* whereby Efiufion of Chriftian Blood , and other Calamities of War, arc avoided, Trade is kept open, Laws and Juftice retain their due vigor and play, Arts and Sciences flou- riih, Subjedls are Jefs burthencd with Taxes and Talla- ges, and infinite other benefits redound to the ftate of a Common-wealc: So in our own Prafticc, we fup- pofc there hath been feldom any King, that hath given more exprefs Teftimonies and real Pledges of this de- fire to have Peace conferved, then we have done in the whole courfe of our Regiment. For neither have we , for that which concerns our fclves, been ready to apprehend or imbrace any occa- fions or opportunities, of making War upon our Neigh- bours , Neither have we omitted, for that which may concern the States abroad , any good Office or royal Endeavour, tor the quenching ot the Sparkes of trou- bles and dilcords, in Forreign Parts. Whcrc-in as wc liavc been aKvays ready and willing; fo we wilh, that wc had been ahvays as happy and prevailing in our Ad* vices and Counfcls, that tended to that i:ni\. And yet do we not forget, that God hath put into our hands a Sceptre over Populous and Warlike Nati- ons, which mought have moved us, to fccond the A!- fv^ftion and Difpofition of our People , and to have Li uronj-'u Z58 Letters and Memoir es wrought upon it, for our own Ambition, if vvc had been fo minded. Buc it hath fufficcd unto us, to fcek a true and not fvcelling Greatnefs, in ths Plantations and Improvements, of (uch Part of our Dominions, as have in former times been more defblate or uncivil, and in the maintaining of all our loving Subjcds in general, in Tranquility and Security, and the other Conditions of good Government, and happy Times. But amongfc other Demonflrations , of our conflant purpofe, and provident care , to maintain Peace ; There was never fuch a Tryal , nor fo apparent to the World (zs in a Theatre) as our perfifting in the fame Refoludon, {met the time that our dear Son in Law, was elecfted and accepted Khg o^ Bohemia ; by how much the Mo- tives tending to ihake and ailaile our faid Refoiution were the mere forcible. For neither did the Glory of having our deareft Daughter and Son in Law to wear a Crown ; Nor the extreme alacrity of our People de- voted to that Caufe ,- nor the Reprefentations, which mought be fet before us of Dangers (ii we fliould fuller a Partie in ChriJIen^fom , held commonly adverse and ill affeded to our State and Government, to gather further Reputation and Strength} tranfport us, to enter into an Auxiliary War, in profequution of that Quar- rel: But Contrarivvife finding the Juflice of the Cauie, not fo clear, as that we could be prefently therein (a- tisfied J and weighing with our CdvQs likewife, that if the Kingdom of Bohemia had continued in the houfe of Aujlria ; yet neverthekfs , the Ballance of Chriflendom had flood in no other fort then it had done for many Years before, without increafe of Partie , and chiefly fearing that the Wars in thofe Parts of Germany^ which have been hitherto the Bulwark of Chriflendom, againft the approaches of the T^rijmought by the Intelline Dif, fentions, allure and let in the Common Enemy; We did of Sir Francis Bacon. 259 did abdain to declare , or engage our felves in that War ; and were contented only to give PermifTion to the AmbafTadour oFour Son in Law, to draw fome Voluntary helps of Men and Money from our Subjedls , being a Matter that viohatcd no Treaty, and could not be denied in cafe of fo near a Conjundtion. But, while we contained our {fA\ts in this Modera- tion, we find the Event of War, hath much altered the Cafe, by the late Tnvafion of the Palathiate , whereby Chowfoever under the pretence of a Divcrfion^ we find our Son in Fad", expulfed in Part, and in danger to be totally difpoflcrted of his Antient Inheritance and Pa- trimony, (o long continued in that Nohle Line ; where- of we cannot but highly refent , if it Ihould be aliena- ted, and ravifhed Irom him, in our times, and to the prejudice of our Grand-Children and Line-Royal. Nei- ther can we think it fafe, for us in reafbn of State, That the Count ie Palatine^ carrying with it felf an EletUratey and h -ving been fo long in the hands of Princes of our Ktligion , and no way depending upon the Houfe of Aiiflria , iliould now become at the difpofing of that Houfe ; being a Matter, that indeed mought alter the Ballance of Criftendom importantly , to the weak- ening of our Edate, and the Edate of our bed Friends and Confederates. VVl:erefore , finding a Concurrence of Reafons and Rcfpcdls of A'f//2/(7;, Nature^ Honour^ and EJhte ; all of them inducing us, in no wife to indurc fo great an Alteration : We arc rcfolvcd to imploy the iictcrmon: of our Forces and Means, to recover and relcttle tijc faid Palatinate to our Son, and oui Dcfcendcnts, pur- pofmg ncverthelefs , according to our former Inclina- tion lb well Grounded, not altogether to intermit (if the Occafions give us leave) the Treaties of Peace and Accord, w hich we have already begun , and whereof L I 1 tiic i6o Letters and Memoir es the coming on of the Winter, and the Counterpoife of I pay God. the AcStions of War, hitherto may give us, as yet fome this hold, appearance of hope. But, forasniuch as it were great improvidence, to depend upon the fuccefs of fiich Treaties , and there- fore good Pohcy requires , that we fiiould be prepa- red for a War, which we intend for the recovery and afluiing of the faid Palathate , with the Dependances,, (a Defign of no fmall Charge and Diliicuhy , the Strength and Conjundiures of the adverfe Party confi- dered} We have thought good to take into our princely and ferious Confideration (and that with fpeed) all things that may have Relation to fuch a De- fignment,- amongft which, we hold nothing more necef^. fary than to conter and advife with the Common- C6'//- cil of our KifigJom^upon this fo important a Suhje^. For although the making o^ War or Peace .^ be a fecret of Empire^ and a thing properly belonging to our high Prerogative Royal , and Im.perial Power (ay^ yet neverthelefs, in Caufes of that Nature, which we {iC) That the making oi JVtir or Veace , was a Prerc-gai-ve belonging to the Crown of England, has been an Opinion lb received , that it feems to have been raifed upon a better Foundation, than that of Conn Flattery. But ieeing, that in the Debates between King Charles I. and the Parliament touching the Militia, It \\ as by a Gentleman of the Robe , and others af- ferted , to be lodged in the K'ng and Parliament , and that there were many Prefidents , to prove, that the Kings had advifcd with them about their Foreign Wars ; and that very lately, a Doctor of the Ci'vil Law, hath in an Eijky upon this Subjcd , produced many Inftances from the Records to the lame purpofe , and fome others as if Lords and Commons ought to be confulted therein: I fliall not pretend to affirm rh's Portion, with- out fome Reflriiflions. Yet thus much I muft needs Ikv in Juftiftcation of to recover the Palatinate by War, and in what manner to make it, to break off the Treaties with Spain, particularly that of Marriage for the Prince. It is thus declared , In the Difccurje vebereof tc3 did net afjume to our jelves, any Vorver, to determine of any part thereof, nor imvfiJ. to intrude upon of Sir Francis Bacon, i6i we (hall think fit not to referve, but to communicate ; We (hall ever think our felves much affiftcd and flrengthned, by the faithful Advice, and general k^~ Tent of our loving Subjeds. Moreover^ No Man is fo ignorant, as to expccSl that we ihould beany ways able (Money's being the Si- news of War) to enter into the Liit againft fo great Potentates, without fome large and bountiful help of Treafure from our People ; as well towards tlie Main- tenance of tlie War, as towards the relief of our Crown and Eftate. And this the rather, for that we have now, by the fpace of full Ten years (a tiling unheard of in late times) fubfifled by our own Means, without be- ing chargeable to our People, otlicrwifc than by (bme tbi Sicrei Bounds of your RoyjL /Authority ; to reborn , and to rvhom only , v aci^noxfleige^ it doth belong to refolve of Pejce and If'ur , and ihe MuTri.iie of the Prince^ &.C. But hereupon, this Gentleman, in hi<; Ejfii)^ diflinguinic-s be- tween the R074/ Authority ^ as dcrivt-d from the Law, and tiic Prerogative^ ivhich pj- 105. no. he fays, is of a higher Nature, and fomething above rhe Law 5 by which the King is enabled to ?.6t in fome cafes wiiere the Law 1> filent, and in others arifing upon great tmergencies, fuch as thedeftroy- ing of a Frontier County, in cafe of Invafions, O-v. And l"o concludes. That this Power of making War and Peace, is in the King, by Vertuc of Lis Royal Authority, as part of the Executive Power, and not by his Piero- 5Jtive. Whereas my Lord Co^e, does aff.rm in his Inftituttt ^ a.