a

I would (as I wrote to the duke in Spain) 1/(as I said) from the case of other favourites, in could do your highness's journey any honour that you have both king and prince; so in this, with my pen. It began like a fable of the poets; that you have also now the hearts of the best but it deserveth all in a piece a worthy narration. subjects, (for I do not love the word people,)

your case differeth from your own, as it stood before. And because I would have your reputa

tion in this point complete, let me advise you, TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

that the name of Puritans in a Papist's mouth, do EXCELLENT LORD,

not make you to withdraw your favour from such I desire in this, which I now presume to write as are honest and religious men; so that they be to your grace, to be understood, that my bow car- not so turbulent an' jactious spirits, or adverse rieth not so high, as to aim to advise touching to the government of the church, though they be any of the great affairs now on foot, and so to pass traduced by that name. For of this kind is the ii lo his majesty through your hands; though it greatest part of the body of the subjects; and, be true, that my good affection towards his ma- besides, (which is not to be forgotten,) it is jesty and the prince and the public is that which safest for ihe king and his service, that such men will last die in me; and though I think also his have their dependence upon your grace, who are majesty would take it but well, if, having been entirely the king's, rather than upon any other that man I have been, my honest and loyal mind subject. should sometimes feed upon those thoughts. But For the Papists, it is not unknown to your my level is no farther, but to do the part of a true grace, that you are not, at this time, much in friend in advising yourself for your own greatness their books. But be you like yourself; and far and safety; although, even in this also, I assure be it froin you, under a king and prince of that myself I perform a good duty to the public ser- clemency, to be inclined to rigour or persecution. sice, unto which I reckon your standing and power But three things must be looked unto: the first, to be a firm and sound pillar of support.

that they be suppressed in any insolency, which First, therefore, my lord, call to mind oft, and may tend either to disquiet the civil estate, or consider duly, how infinitely your grace is bound scandalize our church in fact, for, otherwise, all to God in this one point, which I find to be a their doctrine doth it in opinion. The second, that most rare piece, and wherein, either of ancient or there be an end, or limit, of those graces which late times, there are few examples; that is, that shall be thought fit for them, and that there be you are beloved so dearly, both by the king and not every day new demands hearkened to. The the prince. You are not as a Lerma, or an third, that for those cases and graces, which they Olivares, and many others the like, who have have received, or shall receive of the state, the insinuated themselves into the favours of young thanks go the right way; that is, to the king and princes, during the kings', their fathers, time, prince, and not to any foreigner. For this is against the bent and inclination of the kings: but, certain, that if they acknowledge them from the contrariwise, the king himself hath knit the knot state, they may perhaps sit down when they are of trust and favour between the prince and your well. But if they have a dependence upon grace, wherein you are not so much to take com- a foreigner, there will be no end of their growing fort in that you may seem to have two lives in desires and hopes. And in this point also, your your own greatness, as in this, that hereby you lordship's wisdom and moderation may do much are enabled to be a noble instrument for the ser- good. vice, contentment, and heart's ease, both of father For the match with Spain, it is too great and

For where there is so loving and indul- dark a business for me to judge of. But as it hath gent a father, and so respective and obedient a relation to concern yourself, I will, as in the rest, son, and a faithful and worthy servant, interested deal freely with your grace. in both their favours upon all occasions, it cannot My lord, you owe, in this matter, two debts to be but a comfortable house. This point your the king; the one, that, if in your conscience and grace is principally to acknowledge and cherish. judgment you be persuaded it be dangerous and

Next, that, which I should have placed first, prejudicial to him and his kingdoms, you deliver save that the laying open of God's benefits is a your soul, and in the freedom of a faithful coungood preparation to religion and godliness, your sellor, joined with the humbleness of a dutiful grace is to maintain yourself firm and constant servant, you declare yourself accordingly, and in the way you have begun; which is, in being show your reasons.

The other, that if the king and showing yourself to be a true and sound Pro- in his high judgment, or the prince in his settled testant. This is your soul's health. This is affection, be resolved to have it go on; that then that you owe to God above, for his singular you move in their orb, as far as they shall lay it savours: and this is that which hath brought upon you.

