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BLE SERVANT, MY LORD BELIEVING HIS OWN
DANGER TO BE MUCH LESS THAN HE FOUND IT.

queen, I will not question whether you be to THE LORD OF ST. ALBANS, BACON, TO AN HUMpass for a disinterested man or no; I freely confess myself am not, so I leave it. As for my other writings, you make me very glad of your approbation; the rather because you add a concurrence in opinion with others; for else I might have conceived that affection would, perhaps, have prevailed with you, beyond that which (if your judgment had been neat and free) you could have esteemed. And as for your caution touching the dignity of ecclesiastical persons, I shall not have cause to meet with them, any otherwise than in that some schoolmen have, with excess, advanced the authority of Aristotle. Other occasion I shall have none. But now I have sent you that only part of the whole writing which may perhaps have a little harshness and provocation in it, although I may almost secure myself that if the preface passed so well this will not irritate more; being, indeed, to the preface but as palma ad pugnum. Your own love expressed to me I heartily embrace; and hope that there will never be occasion of other than entireness between us, which nothing but majores charitates shall ever be able to break off.

SIR FRANCIS BACON TO A FRIEND, IN REFLEC-
TION UPON SOME ASTROLOGERS IN ITALY.

SIR, I write to you chiefly now to the end that, by the continuance of my acquaintance with you, by letters, you may perceive how much I desire, and how much I do not despair of the recontinuance of our acquaintance by conversation. In the mean time, I wish you would desire the astronomers of Italy to amuse us less than they do with their fabulous and foolish traditions, and come nearer to the experiments of sense; and tell us that when all the planets, except the moon, are beyond the line in the other hemisphere for six months together, we must needs have a cold winter, as we saw it was the last year. For, understanding that this was general over all these parts of the world, and finding that it was cold weather with all winds, and namely west wind, I imagined there was some higher cause of this effect; though yet, I confess, I thought not that ever I should have found that cause so palpable a one as it proved: which yet, when I came quickly afterwards to observe, I found also very clearly, that the summer must needs be cold too; though, yet, it were generally thought that the year would make a shift to pay itself; and that we should be sure to have heats for our cold. You see that though I be full of business, yet I can be glad rather to lay it all aside than to say nothing to you. But I long much more to be speaking often with you, and I hope I shall not long want my wish

SIR,-I say to you, upon the occasion which you give me in your last, modicæ fixi quare dubitasti? I would not have my friends (though I know it to be out of love) too apprehensive, either of me, or for me. For I thank God, my ways are sound and good, and I hope God will bless me in them. When once my master, and afterwards myself, were both of us in extremity of sickness, (which was no time to dissemble,) I never had so great pledges and certainties of his love and favour: and that which I knew then, such as took a little poor advantage of these latter times, know since. As for the nobleman who passed that way by you, I think he is fallen out with me for his pleasure, or else, perhaps, to make good some of his own mistakings: for he cannot in his heart but think worthily of my affection and well deserving towards him; and as for me, I am very sure that I love his nature and parts.

MY LORD OF ST. ALBANS, BACON, TO THE SAME
HUMBLE SERVANT, EMPLOYING HIM TO DO A
GOOD OFFICE WITH ANOTHER GREAT MAN.

SIR, I have received your letter, wherein you mention some passages at large concerning the lord you know of. You touched also that point in a letter which you wrote upon my lord's going over, which I answered; and am a little doubtful whether mine ever came to your hands. It is true that I wrote a little sullenly therein; how I conceived that my lord was a wise man in his own way, and perhaps thought it fit for him to be out with me; for, at least, I found no cause thereof in myself. As for the latter of these points, I am of the same judgment still; but for the former, I perceive, by what you write, that it is merely some misunderstanding of his. And I do a little marvel, at the instance which had relation to that other crabbed man; for I conceived that both in passing that book, and (as I remember) two more, immediately after my lord's going over, I had showed more readiness than many times I use in like cases. But, to conclude, no man hath thought better of my lord than I have done. I know his virtues, and, namely, that he hath much greatness of mind, which is a thing almost lost amongst men; nor can anybody be more sensible and remembering than I am of his former favours, so that I shall be most glad of his friendship; neither are the past occasions, in my opinion, such as need either reparation or declaration, but may well go under the title of nothing. Now, I had rather you dealt between us than anybody else, because you are no way drenched in any man's humour. Of other things at another time; but

this I was forward to write, in the midst of more | honour, in the opinion of all them who hear how business than ever I had.