-id other Lawyers alfo. That the Prerogative is part of the Commtn Lart , and there- lore not above it: Sothat thisleems to be a diliindHon without a di^^ercnce: Kut however, if the ancient Englifli Kings .who by Vcrtr.e of tiieir Military Ttr.ures, cfpecially that of Efcuage^ could commapd the Attendance of ma- ny of their Suhie ir. [':.rV.:.:v.- r. Vo. 26% Letters and Memoir es Voluntary Guifrs of fome Particulars ; which though in Total, amounted to no great Matter, we thankfully acknowledge at their Hands : But , as , while the Affairs abroad, were in greater Calme, we did content our felves, to recover our wants, by provident Retrench- ment of Charge , and honourable Improvment of our own, thinking to wear them out , without troubling our People; (b in fuch a State of Chriftendom , as feemeth now to hang over our Heads, we durft no lon- ger rely upon thofe (low Remedies , but thought ne- ceflary (according to the antient courfe of our Proge- nitors) to refort to the good Affections and Aydes of our loving Subjeds. Upon thtk Con fide rations^ and for thatalfo in refped: of fo long Intermilfion of a Parliament, the Times may have introduced fome things fit to be reformed, either by new Laws, or by the moderate Defircs of our loving vSubjed:s, dutifully intimated unto us (wherein we ihall ever, be no lefs ready to give them all gracious Satisfaction , then their own Hearts can deHre} We have refblved , by the advife ofour Privy Council, to hold a Parhament at our City of Wefim'inJJer And becaufe, as well this great Cauje Cthere to be handled amonglt the reft, and to be weighed by the Beam of the Kingdom) as alfb the true and antient /- ftitution of Parliament ^ do require the Lower houfe (at this time if ever) to be Compounded of the Graved, Ableft, and Worthieft Members that may be found; We do hereby, out of the care of the Common Good, wherein themfelves are Participant (without all pre- judice to the freedom Oi Ek^ions^ admonilli all our loving Subjei5ts ( that have Votes in the Eledions of Knights and BurgelTes ) of thefe few Points follow- ing. f^rfiy of Sir Francis Bacon. 2(^3 firjl^ That they caft their Eyes upon tlie Worthiefl Men of all forts, Knights and Gentlemen , that are Lights and Guides in their Countries , Experienced Par- liament Men , Wife and Difcreet Statesmen , that have been pra(^ired in Publique Affairs , whether at home or abroad : Grave and Eminent Lawyers^ Subflantial Citizens and Burgejfes , and generally luch as arc In- tcrefTcd and have Portion in the Eftate. Secondly^ That they make choice of fuch as are well affcdted in Religion , without declining either on the one hand to Blindnefs and Superftition , or on the o- ther hand to Schifm, or turbulent Difpofition. Thirdly^ and Laflly^ That they be truly fenfible, not to difvalue or difparage the Houfe with Bankrupts and necefiitous Pcrfons , that may dcfirc long Parliaments only for Protedion ,* Lawyers of mean Account and Efiimation ; Toung Men that are not ripe for grave Con- fultations; Mean r)ounciI, and to make my Anfwer ; wherein, Ncver- thelefs, my Councils part will be the leaft: For I fhall not, by the Grace of God, trick up an Innocency with Cavillations , but plainly and ingenuoufly (as your Lord- Of Sir Francis Bacon. x^'i Lord (hips know my manner is) declare what I know or remember. Thirdly^ That according to the courfe of Juftice, I may be allowed to except to the Witnefles brought a- gainftme, and to move Queftions to your Lordfliips for their crofs Examinations, and likcwife to produce my own Witnefles for the difcovery of the Truth. And Laftly ^ That if there be any more Petitions of like Nature, that Your Lordfliips would be pleafed not to take any Prejudice or Apprchenfion of any Number or Mufler of them , efpecially againft a Judge , that makes looo Orders and Decrees in a Year (^not to fpeak of the Courfes that hath been taken , for Hunting out Complaints againft me} but that I may anfwer them according to the Rules of Juftice , feverally and re- fpedively. Thefc Requefls , I hope appear to Your Lordfliips no other than Juft. And (b thinking my felf happy to have fo MoMe Peers , and Reverend Prelates to difcern of my Caufe , and defiring no priviledge of Greatnefs for Subterfuge of Guiltinefs , but meaning , as I faid, to deal fairly and plainly with Your Lordfliips , and to put my (elf upon your Honours and Favours. I pray God to blefs your Counfels and Pcrfons. And reft ^9 Mirch 1610. Tour Lordjhips humble Servant. Fr. St. Albaii Cane. M m CXXXlIL i66 Letters and Memoir es. GXXXIII. ,;,:fj;;tc<.l To the Marquis of 'Buckhigham, My tjery good Lor d^ YEllerday I know was no day ; now I hope I fhall hear froftl youf Lord (hip , \v'ho arfe my Anchor in thefe Flouds, Mean while to eafe nly Heart , I have Written to His Majefty the inclofed , which I pray Your Lordfliip to read advifecfly, arid to deUver it, or not to deliver it, as you think good. God ever pf of- per your Lordfhi^. Youfi^ evef, ^c, r^mchurt. Vt.St.K\hmCanc. cxxxiV. to the KING. // may pleafeyour Vno]i B^ceilent Majefly, Time hath been , when I have brought unto you * Gemitum Columhte from others , Now I bring ioie'' " it from my felf. I fly unto your Majefty , with the Wings of a Dove, which once within thefe feven Days , I thought would have carried me a higher Flight. When I enter into my felf , I find not the Ma- terials of fuch a Tempeft as is come upon me. I have been (as your Majefty knoweth beft) never Author of any immoderate Counfel , but always defired to have *m/f ^ things carried '^fuavihus modis, I have been no Avarici- bAnd. OUS Of Sir F^A N CIS B AC O N. Z^J ous Oppreflbr of the People. I have been no haughty, or intolerable, or hateful Man, in my Converfation or Carriage : I have inherited no hatred from my Father^ but am a good Patriot born. Whence, (hould tnii'Be? Forthefe arc the things that ufe to raife diflikes a- broad. For the Houfe qi Commons, I began my Credit there, and now it mud be the place of the Sepulture thereof; and yet this Parliament , upon the Meflage touching Religion^ the old "Love revived , and they (aid, I was the fame Man dill, only Honefty was turned into Hon. our. For the Upper-houfe^ even within thefe Days, before thefe Troubles , they (eemed as to take me into their Arms, finding in me Ingenuity , which they took to be the true Strcight-Iirie of Noblenefs , without any Crookes or Angles. And for the Briberies and Gifts , wherewith I am charged, when the Books of Hearts (hall be opened , I hope, I (hall not be found to have the troubled Foun- tain of a corrupt Heart , in a depraved Habit of ta- king Rewards to pervert Juftice ; howfoever I may be frail, and partake of the Abufes ot the Times. And therefore, I am refblved, when I come to my Anfwer^ not to trick my fnnocency , ([as I writ to the Lords') by Cavil lations , or Voydances ; but to (peak to them the Language, that my heart fpeaketh to me, inExcufmg, Extenuating, or ingenuoully ConfelTing: Praying to God to give me the Grace to fee the bot- tom ot my Faults , and that no hardncfs of heart do fteal upon me , under (hew of more neatnefs of Conf- cience, than is caule. Rut not to trouble your Maje- (ly any longer, craving Pardon for this long Mourning Letter ;. That which i third after , as the Hart after the Streams, Is , that I may know, by my Matchlcjs M m i Friend^ 2^8 Letters and Alemoires friend that prefentcth to you this Letter , your Maje- fty's heart (which is an Ahyjfus of Goodnefs as I am an Ahyffus of Mifery} towards me. I have been ever your Man, and counted my felf but an Ufufruduary of my felfjthe Property being yours.And now making my felf an Oblation to do with me as may beft conduce to the Honour of your Juftice, the Honour of your Mercy, and the ufe of your Service, refting as Clay in your Majeftys Gracious Handt^ fr. St. Alban, Cane. cxxxv. From the Journal of the Houfe of Lords. To the (l(tght Honourable the Lords of the Parlia- ment, in the Upper Houfe Jjfemhkd^ the Hum' hie Submiffton and Supplication of tl?e Lord Chan- cellor, // may pleafeyour Lordfhips^ I Shall humbly crave at your Lordlhip s Hands a be- nign Interpretation of that which I fhall now write ; For words that come from wafted Spirits, and an op- prefled mind, are more (afe in being depofited in a Noble Conflrudtion, than in being Circled with any referved Caution. This being moved, and as I hope obtain'd, in the nature of a Prote^ion for all that I ihall fay ; 1 Ihall now make into the reft of that wherewith I (hall at this time trouble your Lordfhips, a very (Irange entrance : For in the midfl of a ftate of as great atflidion, as I think a mortal Man can endure, ^Honour being above Life) Of Sir Francis Bacon. i6^ Life) I (hall begin with the profcfling of Gladnefs in fbme things. The Firft is, That hereafter the Greatnefs of a JuJgCy or Magiftrate, (hall be no Sanduary or Prote(aion of Guihinefs ; which in few words is the beginning of a Golden World. The next. That after this Example, it is like that Judges will fly from any thing that is in the likcnefs of