But, meanwhile, let me tell your you into the good opinion and good will of the grace, that I am not of the general opinion realia in general. So that, as your case differeth abroad, that the match must break, ez else my

VOL. III.-20

and son.

a

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM..

ness to

Lord of Buckingham's fortune must break. I am of another opinion; and yet perhaps it will Excellent Lord, be hard to make you believe it, because both There is a suit, whereunto I may, as it were, sides will persuade you to the contrary. For claim kindred, and which may be of credit and they, that would not have it go on, will work profit unto me; and it is an old arrear which is upon that conceit, to make you oppose it more called upon, from Sir Nicolas Bacon, my eldest strongly. They that would have it go on, will brother. It may be worth to me perhaps two do the same, to make you take up betimes, and thousand pounds; and yet I may deal kindly come about. But I having good affiance in your with my brother, and also reward liberally (as I grace's judgment, will tell you my reasons, why mean to do) the officers of the Exchequer, which I thus think, and so leave it. If the match have brought it to light. Good my lord obtain it should go on, and put case against your counsel of the king, and be earnest in it for me. It will and opinion; doth any man think that so pro- acquit the king somewhat of his promise, that he found a king, and so well seen in the science of would have care of my wants; for hitherto, since reigning, and so understanding a prince, will my misfortunes, I have tasted of his majesty's ever suffer the whole sway of affairs and great- mercy, but not of his bounty. But your lordship

go

that way? And if not, who should be may be pleased in this, to clear the coast with my a fitter person to keep the balance even than your lord treasurer; else there it will have a stop. I grace, whom the king and prince know to be so am almost at last cast for means; and yet it entirely their own, and have found so nobly grieveth me most, that at such a time as this, 1 independent upon any other ? Surely my opinion should not be rather serviceable to your grace, is, you are likely to be greater by counterpoise than troublesome. against the Spanish dependence, than you will by God preserve and prosper your grace. concurrence. And, therefore, in God's name, do Your grace's most obliged your duty faithfully and wisely; for behaving

and faithful servant, yourself well otherwise, as I know you will,

FR. ST. ALBAX. your fortune is like to be well either way.

This 23d of January, 1623.
For that excellent lady, whose fortune is so
distant from her merits and virtue, the Queen of
Bohemia, your grace being, as it were, the first-

TO THE EARL OF OXFORD.
born, or prime man of the king's creatures, must
in consequence owe the most to his children and My VERY GOOD LORD,
generations; whereof I know your noble heart

Let me be an humble suitor to your lordship, hath far greater sense than any man's words can for your noble favour. I would be glad to receive infuse into you.

And, therefore, whatsoever my writ this Parliament, that I may not die in liveth within the compass of your duty, and of dishonour; but by no means, except it should be possibility, will no doubt spring from you out of with the love and consent of my lords to readmit that fountain.

mé, if their lordships vouchsafe to think me It is open to every man's discourse, that there worthy of their company; or if they think that are but two ways for the restitution of the palati- which I have suffered now these three years, in nate, treaty and arms. It is good, therefore, to loss of place, in loss of means, and in loss of consider of the middle acts, which may make liberty for a great time, to be a sufficient expiaeither of these ways desperate, to the end they tion for my faults, whereby I may now seem in may be avoided in that way which shall be their eyes to be a fit subject of their grace, as 1 chosen. If no match, either this with Spain, or have been before of their justice. My good lord, perhaps some other with Austria, no restitution the good, which the commonwealth might reap by treaty. If the Dutch either be ruined, or grow of my suffering, is already inned. Justice is to a peace of themselves with Spain, no restitu- done; an example is made for reformation; the tion by war.

authority of the House for judicature is establishBut these things your grace understandeth far ed. There can be no farther use of my misery; better than myself. And, as I said before, the perhaps some little may be of my service; for, I points of state I aim not at farther, than they may hope I shall be found a man humbled as a Chris. concern your grace, to whom, while I live, and tian, though not dejected as a worldling. I have shall find it acceptable t. you, I shall ever be great opinion of your lordship's power, and great ready to give the tribute of a true friend and hope, for many reasons, of your favour; which, servant, and shall always think my counsels