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SIR, It is not for nothing that I have deferred my Essay de Amicitia, whereby it hath expected the proof of your great friendship towards me. Whatsoever the event be, (wherein I depend upon God, who ordains the effect, the instrument, all,) yet your incessant thinking of me, without loss of a moment of time, or a hint of occasion, or a circumstance of endeavour, or the stroke of a pulse in demonstration of your affection to me, doth infinitely tie me to you. Commend my service to my friend. The rest to-morrow, for I hope to lodge at London this night, &c.

Secrecy I need not recommend, otherwise than that you may recommend it over to our friend; both because it prevents opposition, and because it is both the king's and my lord marquis's nature to love to do things unexpected.

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I am dealt with. If your lordship malice me for such a cause, surely it was one of the justest businesses that ever was in Chancery. I will avouch it; and how deeply I was tempted therein, your lordship knows best. Your lordship may do well, in this great age of yours, to think of your grave, as I do of mine, and to beware of hardness of heart. And as for fair words, it is a wind, by which neither your lordship nor any man else can sail long. Howsoever, I am the man who will give all due respects and reverence to your great place, &c.

A LETTER OF SIR FRANCIS BACON TO A SERVANT

OF HIS, IN EXPRESSION OF GREAT ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND KINDNESS.

SIR, I have been too long a debtor to you for a letter, and especially for such a letter, the words whereof were delivered by your hand, as if it had been in old gold; for it was not possible for entire affection to be more generously and effectually expressed. I can but return thanks to you: or rather, indeed, such an answer as may better be of thoughts than words. As for that which may concern myself, I hope God hath ordained me some small time whereby I may redeem the loss of much. Your company was ever of contentment to me, and your absence of grief; but now it is of grief upon grief. I beseech you, therefore, make haste hither, where you shall meet with as good a welcome as your own heart can wish.

MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS.

THE LORD BACON, HIS LETTER TO THE MOST IL- | a wise man and an excellent king; and yet the LUSTRIOUS, AND MOST EXCELLENT PRINCE times very rough and full of mutations and rare CHARLES, PRINCE OF WALES, DUKE OF CORN-accidents: and it is with times as it is with ways, WALL, EARL OF CHESTER, &c.*

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR HIGHNESS.

some are more up hill and down hill, and some are more flat and plain, and the one is better for

In part of my acknowledgment to your high-the liver, and the other for the writer. I have ness, I have endeavoured to do honour to the memory of the last King of England, that was ancestor to the king, your father, and yourself, and was that king to whom both unions may in a sort refer, that of the roses being in him consummate, and that of the kingdoms by him begun: besides, his times deserve it, for he was

Third edition of Resuscitatio.

not flattered him, but took him to life as well as I could, sitting so far off, and having no better light; it is true your highness hath a living pattern, incomparable, of the king your father; but it is not amiss for you also to see it in one of these ancient pieces. God preserve your highness. Your highness's most humble

and devoted servant, FRANCIS ST. ALBAN

MR. FRANCIS BACON TO MR. ROBERT CECIL.*

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE MY VERY GOOD
LORD, THE LORD KEEPER.*

SIR-I am very glad that the good affection and friendship, which conversation and familiari- MY LORD:-I have, since I spake with your ty did knit between us, is not by absence and lordship, pleaded to the queen against herself for intermission of society discontinued; which the injury she doth Mr. Bacon in delaying him assureth me it had a farther root than ordinary so long, and the unkindness she doth me in acquaintance. The signification whereof, as it granting no better expedition in a suit which I is very welcome to me, so it maketh me wish, have followed so long, and so affectionately. And that if you have accomplished yourself as well though I find that she makes some difficulty, to in the points of virtue and experience, which you have the more thanks, yet I do assure myself she sought by your travel, as you have won the per- is resolved to make him. I do write this, not to fection of the Italian tongue, I might have the solicit your lordship to stand firm in assisting me, contentment to see you again in England, that because, I know, you hold yourself already tied we may renew the fruit of our mutual good will; by your affection to Mr. Bacon, and by your prowhich, I may truly affirm, is, on my part, much mise to me; but to acquaint your lordship of my increased towards you, both by your own demon-resolution to set up my rest, and employ my stration of kind remembrance, and because I dis- uttermost strength to get him placed before the cern the like affection in your honourable and term: so as I beseech your lordship think of no nearest friends. temporizing course, for I shall think the queen deals unkindly with me, if she do not both give him the place, and give it with favour and some extraordinary advantage. I wish your lordship all honour and happiness, and rest

Our news are all but in seed; for our navy is set forth with happy winds, in token of happy adventures, so as we do but expect and pray, as the husbandman when his corn is in the ground.