corruption, ([though it were at a great diftancej as from a Serpent ; which tendeth to the Purging of the Courts of Juftice, and the reducing them to their true Honour and Splendor. And in thefe two Points^ CGod is my Witnefs) that though it be my Fortune to be the Anvil, whereupon thofe good effects are beaten and wrought, I take no fmall comfort. But to pafs from the Motions of my Heart, whereof God is onely Judge, to the Merits of my Caufe, where- of your Lordihips are Judges, under God and his Lieu- tenant. I do underftand there hath been heretofore ex- pected from me fbme Juftification : And therefore I have chofen one onely Juftification, out of the Juftifi- cation oijoh. For after the clear Submidion and Con- icHTion which I ihall now make unto your Lordftiips, I hope I may fay and juftific with Job in tliefe words, / have not hid my fins^ as did Adam, nor concealed my faults in my Bofom. This is the onely Juftification which I will u(c. Jt refteth therefore, that without Fig-leaves, I do ingcnuouHy confeG and acknowledge, that having un- derftood the Particulars of the Charge, not formally from the Houfe, but enough to inform my Confcience and my Memory ; I find Matters iuificient and full, both to move me to defcrt my Defence, and to move your Lordihips to condemn and cenftire me. Neither lyb Letters and Memoires. Neither will I trouble your Lordfhips by Tingling mrai. Ep. thofc Particulars which I think might fall offj Uuid te * exentpta jmjat fpinis de plurihiis una > Neither will I pronipt your Lordihips to obferve upon the Proofs, where they come not home, or the fcruple touching the credit of the Witncffes. Neither will I reprefent to your Lordlhips, how far a Defence in divers things mought extenuate the offence in refped of the Timje and manner of the Gift^ or the like Circuinftances. But onely leave thefe things to fpring out of your own Noble thoughts, and obfervations of the Evidence, and Examinations themfelves; and charitably to wind about the Particulars of the Charge, here and there as God Ihall put into your minds, and fo fubmit my (elf wholly to your Piety and Grace. And now,I have fpoken to your Lordlhips as Judgesy I fliall fay a few words to you as Peers 2in6. Prelates ; Humbly commending my Caufe to your Noble Minds, and Magnanimous Affe(5tioQs. 'Your Lordfliips are not fimply Judges but Parlia- ^mentary Judges , You have a farther extent of Arbi- trary Power than other Courts. And if your Lordfliips be not tyed by ordinary courfes of Courts or Prefidents in Points of ftridtnefs and feverity j much more in 'Points of Mercy and Mitigation. And yet if any thing which Lftiall- move mought be contrary to your worthy Ends to introduce a Rclcrma- tion, I fliould not feek it ; But herein I befeech your Lordfliips to give me leave to tell you a Story. Titus Manlius took his Sons life for giving Battle againft the Prohibition of his General : Not many years after the like feverity was purfiied by Papirius Curfor the Dila- tory againd Qjtintus Maximus ; who being upon the Point to be fcnrenc'd, by the JntercelTion oi: fbme Prin- cipal Perfons of the Senate, was fpared : Whereupon Livy Of Sir Fr AN c IS Ba CON. 271 Livy msketh this grave and gracious ObCervation ; Ifeque minus frmata efi Difcipltna M'tlitaris -pencnU Q.Mirtti Maximi, quam miferabilifiipl'tcit Trti Manlii^ The DifcipltHe of \Var^ was no left eftablifhcd by the Qpe- ftioning ofUuirttus Maxinfus, than by the Puniihing of Tifiu Manltiu. Arid the fame reafon is of the Reforma. tion of Juflke , For the Queftioning of Men of Emt- iient Places hath the fame Terror, tliough not the fame Rigor with the Punifhment. Bat my Gaie ftandeth not there ; For my humble Defire is, that his Majedy would take the Seal into his hands, which is a great Downfall, and may fcrve I hope in it (elf for an Expiation of my Faults. Therefore, if Mercy and Mitigation be in your Pow- er, and do no ways crofs your Noble Ends, why fhould I not hope of your Lordfliip's Favour and Commifc- ration ? Your LordQiips will be pleafcd to behold your Chief Pattern the King our Soveraign, a King of incompara- ble Clemency, and whole Heart is infcrutable for Wit dom and Goodnefs. Your Lord(hips will remember that there fat not thefe Hundred years before, a Prince in your Houfe, and never fuch a Prince, whofe Pre- sence deferves to be made Memorable by Records and KGts mixed of Mercy and Jullicc. Your Lordfliips arc either t^ohles^ (and compafTion ever beateth in the veins of Noble Blood) or Reverend TreUtes^ who are the Servants of him, who would not break the bruifed Reed, nor quench the fmoking Flax. You all fit upon one Hi^h Stage^ and therefore cannot but be more fen- fible of the Changes of the World, and of the Fall of any of High Place. Neither will your Lordfhips forget tliat there arc vi' tiaTemporiSy as well as Vitia IJomJMis; and that the beginning of Reformations hath t!ic contrary Po^vcrof the 17 1 Letters and Memoir es the Pool of Bethefda ; for that had llrength to cure him only, that was firft cad in, and this hath commonly flrength to hurt him onely that is firft caft in. And for my part, I wifti it may ftay there and go no further. Laftly, I afliire my felf, your Lordihips have a No- ble Feeling of me, as a Member of your own Body, and one that in this very SefTion had (bmeTallof your loving AfFedlions ; which I hope was not a Lightening before the Death of them, but rather a fpark of that Grace, which now in the Conclufion will more ap- pear. And therefore my Humble Suit to your Lord/hips is, That my Penitent Suhmijfion may be my Sentence, and the lofs of the Seal my Punifhment j and that your Lordihips will (pare any further fentcnce, but recom- mend me to his Majefty's Grace and Pardon for all that is paft. God's Holy Spirit be among you. 2z April lexi. four Lordjhifs Humble Servant, an a Suppliant, Fr. St. Alban, Ca?ic, CXXXVI. To the KIN G. It may pleafe your moji Excellent Majefty, IN the midft of my milery, which is rather aflwa- ged by Remembrance, than by Hope, my chiefeft worldly Comfort is, to think that fince the time, I had the firll Vote of the Commons Houfe q{ Parliament for Commiflioner of the Union, until the time that I was this laft Parliament chofen by both Houfes for their MclTenger of sir Fr ancis Bacon. 273 MefTenger to your Majefly in the Petition oi Religion^ (^which two were my firft and laft Services) I was ever more fo Iiappy as to have my poor Services gracioufly accepted by your Majefty, and Hkewifc not to have had any ot them mifcarry in my Hands. Neither of which Points I can any ways take to my fclf, but a- (cribe the former to your Majefty's Goodnefs, and the latter to your prudent Diredbions j which I was ever careful to have and keep. For as I have often faid t your Majefly, I was towards you but as a Bucket and a Ciilern,todraw forth and conferve, your felf was the Fountain. Unto this comfort of Nineteen years profpe- rity there fucccedcd a comfort even in my Greateft ad- verfity, fomcwhat of the fame nature,- which is, that in thofe Offences wherewith I was charged, there was not any one that had fpecial relation lo your Majefly, or any your particular Commandments. For as towards Almighty God, there are offences againll the firfl and fccond Tabic, and yet all againd God; fb with the Servants of Kings, there are olicnces more immediate againfl the Sovereign : Although all offences againfl Law are alfo againll the King. Unto which comfort there is added this circumftance, That as my Faults were not againfl your Majelly, othcrwife than as all Faults are,- 16 my Fall was not your Majcffy's Adl,other- wife than as all Adls of Jullice are yours.This I writenot to infinuate witli your Majefly,but as a mod humble ap- peal to your Majefty's Gracious rcmembrance,ho\v ho- neft and direcfl you have ever found me in your Service ; whereby I have an affured belief, that there is in your Majefty's own Princely thoughts,a great deal offcrenity and clcarncfs to me your Majefty's now proftrate and caft down Icrvant. Neither (my moft Gracious Sovereign) do I by t'lis mention of my Services, lay claim to your Princely Grace and Bounty , though the Priviledge of Caiamiry Nn doth 274- Letters and Memoir es doth bear that form of Petition. I know well, had they been much more, they had been but my bounden duty. Nay, I muft alfo confefs, that they were from time to time, far above my Merit, over and fuper- rewarded by your Majefty's benefits which you heaped upon me. Your Majefty was and is that Mafter to me, that railed and advanced me Nine Times ; Thrice in Dignity ^ and Six times in Office. The Places indeed were the painfullell of all your Services ,* But then they had both Honour and Profits. And the then Profits might have maintained my now Honour, if I had been wife : Neither was your Majefly's immediate Liberality wanting towards me in fome Gifts, if I may hold them. All this I do mod thankfully acknowledge, and do herewith conclude. That for any thing arifing from my (elf to move your eye of pity towards me, there is much more in my prefent mifery^ than in my paft Services ; fave that the fame your Majefly's Good- nefs, that may give relief to the one, may give value to the other. And indeed, If it may pleafe your Majefly this There of my Mifery is fo plentiful as it need not be coupled with any thing elfe. I have been fome body by your Majefly's fingular and undeferved Favour, even the prime Officer of your Kingdom ,* your Majeily's Arm hath been over mine in Council, when you prefided at the Table,- fo near I \\2ls. I have born your Maje- fly's Image in Metal, much more in Heart ; I was ne- ver in Nineteen years Service chidden by your Majefly, but contrariwife often overjoyed, when your Majefly would fometimes fay I was a good Husband for you, though none for my felf : Sometimes, that I had a way After a ^^ ^^^^ i" Bufinefs, * Suavihus Modis^ which was the gentle way which was mofl accoraing to your own Heart : manner, ^^^j ^^^^^ j^^^ Gracious Spccchcs of Affe^^ion and Trufl, of Sir Francis Bacon. 