counterfeit with him; and they that can let me because, of all the accidents of state at this time, from coming near to her, cannot let me from the labour resteth upon that most; and because drawing nearer to him, as I hope I do daily. For the world will make a kind of comparison beyour brother, I hold him an honest gentlemian, tween those that set it out of frame, and those that and wish him all good, much rather for your sake; shall bring it into frame : which kind of honour yourself, I know, hath suffered more for me, and giveth the quickest kind of reflection. The transwith me, than any friend that I have: but I can ferring this honour upon yourself consisteth in two but lament freely, as you see I do, and advise you points: the one, if the principal persons employed not to do that I do, which is, to despair. You come in by you, and depend upon you; the other know letters what hurt they have done me, and if your lordship declare yourself to undertake a therefore make sure of this; and yet I could not, care of that matter. For the persons, it falleth as having no other pledge of my love, but com- out well that your lordship hath had no interest in municate openly with you for the ease of my the persons of imputation : For neither Sir Wilheart and yours.

liam Fitz-Williams, nor Sir John Norris was Your loving friend,

yours: Sir William Russel was conceived yours, R. Essex. but was curbed : Sir Coniers Clifford, as I con

ceive it, dependeth upon you, who is said to do

well; and if my Lord of Ormond in this interim SIR FRANCIS BACON TO THE EARL OF SALISBURY, do accommodate well, I take it he hath always CONCERNING THE SOLICITOR'S PLACE.

had good understanding with your lordship. So MAY IT PLEASE your LORDSHIP,

as all things are not only whole and entire, but of I am not privy to myself of any such ill de- favourable aspect towards your lordship, if you serving towards your lordship, as that I should now choose well: wherein, in your wisdom, you think it an imprudent thing to be a suitor for your will remember there is a great difference in choice favour in a reasonable matter, your lordship being of the persons, as you shall think the affairs to into me as (with your good favour) you cannot cline to composition, or to war.

For your carecease to be: but rather it were a simple and arro- taking, popular conceit hath been, that Irish gant part in me to forbear it.

causes have been much neglected, whereby the It is thought Mr. Attorney shall be chief justice very reputation of better care will be a strength : of the Common-place; in case Mr. Solicitor rise, and I am sure, her majesty and my lords of the I would be glad now at last to be solicitor: chiefly council do not think their care dissolved, when because I think it will increase my practice, where they have chosen whom to employ; but that they in God blessing me a few years, I may mend my will proceed in a spirit of state, and not leave the

I state, and so after fall to my studies and ease; where- main point to discretion. Then, if a resolution be of one is requisite for my body, and the other taken; a consultation must proceed; and the serveth for my mind; wherein if I shall find

consultation must be governed upon information to

your lordship’s favour, I shall be more happy than I be had from such as know the place, and matters have been, which may make me also more wise. in fact; and in taking of information I have always I have small store of means about the king, and noted there is a skill and a wisdom. For I canto sue myself is not fit; and therefore I shall leave not tell what account or inquiry hath been taken it to God, his majesty, and your lordship: for 1 of Sir William Russel, of Sir Ralph Bingham, of must still be next the door. Í thank God, in these the Earl of Thomond, of Mr. Wilbraham: but I transitory things I am well resolved. So, beseech-am of opinion, much more would be had of them, ing your lordship not to think this letter the less if your lordship shall be pleased severally to conhumble, because it is plain, I rest, etc.

fer, not obiter, but expressly, upon some caveat Fr. Bacon.

given them to think of it before, for, “ bene docet qui prudenter interrogat.” For the points of opposing them, I am too much a stranger to the busi

ness to deduce them: but in a topic methinks the SIR FRANCIS BACON TO THE EARL OF ESSEX, pertinent interrogations must be either of the

possibility and means of accord, or of the nature MY SINGULAR Good LORD,

of the war, or of the reformation of the particular I do write, because I have not yet had time abuses, or of the joining of practice with force in fully to express my conceit, nor now, to attend the disunion of the rebels. If your lordship doubt you touching Irish matters, considering them as to put your sickle in other men's harvests, yet they may concern the state ; that it is one of the consider you have these advantages. First, time aptest particulars that hath come, or can come being fit to you in Mr. Secretary's absence : next, upon the stage, for your lordship to purchase “ vis unita fortior :" thirdly, the business being honour upon, I am moved to think for three mixed with matters of war, it is fittest for you : reasons; because it is ingenerate in your house in lastly, I know your lordship will carry it with that respect of my lord your father's noble attempts; modesty and respect towards aged dignity, arid

a

WHEN SIR ROBERT CECIL WAS IN FRANCE.