Thus, commending me to your love, I commend you to God's preservation.

Your lordship's very assured,

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TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HIS VERY GOOD
LORD, THE LORD KEEPER OF THE GREAT

SEAL, &c.t

MY VERY GOOD Lord,

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HIS VERY GOOD
LORD, THE LORD KEEPER OF THE GREAT SEAL.†
MY VERY GOOD LORD,

therance. And I pray your lordship to call to
remembrance my lord treasurer's kind course,
who affirmed directly all the rest to be unfit.
And because vis unita fortior, I pray your lord-
when
queen
ship to take a time with the
lord
treasurer is present. Thus, in hope to-morrow
will bring forth some good effect, I rest
Your lordship's, in all humble

I was wished to be here ready in expectation Sir Thomas Egerton failing of your lordship, of some good effect; and therefore I commend being newly gone, sent his letter to me to see my fortune to your lordship's kind and honoura-conveyed unto you, which I send enclosed; deble furtherance. My affection inclineth me to be siring your lordship, according to your kind afmuch [your] lordship's, and my course and way, infection, to make the best use thereof for my furall reason and policy for myself, leadeth me to the same dependence: hereunto if there shall be joined your lordship's obligation in dealing strongly for me as you have begun, no man can be more yours. A timorous man is everybody's, and a covetous man is his own. But if your lordship consider my nature, my course, my friends, my opinion with her majesty, if this eclipse of her favour were past, I hope you will think, I am no unlikely piece of wood to shape you a true servant of. My present thankfulness shall be as much as I have said. I humbly take my leave. Your lordship's true humble servant. FR. BACON.

From Greenwich, this 5th of April, 1594.

*From the original draught in the library of Queen's College, Oxford, Arch. D. 2. This letter seems to be of a very early date, and to have been written to Mr. Robert Cecil, while he was upon his travels.

+ Harl. MSS. vol. 6997, No. 20.

my

duty and service, FR. BACON.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE, &c., THE LORD
KEEPER, &c.‡

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writeth to me, that his lordship cometh to London, I thought good to remember your lordship, and to request you, as I touched in my last, that if my lord treasurer be absent, your lordship would forbear to fall into my business with her majesty, lest it might receive some foil before the time when it should be resolutely dealt in. And so commending myself to your good favour, I most humbly take my leave.

Your lordship's in all
humble duty and service,
FR. BACON.

From Gray's Inn, this 8th of April, 1594.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD
KEEPER, &c.*

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR GOOD LORDSHIP

As your lordship hath at divers times helped me to pass over contrary times, so I humbly pray you not to omit this favourable time. I cannot bear myself as I should till I be settled. And thus, desiring pardon, I leave your lordship to God's preservation.

Your lordship's most humbly
at commandment,
FR. BACON.

From Gray's Inn, this 25th of August, 1594.

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TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD
KEEPER, &c.

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR GOOD LORdship,

I understand of some business like enough to detain the queen to-morrow, which maketh me earnestly to pray your good lordship, as one that I have found to take my fortune to heart, to take some time to remember her majesty of a solicitor this present day.

Our Tower employment stayeth, and hath done these three days, because one of the principal offenders being brought to confess, and the other persisting in denial, her majesty, in her wisdom, thought best some time were given to him that is obstinate, to bethink himself; which, indeed, is singular good in such cases. Thus, desiring your lordship's pardon, in haste I commend my fortune and duty to your favour.

Your lordship's most humbly

to receive your commandments, FR. BACON.

From Gray's Inn, this 13th

of August, 1591.

*Harl. MSS. vol. 6996, No. 72.

VOL. III.-25

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE HIS VERY GOOD LORD, THE LORD KEEPER, &c.f

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR GOOD LORDSHIP,

I was minded, according to the place of employment, though not of office, wherein I serve, for my better direction and the advancement of the service, to have acquainted your lordship, now before the term, with such her majesty's causes as are in my hands. Which course, intended out of duty, I do now find, by that I hear from my Lord of Essex, your lordship of your favour is willing to use for my good, upon that satisfaction you may find in my travels. And I now send to your lordship, together with my humble thanks, to understand of your lordship's being at leisure, what part of to-morrow, to the end I may attend your lordship, which, this afternoon, I cannot, in regard of some conference I have appointed with Mr. Attorney-General. And so I commend your honourable lordship to God's good preservation. Your good lordship's humbly at your honourable commandments, FR. BACON.