275 Trufl, which I ^t^^ on to this day. But why fliould I fpeak of thefe things which are now vanished, but on- ly the better to exprefs the downfall ? For now it is thus with me; I am a year and half old in mifery ; though I muft ever acknowledge, not without fbme mixture of your Majefty's Grace and Mercy; For I do not think it poflibic, that any you once loved fliould be totally miferable; Mine own Means through my own Improvidence are poor and weak, little better than my Father left me. The poor Things that I have had from your Majelly, are either in Queftion, or at Courtefie. My Dignities remain Marks of your Favour, but Burdens of my prefent Fortune. The poor Remnants which I had of my for- mer Fortunes, in Plate or Jewels, I have fpread upon poor Men unto whom I owed, fcarce leaving my felf a convenient Subfiftance. So as to conclude, 1 muft pour out my mifery before your Majefly, (b far as to fay, * Si deferis tu, perimus. * if yoa But as I can offer to your Majefly's Companion, lit- fj!'^'^^ tie arifing from my lelr to move you, except it be my nfli. extream milery, which I have truly laid open,- fb look- ing up to } our Majefty's own felf,I fliould think I com- mitted Cains Fault, if I fliould dcfpair. Your Maje- fty is a King whofc heart is as unfcrutable for fccrec Motions of Goodnefs, as for depth of VVifdom. You are Creator like, fad:ive and not deftrudtive. You arc the Prince in whom hath been ever noted an aver- ration againd any thing that favoured of an hard heart; as, on the other fide, your Princely eye was wont to meet with any Motion that was made on the relieving part. Therefore as one that hath had the happinefs to know your Majcfly near hand, I have (moji Gracious Sovereign) Faith enough for a Miracle ; much more for a Grace^ that your Majcfly will not fuffer your N n i poor i-jS Letters and Memoir es poor Creature to be utterly defaced, nor blot that Narx^e quite out of your Book, upon which your Sa- cred Hand hath been fo oft for new Ornaments and Additions. Unto this degree of compaffion, I hope God above (of whofe mercy towards me, both in my profperity and adverfity 1 have had great Teftimonies and Pledges, though my own manifold and wretched unthankfulnefs might have averted them} will difpofe your Princely heart, already prepared to all Piety. And why (hould I not think, but that thrice Noble Prince, who would have pulled me out of the fire of a Sentence, will help to pull me(^if I may ufe that homely phrafe) out of the Mire of an abjed: and fordid Condition in my lad days : And that Excellent Favourite of yours, (^the goodnefs of whofe Nature contendeth with the great- nefs of his Fortune , and who counteth it a Prize, a fecond Prize, to be a good Friend, after that Prize which he carrieth to be a good Servant) will kifs your Hands with Joy for any work of Piety you fhall do for me. And as all Commiferable Perfbns (^efpecially fuch as find their Hearts void of all Malice) are apt to think that all Men pitty them ; I afTure my felf that the Lords of your Council^ who out of their Wifdom and Noble- nefs, cannot but be fenfible of human events, will in this way which I go, for the relief of my Eflate, further and advance your Majefly's Goodnefs towards me. For there is as I conceive a kind of Fraternity between Great Men, that are, and thofe that have been, being, but the feveral Tenjes of one Ftrh ; nay, I do further prefume, that both Houfes o{ Parliament will love their Juflice the better if it end not in my ruin. For I have been often told, by many of my Lords^ as it were in Ixcufing thQ fever ity of the Sentence, that they knew they left me in good Hands. And your Majefly know- etli of Sir Francis Bacon. 277 eth well , I have been all my life long acceptable to thofe Affemhlies not by Flattery, but by Moderation, and by honeft exprcfling of a defire to have all things go fairly and well. But, if it may pleafe your Majejly (^for Saints I (hall give them reverence^ but no adoration , my Addrefs is to your Majcfty, the Fountain of Goodnefs,-) your Ma- jefty (hall by the Grace of God, not feel that in Gijty which I (hall extremely feel in Help ; For my defires are moderate, and my Courles meafured to a Life or- derly and refervcd, hoping dill to do your Majefty Ho- nour in my way. Only I moft humbly befeech your Majefly to give me leave to conclude with thofe words which necefllcy fpeaketh : Help me (Dear Sovereign. Lord and Mafter) and pity me fo far, as I that have born a Bag^ be not now in my Age forced in effedt to bear a Wallet ; nor I that defire to live to Jludjy may not be driven to ftudy to live Qa^ I moft humbly crave pardon of a long Letter, after a long filencc. God of Heaven ever blefs, prefer ve, and profper your Ma- jefty. Tour Majejly s poor ancient Servant and Bead/man^ Fr. Sc. Alban. CXXXVII. (4) Altho' the Subje matter of this and fome other Letters of the like Nature, hath given mc occalion to make lome Remarks thereon already j vet I caiMiot omit taking notice in this place, ol" what the Learned Mon- licur Le Clerc hath obleivcd in the ixth Chapter of his Refusions upon fco.i :irn\ Ij.i Fortune. Where, in his Dilcourle of Liberality, and the Ob- ligations that aic upon Piincet, CTf. to extend their bounty to Learned Men, in relptiff of the Benefit the World receives from them ; he exprel- Ics his lenlc of the Honour which was due to the memory of thole who aflilied Krafmut and Grotius, and his Relcntmcnt cf the Neglt^of Kjamett for tf& Letters and Memo'tres CXXXVII. To the Earl of Briftol. My very good Lord , I Now onely fend my befl Wifhes, to follow you at Sea and Land, with due thanks for your late great Favours. ' God knows, whether the length of your Voy- age will not exceed the Size of my Hour-Glafs. But whilH: I live, my afFedrion to do you Service, (hall remain quick under the alhes of my Fortune. cxxxviii. S I Ry IN this Solitude of Friends, which is the Bafc Court of Adverfity, where no Body almofl will be ken flirring, I have often /emembred this Sparnfh faying, Amor Jin fi, no ttene fin (ji). This bids me make choice of your Friend and mine, for his Noble Suc- cours,* not now towards the Afpiring^ but only the Re- fpiring of my Fortunes. I who am a Man of Books for deferting the Lord Bucon : One cunnot read, faith he, rvithout Indignati- cn, that rohich is reported, of the Famous Chancellor of England, Francis Bacon, whora the Iiyin^ fufferd to languijh in Poruerty, rvhilfl he prefer d worthlefs Per- fons to his Dijhonour. A little before his Death this Learned Man totit to that Prince a bemoaning Letter ; and then cites this moving Conclufion out of Hon>eU's Letters ; which tho' that Author thought it argued a little abje- ftion of fpirit in my Lord Bacon ; yet Monfieur Le Clerc thinks it fhew'd a much lower in the I(,'a' ^ permit fo able a Man to lye vinder the neceflity of making fo fad a Requeft, and yet withal to afford no Relief. (a) That Love vpithoict Ends hath no End, was a faying of Gondomar the Spanijh Ambaflador, meaning thereby, that if it were begun not upon particular Ends, it would lail. Lord Bac. Apothegms. have of Sir Francis Bacon. 