a

that good correspondence towards my dear ally, weaken by division and disunion of the heads; and your good friend, now abroad, as no incon- the other, by recovering and winning the people venience may grow that way. Thus have I play- by justice, which of all other causes is the best. ed the ignorant statesman, which I do to nobody Now for the Athenian question, you discourse but your lordship, except I do it to the queen well, “ Quid igitur agendum est ?" I will shoot sometimes, when she trains me on. But your my fool's bolt, since you will have it so. The lordship will accept my duty and good meaning, Earl of Ormond to be encouraged and comforted and secure me touching the privateness of that I above all things, the garrisons to be instantly prowrite.

vided for; for opportunity makes a thief: and if Your lordship's to be commanded, he should mean never so well now, yet such an

Fr. Bacon. advantage as the breaking of her majesty's garri

sons, might tempt a true man. And because he may as well waver upon his own inconstancy, as

upon occasion, and want of variableness is never SIR FRANCIS BACON TO THE EARL OF ESSEX, restrained but with fear, I hold it necessary to be CONCERNING THE EARL OF TYRONE.

menaced with a strong war; not by words, but by Those advertisements which your lordship im- musters and preparations of forces here, in case parted to me, and the like, I hold to be no more the accord proceed not; but none to be sent over, certain to make judginent upon than a patient's lest it disturb the treaty, and make him look to be water to a physician: therefore for me upon one overrun as soon as he hath laid down arms. And, water to make a judgment, were indeed like a but that your lordship is too easy to pass, in such foolish bold mountebank, or Dr. Birket, yet, for cases, from dissimulation to verity, I think, if willing duty's sake, I will set down to your lord- your lordship lent your reputation in this case, it ship what opinion sprung in my mind upon that I is to pretend, that if not a defensive war, as in read. The letter from the council there, leaning times past, but a full reconquest of those parts of to distrust, I do not much rely upon, for three the country be resolved on, you would accept the causes. First, because it is always both the grace charge, I think it would help to settle him, and and the safety from blame of such a council to err win you a great deal of honour gratis. And that in caution : whereunto add, that it may be they, which most properly concerneth this action, if it or some of them, are not without envy towards prove a peace, I think her majesty shall do well the person who is used in treating the accord. to cure the root of the disease, and to profess by a Next, because the time of this treaty hath no show commission of peaceable men chiefly of respect of dissimulation, for that Tyrone is now in no and countenance, the reformation of abuses, extorstreights, but like a gamester that will give over tions and injustices there, and to plant a stronger because he is a winner, not because he hath no and surer government than heretofore, for the ease more money in his purse.

and protection of the subject; for the removing of Lastly, I do not see but those articles whereon the sword, or government in arms, from the Earl they ground their suspicion, may as well proceed of Ormond, or the sending of a deputy, which out of fear as out of falsehood, for the retaining of will eclipse it, if peace follow, I think unseasonathe dependence of the protracting the admission ble. Lastly, I hold still my opinion, both for of a sheriff, the refusing to give his son for hostage, your better information, and your fuller declarathe holding from present repair to Dublin, the re- tion of your care, and evermore meriting service, fusing to go presently to accord, without includ- that your lordship have a set conference with the ing O'Donnell, and others his associates, may persons I named in my former writing. I rest, very well come of a guilty reservation, in case he

At your lordship’s service, should receive hard measure, and not out of

Fr. Bacon. treachery; so as if the great person be faithful, and that you have not here some present intelligence of present succours from Spain, for the expectation whereof Tyrone would win time, I see ANOTHER TO THE EARL BEFORE HIS GOING TO no deep cause of distrusting the cause if it be

IRELAND, good. And for the question, her inajesty seemeth My singular coop Lord, to me a winner three ways: first, her purse shall Your note of my silence in your occasions hath have rest: next, it will divert the foreign designs made me set down these few wandering lines, as unon that place: thirdly, though her majesty is one that would say somewhat, and can say nothing ilke for a time to govern precario in the north, and touching your lordship’s intended charge for Irede not in true command in better state there than land; which my endeavour I know your lordship before, yet, besides the two respects of ease of will accept graciously and well, whether your charge, and advantage of opinion abroad, before lordship take it by the handle of the occasion mentioned, she shali have a time to use her ministered from yourself, or of the affection from princely policy in two points: in the one, to which it proceedeth. Your lordship is designed