* The duke's answer to this letter, dated at Newmarket, given you happy, if you shall pardon them the 28th of January, 1623, is printed in Lord Bacon's works. when they are free; and follow them when they + Henry Vere, who died in 1625. He was Lord Great are güod

if I may obtain, I can say no more, but nobleness covered your health, and are come to the court, is ever requited in itself; and God, whose spe- and the Parliament business hath also intermiscial favour in my afflictions I have manifestly sion, I firmly hope your grace will deal with his found to my comfort, will, I trust, be my pay- majesty, that as I have tasted of his mercy, I may master of that which cannot be requited by also taste of his bounty. Your grace, I know, Your lordship's affectionate

for a business of a private man, cannot win yourhumble servant, &c. self more honour; and I hope I shall yet live to Endorsed, February 2, 1623.

do you service. For my fortune hath (I thank
God) made no alteration in my mind, but to the
better. I ever rest humbly

Your grace's most obliged
TO SIR FRANCIS BARNHAM.*

and faithful servant,

FR, ST. ALBAN. Good Cousin,

Upon a little searching, made touching the If I may know by two or three words from patents of the survey of coals, I find matter not your grace, that you will set in for me, I will proonly to acquit myself, but likewise to do myself pound somewhat that shall be modest, and leave much right.

it to your grace, whether you will move his maAny reference to me, or any certificate of mine, jesty yourself, or recommend it by some of your I find not. Neither is it very likely I made any; lordship's friends, that wish me well; [as my for that, when it came to the great seal, I stayed Lord of Arundel, or Secretary Conway, or Mr. it. I did not only stay it, but brought it before James Maxwell.*] the council table, as not willing to pass it, except their lordships allowed it. The lords gave hearing to the business, I remember, two several days; and in the end disallowed it, and com

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM mended my care and circumspection, and ordered, EXCELLENT Lord, that it should continue stayed; and so it did all I understand by Sir John Suckling, that he atmy time.

tended yesterday at Greenwich, hoping, accordAbout a twelvemonth since, my Lord Duke of ing to your grace's appointment, to have found Lenox, now deceased, † wrote to me to have the you there, and to have received your grace's privy seal; which, though I respected his lord- pleasure touching my suit, but missed of you: ship much, I refused to deliver to him, but was and this day he sitteth upon the subsidy at Brentcontent to put it into the right hand ; that is, to ford, and shall not be at court this week: which send it to my lord keeper,& giving knowledge how causeth me to use these few lines to hear from it had been stayed. My lord keeper received it your grace, I hope, to my comfort ; humbly pray

I by mine own servant, writeth back to me, ac- ing pardon, if I number thus the days, and that knowledging the receipt, and adding, that he misery should exceed modesty. I ever rest would lay it aside until his lordship heard farther

Your grace's most faithful from my lord steward,S and the rest of the lords.

and obliged servant, Whether this first privy seal went to the great

FR. ST. ALBAN. seal, or that it went about again, I know not : June 30, 1624. but all my part is, that I have related. I ever rest Your faithful friend and cousin,

FR. ST. ALBAN.

TO SIR RICHARD WESTON, CIIANCELLOR OF TIIL

EXCHEQUER. March 14, 1623

MR. CHANCELLOR,—This way, by Mr. Myn, besides a number of little difficulties it hath,

amounteth to this, that I shall pay interest for TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

mine own money. Besides, I must confess, I My Lord, I am now full three years old in shifter, for that means which I enjoy by his ma

cannot bow my mind to be a suitor, much less a misery ; neither hath there been any thing done

jesty's grace

and bounty. And, therefore, I am for me, whereby I might either die out of igno- rather ashamed of that I have done, than minded miny, or live out of want. But now, that your to go forward. So that I leave it to yourself what grace (God's name be praised for it) hath re

you think fit to be done in your honour and my

case, resting He appears to be a relation of his lordship's lady, who

Your very loving friend, was daughter of Benedict Barnham, Esq., alderman of the cily cf London. Sir Francis was appointed, by his lord.

FR. ST. ALBAN. snip, one of the executors of his last will.