From Gray's Inn, the 25th of September, Friday.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD
KEEPER, &c.t

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR LORDSHIP,

I thought good to step aside for nine days, which is the durance of a wonder, and not for any dislike in the world; for I think her majesty hath done me as great a favour in making an end of this matter, as if she had enlarged me from some restraint. And, I humbly pray your lo dship, if it so please you, to deliver to her majesty from me, that I would have been glad to have done her majesty service, now in the best of my years, and the same mind remains in me still; and that

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I do well like the course they take, which is, in every kind to set down, as in beer, in wine, in beef, in muttons, in corn, &c., what cometh to the king's use, and then what is spent, and lastly what may be saved. This way, though it be not so accusative, yet it is demonstrative. Nam rectum est index sui et obliqui, and the false manner of accounting, and where the gain cleaveth will appear after by consequence. I humbly pray his majesty to pardon me for troubling him with these imperfect glances, which I do, both because I

Mr. Fr. Bacon, his contentation to leave the solicitor- know his majesty thinketh long to understand ship.

TO SIR GEORGE VILLIERS.*

somewhat, and lest his majesty should conceive,
that he multiplying honours and favours upon me,
I should not also increase and redouble my endea-
vours and cares for his service. God ever bless,
preserve, and prosper his majesty and your lord-
ship, to whom I ever remain

Your true and most devoted servant,
FR. BACON, C. S.

Jan. 16, 1617.

TO THE RIGHT HONOURABLE THE LORD
KEEPER, &c.*

SIR,—I think I cannot do better service towards the good estate of the kingdom of Ireland, than to procure the king to be well served in the eminent places of law and justice; I shall, therefore, name unto you for the attorney's place there, or for the solicitor's place, if the new solicitor shall go up, a gentleman of mine own breeding and framing, Mr. Edward Wyrthington, of Gray's Inn; he is born to eight hundred pounds a year; IT MAY PLEASE YOUR GOOD Lordship, he is the eldest son of a most severe justicer amongst the recusants of Lancashire, and a man most able for law and speech, and by me trained in the king's causes. My lord deputy, by my description, is much in love with the man. I hear my Lord of Canterbury and Sir Thomas Laque should name one Sir John Beare, and some other mean men. This man I commend upon my credit, for the good of his majesty's service. God ever preserve and prosper you. I rest

July 2, 1616.

Your most devoted and

most bounden servant,

FR. BACON.

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.†

MY VERY GOOD LORD,

I write now only, rather in a kind of continuance and fresh suit, upon the king's business, than that the same is yet ripe either for advertisement or advice.

The subcommissioners meet forenoon and afternoon with great diligence, and without distraction or running several ways; which if it be no more than necessary, what would less have done? that is, if there had been no subcommissioners, or they not well chosen.

I speak with Sir Lionel Cranfield as cause requireth either for account or direction, and as far as I can, by the taste I have from him, discern, probably their service will attain, and may exceed his majesty's expectation.

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Not able to attend your lordship myself before your going to the court, by reason of an ague, which offered me a fit on Wednesday morning, but since, by abstinence, I thank God, I have starved it, so as now he hath turned his back, I am chasing him away with a little physic, I thought good to write these few words to your lordship; partly to signify my excuse, if need be, that I assisted not Mr. Attorney on Thursday last in the Star Chamber, at which time, it is some comfort to me, that I hear by relation somewhat was generally taken hold of by the court which I formerly had opened and moved; and partly to express a little my conceit touching the news which your lordship last told me from the queen, concerning a condition in law knit to an interest, which your lordship remembereth, and is supposed to be broken by misfeyance. Wherein surely my mind, as far as it appertaineth to me, is this, that as I never liked not so much as the coming in upon a lease by way of forfeiture, so I am so much enemy to myself as I take no contentment in any such hope of advantage. For as your lordship can give me best testimony, that I never in my life propounded any such like motion, though I have been incited thereto; so the world will hardly believe, but that it is underhand quickened and nourished from me. And, truly, my lord, I would not be thought to supplant any man for great gain; and I humbly pray your lordship to continue your commendations and countenance to me in the course of the queen's service that I am entered into: which, when it shall

* Harl. MSS. vol. 6997, No. 18.

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