a

to a service of great merit and great peril; and defaults of so many former governors, and the as the greatness of the peril must needs include clearing the glory of so many happy years' reign, no small consequence of peril, if it be not tem- only in this part excepted. Nay, farther, how far perately governed; so all immoderate success forth the peril of that state is interlaced with the extinguisheth merit, and stirreth up distaste and peril of England; and, therefore, how great the envy, the assured forerunner of whole changes of honour is to keep and defend the approaches of peril. But I am at the last point first, some good this kingdom, I hear many discourse; and indeed spirit leading my pen to presage your lordship’s there is a great difference, whether the tortoise success; wherein it is true, I am not without my gather herself into her shell hurt or unhurt; and oracle and divinations, none of them superstitious, if any man be of opinion, that the nature of an and yet not all natural: for, first, looking into the enemy doth extenuate the honour of a service, course of God's providence in things now depend- being but a rebel and a savage, I differ from him; ing, and calling into consideration how great for I see the justest triumphs that the Romans in things God hath done by her majesty, and for her their greatest greatness did obtain, and that collect he hath disposed of this great dissection whereof the emperors in their styles took addiin Ireland, whereby to give an urgent occasion to tions and denominations, were of such an enemy; the reduction of that whole kingdom, as upon the that is, people barbarous, and not reduced to rebellion of Desmond there ensued the reduction civility, magnifying a kind of lawless liberty, of that province. Next, your lordship goeth prodigal of life, hardened in body, fortified in against three of the unluckiest vices of all other, woods and bogs, placing both justice and fecility disloyalty, ingratitude, and insolence; which in the sharpness of their swords. Such were the three offences in all examples have seldom their Germans and ancient Britons, and divers others. doom adjourned to the world to come. Lastly, he Upon which kind of people, whether the victory that shall have had the honour to know your lord- be a conquest, or a reconquest upon a rebellion or ship inwardly, as I have had, shall find " bona revolt, it made no difierence that ever I could find, exta,” whereby he may better ground a divination in honour. And, therefore, it is not the enriching of good, than upon the dissection of a sacrifice. the predatory war that hath the pre-eminence in But that part I leave, for it is fit for others to be honour; else should it be more honour to bring in confident upon you, and you to be confident upon a carrack of rich burden, than one of the twelve the cause, the goodness and justice whereof is Spanish apostles. But then this nature of people such as can hardly be matched in any example, doth yield a higher point of honour (considering it being no ambitious war of foreigners, but a in truth and substance) than any war can yield recovery of subjects, and that after lenity of con- which should be achieved against a civil enemy, ditions often tried; and a recovery of them not if the end may be— pacique imponere morem, only to obedience, but to humanity and policy, to replant and refound the policy of that nation, from more than Indian barbarism. There is yet to which nothing is wanting but a just and civil another kind of divination familiar in matters of government. Which design, as it doth descend state, being that which Demosthenes so often to you from your noble father, (who lost his life relieth upon in his time, where he saith, that in that action, though he paid tribute to nature, which for the time past is worst of all, is for the and not to fortune,) so I hope your lordship shall time to come the best, which is, that things go ill be as fatal a captain to this war, as Africanus was not by accident but by error; wherein though to the war of Carthage, after that both his uncle your lordship hath been a waking censor, yet, you and his father had lost their lives in Spain in the must look for no other now, but “medice, cura same war. teipsum ;” and although your lordship shall not Now, although it be true, that these things be the blessed physician that cometh to the de- which I have writ (being but representations clination of the disease, yet, you embrace that con- unto your lordship of the honour and appearance dition which many noble spirits have accepted for of success and enterprise) be not much to the advantage, which is, that you go upon the greater purpose of my direction, yet, it is that which is peril of your fortune, and the less of your reputa- best to me, being no man of war, and ignorant in tion; and so the honour countervaileth the adven- the particulars of state: for a man may by the ture; of which honour your lordship is in no eye set up the white right in the midst of the butt, small possession, when that her majesty, known though he be no archer. Therefore I will only to be one of the most judicious princes in discern- add this wish, according to the English phrase, ing of spirits that ever governed, hath made choice which termeth a well-wishing advice a wish, of you merely out of her royal judgment, (her that your lordship in this whole action, looking affection inclining rather to continue your attend- forward, set down this position; that merit is ance,) into whose hands and trust to put the com- worthier than fame; and looking back hither, mandment and conduct of so great forces, the would remember this text, that “ obedience is gathering in the fruit of so great charge, the exe- better than sacrifice.” For designing to fame ention of so many councils, the redeeming of the and glory may make your lordship, in the adver•