279 have obferved, that he hath both the Magnanimity of the Old Romans^ and the Cordiality of the Old Englifb; and withal I believe, he hath the wit of both : fure I am, that for my felf , I have found him in both my Fortunes, to efteem me fo much, above my juft value, and to love me Co much above the polTibility of deferv- ing, or obliging on my part , as if he were a Friend, created and reftrved , for fuch a time as this. You know what I have to fay to the Great Lor J , and I conceive, it cannot paft (b fitly to him, by the Mouth of any , as of this Gentleman , and therefore do your bed (^which I know will be of Power enough} to en- gage him, both in theTubftance , and to the Secrecy of it : For, I can think of no Man but your felf, to be ufed by me in this, who are fo private, fo faithful, and fbdifcreet a Friend to us both; as on the other fide, I dare fwear he is, and know my felf, to be as true to you as your own heart. CXXXIX. To the Marque of Buckingham. My very good Lord^ YOur Lordlhip will pardon me, if partly in the free- dom of Adverfity , and partly of former Friend, (h:p, (the Sparkcs whereof cannot but continue) J open my felt to your Lordlhip, and defire alfb your Lordlhip to open your lelf to me. The two lad hCts^ v\hic!i > nu did for mc, in procurng the Rcleafemcnt of my Fine ^ and my iluietus eft, I acknowledge were cfltdts, real and material , ol your Love and Favour ; which as to my Knowledge , it never failed mc in my Profperity , So in thefc two things , it fccms not to have z8o Letters and Memoir es have turned with the Wheel. But the extent of thefc two Favours, is not much more than to keep me from Perfecution. For any thing further, which might tend to my Comfort and AlTiftance , as I cannot fay to my felf, that your Lordfhip hath forfaken me ; (b I fee not the effeds of your Undeferved, yeaUndefired Profeffi- ons and Promifes , which being made to a Perfon in Affli^ion^ hath the Nature , after a fort of Vows. But that, which moft of all makes me doubt of a Change , or cooling in your Lordihips Affection towards me , is, that being twice now at London^ your Lordfhip did not vouchfafe to fee me 5 though by Meflages you gave me hope thereof, and the latter time I had beggd it of your Lordlhip. The caufe of Change , may either be in my felf, or your Lordfhip. I ought firfl to examine my felf, which I have done ; and God is my Witnefs , I find all well, and that I have approved my felf to your Lordfhip, a true Friend , both in the Watery trial o^ Profperity , and in the Fiery Trial of Adverftty. If your Lordfhip take any Infatisfadiion touching the Houfe , I humbly pray you, think better of it. For that Motion to me, was a fecond Sentence, more grievous than the firft , as things then flood, and do yet Hand : For it Senten- ced me to have loft both in mine own Opinion , and much more in the Opinion of others , that which was faved to me, almoft only , in the former Sentence ; and which was more dear to me , than all that which was taken from me, which is your Lordfhips Love and Favour. For had it not been for that bitter Circum- fiance, your Lordfliip knows, that you might have commanded my life, and all that \s mine. But furely it could not be that , nor any thing in me, which wrought the Change. It is likely on the other part , that though your Lordfhip in your Nature, I know^to be Of Sir Francis Bacon. 281 be Generous and Cortftant, yet I being now become out oi fight y and out of /(?, your Lordfliip having a Floud of Nlfw Friendsy and your Ears poflefled perhaps by fuch , as would not leave room for an Olel\ Your Lordfliip may , even by courfe of the World, and the over-bearing of others, be turned from me : And it were almoft a Miracle if it ftiould be otherwife. But yet, becaule your Lordfliip may dill have fo Heroical a Spirit, as to (land out in all thefe violent Aflaults, which might have Alienated you from your Friend-. My humble Suit to your Lordfliip , is , That remem- bring your former Friendfliip, which began with your beginning , and fince that time, hath never failed on my part , your Lordfliip would deal clearly with me, and let me know , whether I continue in your Favour or no ; and whether in thofe poor Requefts , which I may yet make to his Majefty (whofe true Servant I ever was and am) for the tempering of my Mifery , I may prefume to ufe your Lordfliips Favour, and nelp, as I have done ; for otherwife it were a kind of flupid- nefs in me, and a great trouble alfo to your Lordfliip, for me not to difcern the Change , for your Lordfliip to have an Importuner, inflead of a Friend and a Sui- tor. Though howfbever, if your Lordfliip fliould ne- ver think ot me more , yet in refped of your former Favours , which cannot altogether be made void , I rnuft remain, ^c. o o cxi; iti Lifters dhd Memotres. CXL. To the Marquis of Buckingham. My very good Lord^ T Hough I returned an Anfwer to your Lordililps lad honourable and kind Letter , by the fame way by which I received it,* yet I humbly pray your Lord (hip to give me leave to add thefe few Lines. My Lord, As God above is my Witnefs , that I ever have loved and honoured your Lordfliip, as much I think as any Son o^Adam can love or honour any thing that is a Subjed: , and do ftill continue in as hearty and flrong wiihes of Felicity , to be heaped and fixed up- on you as ever : So yet I protell:, that at this time , as low as I am, I had rather fbjourn the reft of my life in 'a CoIIedge in Cambridge , than recover a good Fortune by any other than your felf. But now to recover your {elf to me (if I have you not already} or to eafe your Lordfhip in any Bufinefs of mine, wherein your Lord- ihip would not fb fully appear, or to be made Partaker of your Favours , in the way that you like beft ; I would ufe any Man who were your Lordlhips Friend. Secondly, If in any thing of my former Letters, I have given. your Lordlhip any diftaftc , either by the Stile of them, or any particular PafTage in them , I humbly pray your LordiLips benigne Conftrudion and Par- don. I confefs, it is my fault, though yet it be fome ^ iappinefs to me withal , that I many times forget my Adverfity : But I (hall never forget to be, &c. CXLL Of Sir Francis Bacon. 283 CXLI. To the Right Reverend Father in God , the Lord Bifliop of Wincbefler , Counfellor of Eftate to His Majefty. (tn) My Lord^ AMongft Confolations, it is not the lead to repre- Tent to a Mans felf, like Examples of Calamity in others : For Examples give a quicker Imprefllon than Arguments \ and befides , they certifie us , that which the Scripture alfb tendreth for Satisfac^iion, That no new thing is happened unto us. This they do the bet- ter, by how much the Examples, are liker in circum- ftance to our own Cafe ; and more efpecially, if they fall upon Perfons , that are greater and worthier than our felvcs. For as it favoureth of Vanity , to match our felves highly in our own Conceit ; Co on the other fide, it is a good found Conclufion, that if our Betters have fuftaincd the like Events , we have the lefs caufe to be grieved. In this kind of Confolation, I have not been want- ing to my felf; though as a Chrijlian I have tailed (through Gods great Goodnefs) of higher Remedies. Having therefore, through the variety o\ my Reading, let bclore mc many Examples, both of anticnt, and of latter Times : My thoughts , I confcfs , have chiefly {i) 1 he followinc; Letter , to the Ntod Lcanxnl Dr. An.ircves , Bifhor* ot H'inchtlitTy uas Wrictcn by my Loril St. Albin , in the Year :tfii , an J 1:1 thcniturc ot a DcJicatior. , prelixcd Ix-tbic his P;j.'(^jf , toucliinp; a Holy H'jr ; which was not l>rinted, at lead corrcdly, till 7 years after , !iy the caic of Dr. Rivflry. Rut becaufe it has been found amongll hi^ l.'t'-'.lfhips U'ttcrs and other Hooks, reparateJ from that Treatile, an.l Ji'u'iy, bccaul'c it gives fomc account of his Writings, and Behaviour atte. i.:>. Retirement, 1 thought it very proper to infcrt it in this plice. O o 2 (laved 2 84. Letters and Memoir es flayed upon three Particulars, as the mod eminent, and the mofl refembling. All three Perfons that had held chief place of i^uthority in their Countries : All three ruined, not by War , or by any other Difafter, but by Juftice and Sentence , as Delinquents and Cri- minals : All three famous Writers , in fo much as the Remembrance of their Calamity , is now as to Pofte- rity, but as a little PUlure of Night-work , remaining amongft the fair and excellent Tdhles of their A^s and Works : And all three 0^ that were any thing to the matter) fit Examples to quench any Man's Ambi- tion of rifing again , for that they were every one of them reflored with Great Glory ; but to their further Ruin and Deflrudtion, ending in a violent Death. The Men were Demofthenes , Cicero , and Seneca ; Perfons that I durft not claim Affinity with , except the Simi- litudes of our Fortunes had contradled it. When I had caft mine Eyes upon thefe Examples, I was carri- ed on further to obferve how they did bear their For- tunes, and principally how they did employ their times, being banifhed , and difabled for publick bufinefs , to the end that I might learn by them , and that they might be as well my Counlellors, as my Comforters. Whereupon I happened to note , how diverfly their Fortunes wrought upon them, efpecially in that Point which I did mofl aim , which was the employing of their Times and Pens. In Cicero^ I faw , that during his Banifliment (^which was almoft two Years) he was fb foftened and dejected , as he wrote nothing but a few Womaniih Epijlles. And yet , in mine Opinion, he had leafl reafon of the three to be difcouraged j for that, although it was judged, and judged by the high- eft kind of Judgment, in torm of Statute or Law^ that he ihould be banillied , and his whole Eftate confifca- ted and feized, and his Houfes pulled down j And that it Of Sir Francis Bacon. 