The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

LETTER RELATING TO IRELAND. 187
people: whereas, if they build scattered, as is pro- keep in his own hands, the more the work is like
jected, every man must have a cornucopia in him- to prosper. For, first, the person liable to the
self for all things he must use; which cannot but state here to perform the plantation, is the immebreed much difficulty and no less waste. diate undertaker. Secondly, the more his profit
8econdly, it will draw out of the inhabited dependeth upon the annual and springing cornmcountry of Ireland provisions and victuals, and modity, the more sweetness he will find in putmany necessaries; because they shall be sure of ting forward manurance and husbanding of the
utterance: whereas, in the dispersed habitations, grounds, and therefore is like to take more care
every man must reckon only upon that that he of it. Thirdly, since the natives are excluded, I
brings with him, as they do in provisions of ships. do not see that any persons are like to be drawn
Thirdly, the charge of bawnes, as they call over of that condition, as are like to give fines,
them, to be made about every castle or house, and undertake the charge of building. For I am
may be spared, when the habitations shall be persuaded, that the people transported will consist
congregated only into towns. of gentlemen and their servants, and of labourers
And, lastly, it will be a means to secure the and hinds, and not of yeomen of any wealth. And,
country against future perils, in case of any revolt therefore, the charge of buildings, as well of the
and defection: for by a slight fortification of no tenements and farms, as of the capital houses
great charge, the danger of any attempts of kierns themselves, is like to rest upon the principal unand sword-men may be prevented; the omission dertakers. Which will be recompensed in the
of which point, in the last plantation of Munster, end to the full, and with much advantage, if they
made the work of years to be but the spoil of make no long estates or leases. And, therefore,
days. And if any man think it will draw people this article to receive some qualification.
too far off from the grounds they are to labour, Fifthly, I should think it requisite that men of
it is to be understood, that the number of the experience in that kingdom should enter into some
towns be increased accordingly; and, likewise, particular consideration of the charges and prothe situation of them be as in the centre, in re- visions of all kinds, that will be incident to the
spect of the portions assigned to them; for in the plantation; to the end, that thereupon some adchampaign countries of England, where the habita- vice may be taken for the furnishing and accomtion useth to be in towns, and not dispersed, it is modating them most conveniently, aiding private
no new thing to go two miles off to plough part industry and charge with public care and order.
of their grounds; and two miles compass will Thus I have expressed to your majesty those
take up a good deal of country. simple and weak cogitations, which I have had
The fourth point, is a point wherein I shall dif- in myself touching this cause, wherein I most
fer from the project rather in quantity and pro- humbly desire your pardon, and gracious acceptportion, than in matter. There is allowed to the ance of my good affection and intention. For I
undertaker, within the five years of restraint, to hold it for a rule, that there belongeth to great
alien a third part in fee farm, and to demise an- monarchs, from faithful servants, not only the
other third for forty years: which I fear will tribute of duty, but the oblations of cheerfulness
mangle the portions, and will be but a shift to of heart. And so I pray the Almighty to bless
make money of two parts; whereas, I am of this great action, with your majesty's care; and
opinion, the more the first undertaker is forced to a your care with happy success.
A LETTER
TO
MR. SECRETARY CECIL,
AFTER THE DEFEATING OF THE SPANISH FORCES IN IRELAND;* INCITING HIMI TO EMBRACE THE CARE
OF REDUCING THAT KINGDOM TO CIVILITY, WITH SOME REASONS SENT ENCLOSED.
IT MIAY PLEASE YOUR HONOUR, time hath some leisure ", ad aliud agendum;" I
As one that wisheth you all increase of honour; will presume to propound unto you that which
and as one that cannot leave to love the state, though you cannot but see, yet I know not
what interest soever I have, or may coinme to have whether you apprehend and esteem it in so high
in it; and as one that now this dead vacation a degree; that is, for the best action of importation
to yourself, of sound honour and merit to her matato, 8. ey's jesty and this crown, without ventosity and popu