BETH'S DEATH.

ture of your person, to be valiant as a private SIR FRANCIS BACON IN RECOMMENDATION OF soldier, rather than as a general ; it may make

HIS SERVICE TO THE EARL OF NORTHUMBER

LAND, A FEW DAYS BEFORE QUEEN ELIZA. you in your commandments rather to be gracious than disciplinary; it may make you press action, in the respect of the great expectation conceived, MAY IT PLEASE Your good Lordship. rather hastily than seasonably and safely; it may

As the time of sowing of seed is known, but make you seek rather to achieve the war by force, the time of coming up and disclosing is casual, than by mixture of practice; it may make you or according to the season; so I am a witness to (if God shall send you prosperous beginnings) myself, that there hath been covered in my mind rather seek the fruition of the honour, than the a long time a seed of affection and zeal towards perfection of the work in hand. And for your your lordship, sown by the estimation of your proceeding like a good Protestant, (upon warrant, virtues, and your particular honours and favours, and not upon good intention,) your lordship to my brother deceased, and to myself; which knoweth, in your wisdom, that as it is most fit seed still springing, now bursteth forth into this for you to desire convenient liberty of instruction, profession. And, to be plain with your lordship, so it is no less fit for you to observe the due it is very true, and no winds or noises of civil limits of them, remembering that the exceeding matters can blow this out of my head or heart, of them may not only procure (in case of adverse that your great capacity and love towards studies accident) a dangerous disavow, but also (in case

and contemplations, of a higher and worthier of prosperous success) be subject to interpreta

nature than popular, a nature rare in the world, tion, as if all was not referred to the right end.

and in a person of your lordship's quality almost Thus I have presumed to write these few lines singular, is to me a great and chief motive to to your lordship, “ in methodo ignorantiæ,” which draw my affection and admiration towards you: is, when a man speaketh of any subject not

and, therefore, good my lord, if I may be of any according to the parts of the matter, but accord- use to your lordship by my head, tongue, pen, ing to the model of his own knowledge: and means, or friends, 1 humbly pray you to hoid me most humbly desire your lordship, that the weak- your own: and herewithal, not to do so much disness thereof may be supplied in your lordship, by advantage to my good mind, nor partly, to your a benign acceptation, as it is in me by my best own worth, as to conceive, that this commendawishing.

tion of my humble service produceth out of any Fr. Bacon.

straits of my occasions, but merely out of an election, and indeed, the fulness of my heart. And so, wishing your lordship all prosperity, I

continue. SIR FRANCIS BACON, TO THE EARL OF ESSEX

AFTER HIS ENLARGEMENT. My Lord,

SIR FRANCIS BACON TO MR. ROBERT KEMPE, No man can expound my doings better than your lordship, which makes me need to say the Mr. Kempe, this alteration is so great, as you less; only I humbly pray you to believe that I might justly conceive some coldness of my affecaspire to the conscience and commendation of tion towards you, if you should hear nothing from s bonus civis” and “ bonus vir;" and that though me, I living in this place. It is in vain to tell

I I love some things better, I confess, that I love your you, with what a wonderful still and calm this lordship; yet, I love few persons better, both for wheel is turned round, which, whether it be a gratitude's sake, and for virtues, which cannot remnant of her felicity that is gone, or a fruit of hurt, but by accident. Of which my good affec- his reputation that is coming, I will not detertion it may please your lordship to assure your- mine; for, I cannot but divide myself, between self, of all the true effects and offices that I can her memory and his name. Yet, we account it yield: for as I was ever sorry your lordship but as a fair morn before sunrising, before his should fly with waxen wings, doubting Icarus's majesty's presence; though, for my part, I see fortune; so, for the growing up of your own not whence any weather should arise. The feathers, be they ostriches or other kind, no man Papists are contained with fear enough, and hope shall be more glad; and this is the axle-tree, too much. The French is thought to turn his whereupon I have turned, and shall turn. Which practice upon procuring some disturbance in having already signified unto you by some near

Scotland, where crowns may do wonders. But means, having so fit a messenger for mine own this day is so welcome to the nation, and the time letter, I thought good to redouble also by writing. so short, as I do not fear the effect. My Lord of And so I commend you to God's protection. Southampton expecteth release by the next deFrom Gray's Inn, etc.

spatch, and is already much visited, and much

Fr. Bacon. well wished. There is continual posting, by July 19, 1600.