285- it (hould be highly penal for any Man to propound his Repeal : Yet his cafe, even then, had no great blot of Ignominy, but it was thought but a Tcmpefl of Po- pularity , which over threw him. Demojlhenes^ con- trariwife, though his Cafe was foul, being condemned for Brihen^ and not fimple Bribery, but Bribery in the nature ofTreafon and Difloyalty : Yet, neverthefs, he took fo little knowledge of his Fortune, as during his Banilhment, he did much bufie himfelf , and interme- dle with Matters of State ; and took upon him to counfcl the State (as if he had been flill at the Helm^ by Letters, as appears by fome Epiflles of his, which are extant. Seneca indeed , who was condemned for many Corruptions and Crimes^ and Banilhed into a fbli- tary Ijland^ kept a mean : And though his Pen did not Freeze , yet he abflained from intruding into Matters of Bufinefs ; but fpent his time in Writing Books of ex- cellent Argument and ufe , for all Ages , though he might have made better choice , fbmetimes of his De- dications. Thefe Examples confirmed me much in a Rcfbluti- on (whereunto I was otherwiie inclined) to fpend my time wholly in Writing , and to put forth that poor Talent or half Talent , or what it is that God hath gi- ven me , not as heretofore, to particular Exchanges ^ but to Banks or Mounts of perpetuity , which will not break. Therefore having not long fince, fet forth a part of my Inftauration^ which is the Work, that in mine own Judgment QSi nunquam fallit Imago) I may mofl e- lleem ; I think to proceed* in fome new parts thereof. And altliough I have received from many Parts beyond the Seas , Teftimonics touching that Work , fuch, as beyond which I could not expect at the firft, in fb ab- (Irufc an Argument ; yet , neverthelcfs , I have jufl Caufe 28(5 Letters and Memoir es. caufe to doubt, that it flies too high over Mens Heads. I have a purpofe therefore (^though I break the order of Time) to draw it down to the fenfe by fbme Pat- tern's of a Natural Story and hquifition. And again, for that my Book of Advancement oi Learnings may be fome Preparative, or Key, for the better opening of the /- ftauration, becaufe it exhibits a mixture of new Con- ceipts and old ; whereas the Inftauration gives the new unmixed, otherwife than with fome Httle Afperfion of the old, for Taftes fake, I have thought good to pro- cure a Tranjlat ion of th2it Book into the general Language, not without great and ample Additions, and enrich- ment thereof; efpecially in the (econd Book , which handleth the Partition of Sciences , in (uch fort , as I hold it, may ferve in lieu of the /r/? Part of the Infiau- ration, and acquit my promife in that parr. Again, becaufe I cannot altogether defert the Civil Perfon that I have born , which if I (hould forget, e- nough would remember. I have alfb entred into a Work touching Laws, propounding a CharacSter ofju' flice in a middle Term, between the Speculative, and Reverend Difcourfes of P^i/^^^f/*^ , and the Writings of Lawyers , which are tied , and Obnoxious to their particular Laws, And although it be. true, that I had a purpofe to make a particular Digeft , or Recompile- ment of the Laws of mine own Nation,- yet becaufe it is a Work of aiTillance, and that I cannot Mafter by my own Forces and Pen , I have laid it afide. Now having in the Work of my Inftauration , had in Con- templation , the general Good of Men in their very Being, and the Dowries of* Nature; and in my Work of Laws, the general good of Men likewife in Society, and the Dowries of Government : I thought in duty, I owed (bmewhatto my own Country, which I ever lo- ved; infomuch, as although my Place hath been far above Of Sir Francis Bacon. 287 above my Dcfert , yet my thoughts and cares , con- cerning the good thereof, were beyond and over, and above my Place : So now, being as I am, no more a- ble to do my Country Service, it remained unto me to do it Honour; which I have endeavoured to do in my Work of the Reign of King Henry the VII. As for my Effaysy and fome other Particulars of that Nature, I count them but as the Recreation of my other Stu- dies , and in that fort I purpofe to continue them ; thougli I am not ignorant, that thofe kind of Writings, would with lefs pains , and embracement , perhaps , yield more Lu (Ire and Reputation to my Name, than thofe other which I have in h^nd. But I account the life that a Man Ihould (eek of the publifhing his own Writings h(i^ov^ his Death, to be but an untimely An- ticipation of that, which is proper to follow a Man, and not to go along with him. But revolving with my fclf, my Writings y as well thofe I have publilhed, as thofe which I had in hand , methought they went all into the City, and none into the Tetnp/e; where, becaufel have found fo great Con- fblation , I defire likewife to make fome poor Oblati- on. Therefore, I have chofen an Argument, mix'd of Religious and Civil Confiderations , and likewife mix'd between Contemplative and Aftive : For, Who can tell whether there may not be an Exoriere aliquis? Great Matters (^efpecially if they be Religious } have many times, fmall Beginnings ; and the Platform may draw on the Building. Tliis Work, becaufe I ever ., . was an Enemy to Flattering Dedications^ * I have Dedi- ift.V.ooJ cated to your Lordfhip, in refpcc^ of our ancient and ot thcad- privare Acquaintance ; and becaufe amongft tlie Men of our Times, 1 hold you in cfpecial Reverence. L. Tour Lord/hips loving Friend^ Fr. 5r. Moan. a 88 Letters and Memoir es CXLII. An offer to the King, of a T>'igfl to be made of the Laws of England, Moft excellent Sovereign^ AMongft the Degrees and Ads of Sovereign , or rather Heroical Honour ; the firft or fecond is the Perfon and Merit of a Lawgiver. Princes that govern well, are Fathers of the Feople : But if a Father breed his Son well , and allow him well while he li- veth , but leave him nothing at his Death , whereby both he , and his Children , and his Childrens Chil- dren may be the better ; furely the Care and Piety of a Father is not in him compleat. So Kings, if they make a Portion of an Age happy by their good Government, yet, if they do not make Tefiaments (as God Almigh- ty doth ) whereby a Perpetuity of Good may defcend to their Country, they are but Mortal and Tranfitory Benefactors. Domitian^ a few days before he died, Dream'd, that a Golden Head did rife upon the Nape of his Neck, which was truly performed in the Golden Age, that followed his times, for five Succeflions. But Kings by giving their Subjeds good Laws, may, if they will, in their own time, joyn and graffe this Golden Head upon their own Necks after their Death. Nay, they may make Nehuchadnezzars Image of Monarchy , Golden from head to foot : And if any of the meaner fort of Po- litiques , that are fighted only to fee the vvorfl of things , think that Laws are but Cobwebs , and that good Princes will do well without them, and bad will not (land much upon them ,* the Difcourfe is neither good nor wife. For , certain it is , that good Laws are o/'5'/r F R A N C I S B A C O N. 2 89 are fome Bridle to bad Princes, and as a very Wall a- bout Government. And if Tyrants, fome times make a breach into them, yet they mollifie even Tyranny it (clf, as Solons Laws did th&Tyranny o^Pifftratus; and then commonly, they get up again, upon the firH ad- vantage of better Times. Other means to perpetu- ate the Memory and Merits of Sovereign Princes , are inferiour to this. Buildings of Temples, Tombs, Pala- ces, Theatres, and the like, are honourable things, and look big upon Poflerity : But ConflantiMe the Great , gave the Name well to thefe Works, when he ufed to call Trajan, who was a great Builder, Parietaria, Wall" Flower , becaufe his Name was upon fo many Walls : So if that be the matter , that the King would turn Wall 'Flower, or Pellitory of the Wall, with Coft he may. Adrians Vein was better , for his mind was to wreftle a Fall with time, and being a great Progreflbr over all the Roman Empire , when ever he found any decays of Bridges or High- ways, or Cuts of Rivers, and Sew- ers, or Walls, or Banks, or the like, he gave fubftan- tial Order for their Repair with the better. He gave al(b Multitudes o( Charters and Liberties, for the com- fort of Corporations , and Companies in decay ; So that his bounty did drive with the Ruins of Time. But yet this, though it were an excellent Dilpofition, went but in etfedl to the Cafes and Shells of a Common-wealth; it was nothing to Vertuc or Vice. A bad Man might indifferently take the benefit and eafe of his Ways and Bridges, as well as a good ; and bad People mignt^puT*- cliafe good Charters. Surely the better Works of per- petuity in Princes, are thofe that waftj the infide of the Cup, Such as are Foundations