London, this 7th of July, 1624. + He died suddenly, February 12, 1623-4. See his letter to Lord St. Alban, of February 7, 1622.

The words included in brackets have a line drawn after * James, Marquis of Hamilton, who died March 2, 162H-5.

#

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

near at hand, which I thought would have been Excellent LORD,

a longer matter; and I imagine there is a gratiasti. Now that your grace hath the king private, and tium till he come. I do not doubt but you shall at better leisure, the noise of soldiers, ambassa- find his grace nobly disposed. The last time dors, parliaments, a little ceasing, I hope you that you spake with him about me, I remember will remember your servant; for at so good a you sent me word, he thanked you for being so time,* and after so long a time, to forget him, forward for me. Yet, I could wish that you took were almost to forsake him. But, howsoever, I some occasion to speak with him, generally to shall still remain

my advantage, before you move to him any partiYour grace's most obliged and faithful servant, cular suit; and to let me know how you find him.

FR. ST. ALBAN. My lord treasurer sent me a good answer touchI am bold to put into my good friend, Sir Tobie ing my moneys. I pray you continue to quicken

him, that the king may once clear with me. And Matthew's hand, a copy of my petition, which

fire of old wood needeth no blowing; but old your gra. „ had sent to Sir John Suckling.

men do. I ever rest Endorsed, August, 1624.

Yours to do you service.

one.

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

TO SIR ROBERT PYE. Excellent Lord,

I am infinitely bound to your grace for your late Good Sir Robert Pye, favours. I send your grace a copy

of

your letter, Let me entreat you to despatch that warrant of signifying his majesty's pleasure, and of the a petty sum, that it may help to bear my charge petition. The course, I take it, must be, to make of coming up* to London. The duke, you know, a warrant for the execution of the same, by way loveth me, and my lord treasurert standeth now of reference to Mr. Chancellor of the Exchequer, towards me in very good allection and respect. and Mr. Aitorney.t I most humbly pray your You, that are the third person in these businesses, grace likewise, to prostrate me at his majesty's I assure myself, will not be wanting; for you seet, with most humble thanks for the grant of my have professed and showed, ever since I lost the petition, whose sweet presence since I discon- seal, your good will towards me.

I rest tinued, methinks, I am neither amongst the living, Your affectionate and assured friend, etc. nor amongst the dead.

Endorsed, I cannot but likewise gratulate his majesty on

To Sir Robert Pye. Gor. 1625.
the extreme prosperous success of his business,
since this time twelvemonth. I know I speak it
in a dangerous time; because the die of the Low
Countries is upon the throw. But yet that is all

TO THE EARL OF DORSET.
For, if it should be a blow, (which I hope

MY VERY GOOD LORD,
in God it shall not,) yet it would have been ten
times worse, if former courses had not been taken.

This gentleman, the bearer hereof, Mr. Colles But this is the raving of a hot ague.

by name, is my neighbour. He is commended God evermore bless his majesty's person and

for a civil young man.

I think he wanteth no designs, and likewise make your grace a spectacle metal, but he is peaceable. It was his hap to fall

out with Mr. Matthew Francis, sergeant at arms, of prosperity, as you have hitherto been. Your grace's most faithful and obliged,

about a toy; the one affirming, that a hare was and by you revived servant,

fair killed, and the other, foul. Words inultiplied, Fr. St. ALBAN.

and some blows passed on either side. But since Gray's Inn, 9th of October, 1024.

the first falling out, the serjeant hath used towards him diverse threats and affronts, and, which is a

point of danger, sent to him a letter of challenge: TO THE CHANCELLOR OF THE DUCHY,I SIR but Mr. Colles, doubting the contents of the

HUMPIIREY MAY. Good Mr. Chancellor,

* From Gorhambury.