! men of good quality towards the king, the rather,

UPON THE DEATH OF QUEEN ELIZABETH.

a

JESTY'S REIGN.

a

I think, because this springtime it is but a kind portunity can possibly minister or offer. And of sport. It is hoped, that as the state here hath that is, the causes of Ireland, if they be taken by performed the part of good attorneys, to deliver the right handle: for if the wound be not ripped the king quiet possession of his kingdom; so the up again, and come to a festered sense, by new king will redeliver them quiet possession of their foreign succours, I think that no physician will go places, rather filling places void, than removing on much with letting blood “ in declinatione men placed.

morbi,” but will intend to purge and corroborate. So, etc. To which purpose I send you mine opinion, with

out labour of words in the enclosed, and sure I

am, that if you shall enter into the matter accordSIR FRANCIS BACON TO MR. DAVID FOULES IN ing to the vivacity of your own spirit, nothing SCOTLAND, UPON THE ENTRANCE OF HIS MA- can make unto you a more gainful return; for

you shall make the queen's felicity complete, Sır, the occasion awaketh in me the remem- which now (as it is) is incomparable; and for brance of the constant and mutual good offices yourself, you shall make yourself as good a pawhich passed between my good brother and triot as you are thought a politic, and to have no yourself; whereunto, as you know, I was not

less generous ends than dexterous delivery of altogether a stranger, though the time and design yourself towards your ends; and as well to have (as between brethren) made me more reserved. true arts and grounds of government, as the faBut well do I bear in mind the great opinion cility and felicity of practice and negotiation; which my brother (whose judgment I much and to be as well seen in the periods and tides of reverence) would often express to me of the extra-estates, as in your own circle and way; than the ordinary sufficiency, dexterity, and temper, which

which I suppose nothing can be a better addition he had found in you, in the business and service and accumulation of honour unto you. of the king our sovereign lord. This latter bred

This, I hope, I may in privateness write, either in me an election, as the former gave an induce- as a kinsman, that may be bold, or as a scholar, ment, for me to address myself to you, and to that hath liberty of discourse, without committing make this signification of my desire, towards a

of any absurdity. If not, I pray your honour to mutual entertainment of good affection and cor

believe, I ever loved her majesty and the state, respondence between us, hoping that some good

and now love yourself; and there is never any effect may result of it, towards the king's service, vehement love without some absurdity, as the and that for our particulars, though occasion give

Spaniard well saith, “ desuario con la calentura.” you the precedence, of furthering my being known

So, desiring your honour's pardon, I ever con

tinue, etc. by good note unto the king; so, no long time will

Fr. Bacon. intercede, before I, on my part, shall have some means given to requite your favours, and verify vour commendation. And so, with my loving commendations, (good Mr. Foules,) I leave you SIR FRANCIS BACON TO THE LORD TREASURER,

TOUCHING HIS SPEECH IN PARLIAMENT. to God's goodness. From Gray's Inn, this 25th of March.

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR GOOD Lordshir,

I was sorry to find by your lordship's speech

yesterday, that my last speech in Parliament. SIR FRANCIS BACON TO SIR ROBERT CECIL, AF- to God, her majesty, and my country, was offen

delivered in discharge of my conscience, my duty TER Defeat or THE SPANIARDS IN IRELAND, sive: if it were misreported, I would be glad to FOR REDUCING THAT KINGDOM TO CIVILITY,

attend your lordship, to disavow any thing I said

not; if it were misconstrued, I would be glad to IT MAY PLEASE Your HONOUR,

expound my words, to exclude any sense I meant As one that wisheth you all increase of honour, not; if my heart be misjudged by imputation of and as one that cannot leave to love the state, popularity, or opposition, I have great wrong, what interest soever I have, or may come to have and the greater, because the manner of my speech in it, and as one that now this dead vacation time did most evidently show that I spake most simhave some leisure “ ad aliud agendum," I will ply, and only to satisfy my conscience, and not presume to propound unto you that which, though with any advantage or policy to sway the case, you cannot but see, yet I know not whether you and my terms carried all signification of duty and apprehend and esteem it in so high a degree that zeal towards her majesty and her service. It is very is, for the best action of importation to yourself, true, that from the beginning, whatsoever was a of sound honour and merit to her majesty, and double subsidy I did wish might for precedent's this crown, without ventosity or popularity, that sake appear to be extraordinary, and for discontent's the riches of any occasion, or the tide of any op- sake might not have been levied upon the poorer

Vol. III.-2

66

WITH SOME REASONS ENCLOSED.