of Colledges and LeS" ures for Learning and Education of Youth : Likewife Foundations and Inftitutions of Orders and Fraternities^ ibr Noblencfs , Enterprife , and Obedience , and the P p like ; 2po Letters and Memoir es like : But yet the(e alfo are but like Plantations , of Orchards and Gardens in plots and fpots of Ground, here and there ; they do not Till over the whole Kingdon:!, and make it Fruitful, as doth the eftablifh- ing of good Laws and Ordinances , which makes a whole Nation to be as a well ordered College or Foun- dation. This kind of Work, in the Memory of Times, is rare enough to (hew it excellent^ and yet not fo rare , as to make it (iifpeded for impoiTible , inconvenient , or unfafe. Mofes , that gave Taws to the Hebrews , be- caufe he was the Scribe of God himfelf , is fitter to be named for Honours fake , to other Law-givers , than to be numbred or ranked amongft them. Minos^ Ly^ curgus, and Solon ^ are Examples for Themes of Gram- mar Scholars. For antient Perfonages and Charad- ers, now a days, ufe to Wax Children again : Though that Parable of Pindarus be truej the heft thing is Water ; for common and trivial things, are many times the bed, and rather defpifed upon Pride , becaufe they are vul- gar, than upon caufe or ufe. Certain it is , That the Laws of thofe three Law-givers had great Prerogatives; thefrft o^Fame^ becaufe they were the Pattern among the Grecians \ the fecond o^ lafting, for they continu- ed longefl without alteration , the third a Spirit of Re- vivor, to be often opprefled, and often reflored. Amongfl the feven Kings of Rome , four were Law- givers : For it is moft true , that a Difcourfer of Italy fekh* Zhere was never State fo wellfwadled in the Infan- cy, as ^i^e' Roman was, hy the Virtue of their firft Kings ; which was a principal caufe of the wonderful Growth of that State in after times. The Decemvirs Laws , were Laws upon Laws , not the Original -, for they grafTed Laws of Grecia upon the lioman Stock of Laws and Cuftoms : BtJt fuch was their of Sir Francis Bacon. ipi their Succefs, as the Twelve Tables which they compil- ed, were the main Body of the Laws , which framed and weilded the great Body of that Eft ate. Thefe lafted a Jong time, with fome Supplementals, and the Preto- rian Edid^s in Alho-^ which were in refpe^ of Laws, as Writing Tables in rc.(pe//tf/, though built in the beginnings of Rome , yet was fit for the great Monarchy that came -after; Jo that building of Laws fufficeth the greatnefs of the Empii^ o^ Spain, \^hich Hnce hath enfued. Lewis the Eleventh had in his Mind (though he performed it not) to have made one conilan? Law of France., extracted out of the Civil Roman Law, and the Cujloms of Provinces, which are various, and the Kings Edi^s, which with the French arc Statutes. Surely he might of Sir Francis Bacon. 293 might have done well, if like, as he brought the Crown QsLS he faid himfelQ hors de Page; (b he had brought the People from Lacquaj; Not to run up and down for thtivLaws, to the Civil Law, and the Ordinances and the Cuftoms, and the Difcretions of Courts, and DiC courfes of Phllofbphers, as they ufe to do. King Henry the Eighth,in the 17th year of his Reign was AutiiOrizcd by Parliament to Nominate Thirty two CommiiTioners, part Ecclefiaftical, and part Tem- poral, to purge the Canon Law^ and to make it agree- able to the Law of God^ and the Law of the Land[ but it took not effect : for the Ats of that King were com- monly rather Proffers and Fames, tlian either well grounded, or well purfiied. But I doubt I err in pro- ducing fb many Examples : For as Cicero (aid to Cafar^ fo may I fay to your Majefly, Nil vulgare, te dignum videri pojfit : Though indeed, this welt underftood, is far from vulgar ; for that the Laws of the mod King- doms and Mates have been like Buildings of many pieces, and parched up trom time to time, according to O.cafions, without Frame or Model. Now for the Laws of England^ Cif I (hall fpeak my Opinion ot than, without Partiality, either to my Profellion or Country) for the matter and nature of them, I hold them uifj, juft, and moderate Laws; They give to God^ they give to Cafar^ they give to the Subjed what appertaineth. It is true, they are mixt as our Language^ compounded of Br:tijhy Romany Saxon, Danijhy l^orman Cuftoms. And furely as our Lang.'.jge is thereby (b much the richer; fo our Laws arc likewife, by that mixture, the more complcat. Ncith'jr doth this attribute lefs to them than thofc that would have them to have flood out the (ame in all mu- tations. For no Tree is fo good firft (ct, as by Tranfl planting and Grafting. 1 remember what hvippcned to 294* Letters and Memohes to Califthenes, th^t followed Alepcanders Court, and was grown into fbme difpleafure with him, becaufe he could not well brook the Perfian Adoration. At a Supper (which with the Grecians was a great part TallO he was defired, (the King being prefent} becaufe he was an Eloquent Man, to fpeak of fbme Theme, which he did, and chofe for his Theme the praife of the Mace- donian Nation: Which though it were but a filling thing, to praife Men to their Faces, yet he performed it with fuch advantage of truth, and avoidance of Flat- tery, and with fuch life, as was applauded by the Hear- ers. The King was the left pleafed with it, not loving the Man, and by way of difcountenance faid, // was eafie to he a good Orator in a pleafing Theme : But faith he to him. Turn your flile, and tell us now of our Faults^ that we may have the profit ^ and not you the praife only .- Which he prefently did, with fuch quicknefs , that Alexander faid, That Malice made him Eloquent then^ as the Theme had done before. I (hall not fall into either of thefe Extremes, in this Subje<5i; of the Laws oiEng. land, I have commended them before for the Matter ; but furcly they ask much Amendment for the Form ; which to reduce and perfed, I hold to be one of the greatefl Dowries that can be confer'd upon this King- dom. Which work for the Excellency, as it is worth your Majefly's Ad: and Times, fo it hath fome circum- fiance of Propriety agreeable to your Perfon. God hath blefled your Majelly with Poflerity : And I am not of Opinion, that Kings that are barren, are fittefl to fup- ply perpetuity of Generations by perpetuity of Noble Adts 5 But contrariwife, that they that leave Poflerity, are the more interefled in the care of future times,- that as well their Progeny as their People may participate of their merit. Your of Sir F K A N c 1 s B A c o N. 295 Your MajeHy Is a great Mafler in Juflice, and Judicature ; and it were pity , the fruit of that your vcrtue (hould not be Tranfmitted to the Ages to come. Your Majeily alfo reignethin Learned Times, the more, no doubt, in regard of your own perfection in Learning, and your Patronage thereof. And it hath been the miihap ot iVorks of this nature, that the le(s Learned time hath fometimes wrought upon the more Learned, which now will not be fo. As for my (elf, the Law was my Profeffion, to which I am a Debtor : Some little helps I have of other Arts, which may give Form to Matter ; and I have now (by Gotfs mercifiil Chajl'tfement^ and by his fpecial Providence) time and leifure to put my Talent or half-Talent, or what it is, to fuch Exchanges as may perhaps exceed the Intereft of an adtive life. Therefore as in the beginning of my Troubles^ I made offer to your Majefly to take pains in the Story of England^ and in compiling a Me^ thod and Digeji of your Laws ; fo have I performed the firfi (which refted but upon my felf) in fbme part. And I do in all humblenefs renew the Offer of this Latter (which will require help and afliflance) to your Maje- fly, if it (hall (land with your good pleafure to imploy my Service therein. CXLHI. 2 9(5 Letters and Memoir es CXLIII. The three following Letters were feverally written by the Lord St.Alhans^ in a Blank Page of his Advance- ment of Learnings upon prefenting the fame to each Univerfity, and to Trinity College in Cambridge. Francifcm Baro de Verulamio^ Vice-Comes St. Alhani^ Almae Matri Inclitas Academiae Cantahrigtenft S, DElita filii qualia pojfum perfolvo ; Quod verhfacio^ idem ^ vos hortor, tit Augmentis Sci-entiarum firenue incumhatis ; ^ in animi Modeftia Libert at em Inge^ nii retineatis : Heque Talentum a veteribus Concreditum^ in Sudario reponatis. Affuerit proculdubio^ & aff'ulferit Vivini Luminis Gratia^fi humiliata ^ Jubmijfd Religionis Philolbphia, Clavibus fensus legitime & dextre utamini ; ^ amoto omni Contradi^ionis ftudio^ Qjfifque cum alio, ac Jt ipfe fecum, difpuiet. Valete. CXLIV. Indltd Jcademice Oxonienfi S. CUM Alm^e Matri mete inclitm Academic Canta- brigienfi Scripferim, deejfem fane Officio ft fimile Amor is Tignus forori ejus non deferrem. Sicut autem eos hortatus fum, ita ^ vos Hortor^ ut Scientiarum Aug- mentis firenue incumbatis ; S> Veterum Labores neque ni- hil, neque omnia effe putetis^ fed vires etiam proprias mo- defte perpendentes, fubinde tamen experiamini: Omnia ce* deKt quam optime , Si Arma non alii in alios vertatis^ fed j unfits Copiis in Naturam rerum imprefionem jaciatis^ f^ffi- cit quippe ilia Honori ^ Vidtorise. Vakte. The fatisfa(ftion the Univerfity of Oxford, teftified upon this Occafion,ap- pears in their Letter dated from their Convocation-Houfe, zoVecemb.iei^^ -and Printed in my Lord Biicons Remains, fag. 204, CXLV, 0/'5'/> Francis Bacon. 