The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

LIFE OF BACON xxxiii
Bacon's account of this proceeding is as fol- I came first unto you I took you for a physician
lows: 6" Immediately after the queen had thought that desired to cure the diseases of the~state; but
of a course (which was also executed) to have now I doubt you will be like those physicians
somewhat published in the Star Chamber, for the which can be content to keep their patients low,
satisfaction of the world, touching my lord of because they would always be in request: which
Essex his restraint, and my lord of Essex not to plainness he nevertheless took very well, as he
be called to it, but occasion to be taken by reason had an excellent ear, and was patiepntissirnus veri,
of some libels then dispersed; which when her and assured me the case of the realm required it;
majesty propounded unto me, I was utterly against and I think this speech of mine, and the like reit, and told her plainly that the people would say, newed afterwards, pricked him to write that apcthat my lord was wounded upon his back, and logy which is in many men's hands."3
that justice had her balance taken from her, which Essex had scarcely been liberated, when the
ever consisted of an accusation and defence, with Apology was reprinted by some injudicious parmany other quick and significant terms to that tisan. The queen, greatly exasperated, ordered
purpose; insomuch that I remember I said, that two of the printers to be imprisoned, and rmedimy lord in foro famn. was too hard for her; and tated proceedings against Essex; but he having
therefore wished her, as I had done before, to written to the Archbishop of Canterbury and vawrap it up privately: and certainly I offended her rious of his friends, and having ordered the pubat that time, which was rare with me; for I call lishers to suppress the work, the storm was
to mind that both the Christmas, Lent, and Easter averted.4 The spirit in which the republication
Term following, though I came divers times to of this tract originated extended to the circulaher upon law business, yet methought her face tion of other libels,5 so reflecting upon the corn
and manner was not so clear and open to me, as duct of the queen, that she said the subject should
it was at the first. But towards the end of Easter be publicly examined; and, acknowledging the
term, her majesty brake with me, and told me foresight of Bacon with respect to the fornler inthat she had found my words true, for that the quiry, she consulted him as to the expediency of
proceeding in the Star Chamber had done no proceeding by information.
good, but rather kindled factious bruits, as she Against this or any proceeding Bacon earnestly
termed them, than quenched them."' protested; and, although the honest expression
If the partisans of Essex had acted with the of his sentiments so much offended the queen
cautious wisdom of Bacon, the queen's affections that she rose from him in displeasure, it hid the
undisturbed would have run kindly into their old effect of suspending her determination for some
channel, but his followers, by new seditious dis- weeks, though she ultimately ordered that Essex
courses and offensive placards, never gave her should be accused in the Star Chamber.
indignation time to cool. About Christmas, Essex, The following is Bacon's account of this rescfrom agitation of mind, and protracted confine- lution:,After this, during the while since my
ment, fell into a dangerous illness, and the queen lord was committed to my lord keeper's, I came
sent to him some kind messages by her own phy- divers times to the queen, as I had used to do,
sician, but his enemies persuaded her that his ill- about causes of her revenue and law business:
ness was partly feigned; and when at last his when the queen at any time asked mine opinion
near approach to death softened the queen in his of my lord's case, I ever in one tenor, besought
favour, the injudicious expressions of those di- her majesty to be advised again and again, how
vines who publicly prayed for him, amounting to she brought the cause into any public question:
sedition, entirely hardened her heart against him. nay, I went further, for I told her my lord was an
Upon the e.~rl's recovery, and after some months' eloquent and well spoken man, and besides his
patient endurance on his part, the queen desired eloquence of nature or art, he had an eloquence
to restore him to favour; and on the 19th of of accident which passed them both, which was
AMarch Essex was removed to his own house, in the pity and benevolence of his hearers; and
the custody of Sir Richard Barkley.2 therefore wished the conclusion might be, that
About three years previous to his accepting the they might wrap it up privately between themcommand in Ireland, Essex published a tract, en- selves, and that she would restore my lord to his
titled ", An Apologie of the Earl of Essex against former attendance, with some addition of honour
those which jealously and maliciously tax him to to take away discontent. But towards the end
be the hinderer of the peace and quiet of his of Easter term her majesty brake with me, and
country." This tract originated, as it seems, in told me that she had found my words true, for
an admonition of Bacon's, which he thus states: that the proceeding in the Star Chamber had done
"I remember, upon his voyage to the islands, I no good, but rather kindled factious bruits (as
saw every spring put forth such actions of charge she termed them) than quenched them, and thereand provocation, that I said to him, My lord, when fore that she was determined now for the satis
3 Bacon's Apology, vol. ii. p. 335.
i Sydney Papers, vol. ii. p. 138-16-. 4 Sydney Papers, vol. ii. 182-187. 191-193.
2 Sydney Papers, 149. a Sydney Papers, vol. ii. 196-199.
VOL. I.-(5)