† Sir James, Lord Loy, advanced from the post of Lord I do approve very well your forbearance to

Chief Justice of the King's Bench, on the 20th of December muove my suits, in regard the duke's returng is so 1624, to that of lord treasurer; and created Earl of Marlboletter, refused to receive it. Motions have been some servants, and some of my kindred, apt for made also of reconcilement, or of reference to the place you write of, and have been already so some gentlemen of the country not partial : but much importuned by noble persons, when I lately the serjeant hath refused all, and now, at last,' was with his majesty at Salisbury, as it will be sueth him in the Earl Marshal's Court. The hard to me to give them all denial; I am not able gentleman saith, he distrusteth not his cause upon to discern, how I can accommodate your servant; the hearing; but would be glad to avoid restraint, though for your sake, and in respect of the forner or long and chargeable attendance. Let me, there- knowledge myself have had of the merit and fore, pray your good lordship to move the noble worth of the gentleman, I should be most ready earl* in that kind, to carry a favourable hand and willing to perform your desire, if it were in towards him, such as may stand with justice and my power. And so, with remembrance of my the order of that court. I ever rest

service to your lordship, I remain Your lordship's faithful friend and servant.

At your lordship's commandment,
Endorsed,

l'uo. CoventRY. To E. Dorset. Gor. 1625,

Kingsbury, Oct. 29, 1625.
To the right honourable, and my very good lord,

the Viscount St. Alban.

TO MR. ROGER PALMER.

TO THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM.

SIR THOMAS COVENTRY, ATTORNEY-GENERAL,

TO THE LORD VISCOUNT ST. ALBAN. My VERY GOOD LORD,

I received from your lordship two letters, the one of the 23d, the other of the 28th of this month. Good Mr. Roger Palmer, To the former, I do assure your lordship I have I thank God, by means of the sweet air of the not heard any thing of any suits or motion, either country, I have obtained some degree of health. touching the reversion of your honours or the rent Sending to the court, I thought I would salute of your farm of petty writs; and, if I had heard you : and I would be glad, in this solitary time any thing thereof, I would not have been unmind- and place, to hear a little from you how the ful of that caveat, which heretofore you gave in world goeth, according to your friendly manner by former letters, nor slack to do you the best ser-heretofore, vice I might.

Fare ye well most heartily. The debt of Sir Nicolas Bacon resteth as it did;

Your very affectionate and assured friend, for in the latter end of King James's time, it

FR. ST. ALBAN. exhibited a quo warranto in the Exchequer, touch- Gorhambury, Oct. 29, 1625. ing that liberty, against Sr. Nicolas, which abated by his death ; then another against Sir Edmund, which, by the demise of the king, and by reason of the adjournment of the late term, hath had no farther proceeding, but that day is given to plead. Excellent Lord, Concerning your other letter, I humbly thank

I could not but signify unto your grace my your lordship for your favourable and good wishes rejoicing, that God hath sent your grace a son to me; though I, knowing my own unaptness to and heir, * and that you are fortunate as well in so great an employment,t should be most heartily your house, as in the state of the kingdom. glad, if his majesty had, or yet would choose, a These blessings come from God, as I do not man of more merit. But, if otherwise, humble-doubt but your grace doth, with all thankfulness, ness and submission becomes the servant, and to acknowledge, vowing to him your service. Mystand in that station where his majesty will have self, I praise his divine Majesty, have gotten him. But as for the request you make for your some step into health. My wants are great; but servant, though I protest I am not yet engaged yet I want not a desire to do your grace service; and by promise to any, because I hold it too much I marvel, that your grace should think to pull down boldness towards my master, and discourtesy the monarchy of Spain without my good help. towards my lord keeper, to dispose of places, Your grace will give me leave to be merry, howwhile he had the seal: yet, in respect I have ever the world goeth with me. I ever rest

Your grace's most faithful * Arundel, Earl Marshal.

and obliged servant, &c. + Bishop Williams, who had resigned the great seal on the

I wish your grace a good new year. 25th of October, 1625, to Sir John Suckling, who brought his majesty's warrant to receive it, dated at Salisbury, on the

* Born November 17, 1625, and named Charles.- Diary of 1 That of the great seal, of which Sir Thomas Coventry the Life of Archbishop Laud, published by Mr. Wharton, was three days after made lord keeper, on the 1st of Novem. 24. This son of the duke died the 16th of March, 1626 7.ber, 1625.

Ibid., p. 40

0

23d of that month.