The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

A SPEECH
USED
TO THE KING BY HIS MAJESTY'S SOLICITOR,
BEING CHOSEN BY THE COMMONS AS THEIR MOUTHI AND MESSENGER, FOR TIIE PRESENTING TO
HIS MAJESTY THE INSTRUMENT OR WRITING OF
THEIR GRIEVANCES.
IN THE PARLIAMENT 7 JACOBI.
MOST GRACIOUS SOVEREIGN, Only this, excellent sovereign, letnot the soundi
THE knights, citizens, and burgesses assembled of grievances, though it be sad, seem harsh to
in parliament, in the house of your Commons, in your princely ears: it is but'" gemitus columall humbleness do exhibit and present unto your bae," the mourning of a dove; with that patience
most sacred majesty, in their own words, though and humility of heart which appertaineth to lovby my hand, their petitions and grievances. They ing and loyal subjects. And far be it from us,
are here conceived and set down in writing, ac- but that in the midst of the sense of our griev.
cording to ancient custom of parliament: they ances we should remember and acknowledge the
are also prefaced according to the manner and infinite benefits which, by your majesty, next
taste of these later times. Therefore, for me to under God, we do enjoy; which bind us to wish
make any additional preface, were neither war- unto your life fulness of days; and unto your line
ranted nor convenient; especially speaking before royal a succession and continuance, even unto the
a king, the exactness of whose judgment ought world's end.
to scatter and chase away all unnecessary speech, It resteth, that unto these petitions here inas the sun doth a vapour. This only I must say; eluded I do add one more that goeth to them all:
since this session of parliament we have seen which is, that if in the words and frame of them
your glory in the solemnity of the creation of this there be any thing offensive; or that we have exmost noble prince; we have heard your wisdom pressed ourselves otherwise than we should or
in sundry excellent speeches which you have would; that your majesty would cover it and cast
delivered amongst us; now we hope to find and the veil of your grace upon it; and accept of our
feel the effects of your goodness, in your gracious good intentions, and help them by your benign
answer to these our petitions. For this, weare interpretation.
persuaded, that the attribute which was given by Lastly, I am most humbly to crave a particular
one of the wisest writers to two of the best em- pardon for myself, that have used these few
lperors, 1"Divus Nerva et divus Trajanus," so words; and scarcely should have been able to
saith Tacitus, ",res olim insociabiles miscuerunt, have used any at all, in respect of the reverence
imperium et libertatem;" may be truly applied which I bear to your person and judgment, had I
to your majesty. For never was there such a con- not been somewhat relieved and comforted by the
servator of regality in a crown, nor ever such a experience which, in my service and access, I
protector of lawful freedom in a subject. have had of your continual grace and favour.
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