197 CXLV. Tercelebri Collegio SanB^ Creaturarum^ ftretiue ^ pra omnibus Libris^ (qui pro Commentariis tan- tUm haberi debent) evolvatis. Valcte. CXLVI. To the KING. Moft Gracious and Dread Sovereign^ BEfore I make my Petition to your Majefty, I make my Prayers to God above, * Pe^ore ab imo^ that * From if I have held any thing fo dear, as your Majefty's Ser- ^^^ ^J- vice ; nay, your Heart's cafe, and your Honour's, I mJ^Hcart; may be repulfed with a denial. But if that hath been the Principal with me, that God, who knoweth my heart, would move your Majefty's Royal heart to take compaluon of me and to grant my defire. I proftratc my felf at your i\4aje(ly's Feet ; I, your Ancient Servant, now Sixty four years old in Age, and three Tears five Months old in Mifery. I defirc not from Q^q " your zp8 Letters and Memoires yoor Majefty, Means, nor Place, nor Imployment, but only after fo long a time of Expiation, a compleat and total remiflion or the Sentence of the Upper Houfe, to the end that blot of Ignominy may be removed frofri me, and from my Memory with Poflerity ; that I die ^ not a condemned Man, but may b^ to your Majefty, CreaS-e. ^^ ^ ^^ ^^ ^^^ * ^^^^ Creatura. Your Majefty hath Pardoned the Hke to Sir John Bennet, between whoCc Cafe and mine, (liot being Partial to my felf^but fpeak- iiig out of the General Opinion} there was as much diiterence, I will not fay as between Black and White, but as between Black and Grey, or Aih-coloured Qa") ; Look tlierefore down. Dear Sovereign^ upon me alfo in pity. I know your Majefty 's Heart is infcrutable for Goodnefs ,* and my Lord of Buckingham was wont to tell me, you were the beft Natured Man in the World; and it's God's property, that thofe he hath loved, he lo^ veth to the end. Let your Majefty 's Grace, in this my defire, ftream down upon me, and let it be out of the Fountain and Spring-head, and ex mero Motu, that li- ving or dying, the Print of the Goodnefs of King James may be in my heart, and his Praifes in my mouth. This my moft humble requeft granted, may make me live a year or two happily ; and denied, will kill me quickly. But yet the laft thing that will die in me,, will be the heart and atfedion of fuiy 3c. 152 4= Tour Majefty s moft humMe, and true devoted Servant^ Fr. St. Alban^ () sir ^ehn Bennet Judge of ths Prerogative. Court, was in the year iSz I .accufed, ccnvidled, and cenfured in Parliament, tor taking of Bribes, aad committing feyeral Mifdemeano[| relating to his Office, CXLVIL Of Sir Francis Bacon. tpp CXLVIL A Monfieur D' Effiat. (4) Monfieur rAmbafladeur mon Fils. VOyant que voffre ExceBence fait ^ trait e Marriages^ ntn Jeulentent entre Us Princes d* Angleterre & de France, mau auffi entre les Langues, pttifque vous faites tradnire mon lavre de 1' Advancement des Sciences en Francois, J* ay bien voulu vous envoyer mon Livre derniere- ment imprimee, que favois pourveu pour vous j mais J'ejiou en douhte, de le vous envoyer^ pour ce que it eft ejcrit en Anglojs, Mais a ceft'beure pour La raifon Jufdite^ je le vous cnv^e. Ceft un Recompileraent de mes Eflayes Morales & Civiles ; mais tellement enlargies ^ enrichiesy tant de Nomhre ^ de Poix, Qjte ceft de fait un Oeuvre Mouveau, Je vous haife Us mains<, & refte Voftre tres Affeilionee Ami ^ treS'humhU Serviteur^ Fr. Sc. Alban. U) To what hath been already faid of Monfieur D'Ef^gt, I (hall onely add,that he was made Mirejchd of France in 1^3 r, and died the year after, as he was going to take upon him the command of an Army upon the Frontier ofLomin. Having the following Eloge ^iven him by Du Pleix in his Hiftory of Louk the Thirteenth. *' In lofing him, the King loft a moft " faithful Servant, who in a little time had acquired, a great Reputation " in Arms, by his Courage j In Council, by his Judgment ; In EmbafTy's " by his Addrefs j In the Sur Intendance of the Ftrmncts^ by his Vigilance, '* Prudence, and good Conduit. Qq 2 CXLVlir. 300 Letters and Memoires. 1 CXLVIII. To the Queen 0/ Bohemia, (a) It may pleafe Tour Majefiy ^ Have received your Majefties Gracious Letter, from Mr. Secretary Moretoft, who is now a Saint in Hea- ven. It was at a time, when the great Defolation of the Plague was in the City ; and when my felf was ill of a dangerous and tedious Sicknefs. The ftril time that I found any degree of Health, nothing came foon- er to my mind , than to acknowledge your Majeftics great Favour , by my mofl humble thanks : And be- caufe I fee your Majefty taketh delight in my Writings^ (and to (ay the truth , they are the befl Fruits I now yield.) I prefume to fend your Majefty a little Did * Printed ^ourfe of mine, touching a War with Spain * which I hh L?rd- writ about two Years fince ,* which the Khg your Bro~ fhipj Mif- ther liked well. It is Written without Bitternes , or Works in Invcdive, as Kings Affairs ought to be carried ; but if Ifc2^, ^C. (a) The Princefs Eli\tihetk^ Eldeft Daughter of King J^ames, was Marri- ed to Frederic the Vth. Eledlor Palatine , who by accepting the Crown of Bohemia, was foon deprived, both of that , and his ancient Principality. Under all her Affli6iions,fhe had the happinefs of being Mother of many fine Children (of which the Princefs Sophia,Dntche\s Dowager ofHan(n.er is the Survivorj)and at length of feeing htrSon reftored to the Palatinate^and her Nephew to his l^ingdoms. To her,whohad been fomuch injur'd by Spain^My Lord St. j^lban prelonts his Difcourfe, touching a Jf^ar with Spain, in ac- knowledgment of the Favour of her Majefties Letter , fent by her Secreta- ry Sir Albertus Moreton ; in which quality he had ferv'd his Uncle Sir Hen- ry Wotton, in fome of his Ambaflys : And as he was tenderly beloved by him in his Life , and much lamented in his Death ; fo Sir Harry profefled no lefs admiration of this Queen , and the fplendor of her l^ertues under the darknefs of her Fortunes. " I Of Sir Francis Bacon. 301 I be not deceived , it hath edge enough. I have yet fome Spirits left, and Remnant of Experience, which I confecrate to the King's Service, and your Majefty's; for whom I pour out my daily Prayers to God , that he would give your Majefty a Fortune worthy your rare Vertues ; whicn fome good Spirit tells me, will be in the end. I do in all Reverence ki(s your Majefties Hands, ever reding Tour Majefties mofl humble and devoted Servant^ Fr. St, Alban. CXLIX. To the Earl of Arundel and Surrey. My very good Lord ^ IWas likely to have had the Fortune ofCajus FliniuSy the Elder,who loft his life by trying an Experiment, about the burning of the Mountain Vefuvius. For I was alfo defirous to try an Experiment or two, touch- ing the Confervation, and Induration of Bodies. As for the Experiment it felf , it fuccccded excellently well ; but in the Journey Q^etwecn London and High" fate^ I was taken with fuch a fit of Cafting, as I knew not whether it were the Stone , or feme Surfeit , or Cold, or indeed a touch of tliem all tiircc. But when I came to your Lordfhips Houfc , I was not able to go back , and therefore was forced to take up my Lodging here, where your Houfe-keepcr is very carc- tul and diligent about me,- which I affure my QA^^ your jKjx Letters and Memoir es^ &c. your Lordlhip will not only pardon towards him , but think the better of him for it. For indeed your Lord- ihips houfe was happy to me ,* and I ki(s your Noble Hands, for the v^elcome, which I am fure you give me to it, ^c, I know how unfit it is for me to write to your Lord- * ftiip, with any other hand than my own ; but by my troth , my Fingers art fo disjoynted with this fit of Sicknefs, that 1 cannot fteadily hold a Pen. FINIS. w^pp^ ^nui. 1 I 1 a. 'um.i ' , M{tmi i \n\ t' n m v ^^ n >. <-^^ * ;^ '>! ^ o IVER5-//) IARYQ^ I >i ir.it^ WJO LIFO/?^ VER^//- ^ C^^ VFRV^^ 1 OJ 475i University of Caiifomia SOUTHERN REGiONAL LIBRARY FACILITY 405 Hilgard Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024-1388 Return this material to tiie library from wliich it was borrowed. Mil' -^/.).OJ,\iN,rdi\: % ^\ I'B ^1 I ,',i . U (I I I J \\= 5.-^ r \( '.'^0/-, >ii <^^^^LlBRARYc// ? 1 ir^ ^ ^^\[UNIVER5^ 5 . 3 \^i^-y-^, g .v^OECAl; ^ <$^ ^ imp... ..nf CAIIFO/?,^^ ~" o / >=> o '-"- '-^& i? nil 1158 00689' 8133 ^iilJ'JNV'.Ol^"'" r-n t--? ^OF CAUFOfi'^ - - :l V" % ^ UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY f ACILIT> "iliBRARV6'/ A. iili'J.s-iiUi'^" 'A\^]AIN,1 ]UV^ %1JIIVJJ0^ <^ ^ OFCAIIFO/?,^; , ^ f V', --OAJivaan TV o \\UlM\FRi//- ^. cc .\\ ft: O > ^iij^cA nir \ t"*^; '^'i '" \, (r^"^f~"h "J^ :ir. (;! < .' IMiA'/ lirT .xWllBRARVr^ J >*. _U I ^.y -^ r 1^