The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

is4`~ LETTERS FROM THE CABALA.
may be well done. Secondly, I do see that which nor place, nor employment; but only, after so
all the world sees in his majesty, a wonderful long a time of expiation, a complete and total
judgment in learning, and a singular affection remission of the sentence of the Upper House,
towards learning, and works which are of the i to the end that blot of ignominy may be
mind, and not of the hand. For there cannot be removed from me, and from my memory with
the like honour sought in building of galleries, posterity, that I die not a condemned man, but
and planting of elms along highways, and the may be to your majesty, as I am to God, "Inova
outward ornaments wherein France now is busy, creatura." Your majesty hath pardoned the like
(things rather of magnificence than of magnani- to Sir John Bennet, between whose case and mine
mity,) as there is in the uniting of states, pacify- (not being partial to myself, but speaking out of
ing of controversies, nourishing and augmenting the general opinion) there was as much difference,
of learning and arts, and the particular action I will not say, as between black and white, but
appertaining unto these; of which kind Cicero as between black and grey, or ash-coloured; look,
judged truly, when he said to Caesar,,Quantum therefore, down (dear sovereign) upon me also in
operibus tuis detrahet vetustas, tantum addet pity. I know your majesty's heart is inscrutable
laudibus." And, lastly, I called to mind, that for goodness; and my Lord of Buckingham was
your lordship, at some times, hath been pleased to wont to tell me, you were the best natured man
express unto me a great desire, that something in the world; and it is God's property, that those
of this matter should be done, answerable indeed he hath loved, he loveth to the end. Let your
to your other noble and worthy courses and ac- majesty's grace, in this my desire, stream down
tions; joining, and adding unto the great ser- upon me, and let it be out of the fountain and
vices towards his majesty (which have in small spring-head, and " ex mero motu," that living or
compass of time been performed by your lord- dying, the print of the goodness of King James
ship) other great deservings, both of the church, may be in my heart, and his praises in my mouth.
and commonwealth, and particulars: so as the This my most humble request granted, may make
opinion of so great and wise a man doth seem to me live a year or two happily; and denied, will
me a good warrant, both of the possibility, and kill me quickly. But yet the last thing that will
worth of the matter. But all this while, I assure die in me will be the heart and affection of
myself, I cannot be mistaken by your lordship, Your majesty's most humble and
as if I sought an office or employment for myself; true devoted servant,
for no man knows better than your lordship, that FR. ST. ALBAN.
if there were in me any faculty thereunto, yet July 30, 1624.
neither my course of life, nor profession would
permit it. But because there be so many good
painters, both for hand and colours, it needeth SIR FRANCIS BACON TO THE KING, UPON PREbut encouragement and instructions to give life SENTING IISI DISCOURSE, TOUCHING THE PLANunto it. So, in all humbleness, I conclude my TATION OF IRELAND.
presenting unto your lordship this wish, which
if it perish, it is but a loss of that which is not. IT MAY PLEASE YOUR MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY,
And so craving pardon that I have taken so much I know no better way how to express my good
time from your lordship, I remain, etc. wishes of a new year to your majesty, than by
this little book, which in all humbleness I send
you. The style is a style of business, rather
than curious or elaborate, and herein I was enSIR FRANCIS BACON TO TIlE KING, ABOUT THE couraged by my experience of your majesty's
PARDON OF THE PARLIAMENT'S SENTENCE. former grace, in accepting of the like poor fieldfruits, touching the union. And certainly I reckon
MOST GRACIOUS AND DREAD SOVEREIGN, this action as a second brother to the union, for I
Before I make my petition to your majesty, I assure myself, that England, Scotland, and Iremake my prayers to God above, ",pectore ab land, well united, is such a trefoil as no prince
imo," that if I have held any thing so dear as except yourself (who are the worthiest) weareth
your majesty's service, (nay) your heart's ease, in his crown, ", si potentia reducatur in actum."
and your honour, I may be repulsed with a denial. I know well that for me to beat my brains about
But if that hath been the principal with me, that these things, they be s, majora quam pro fortuna,"
GCod, who knoweth my heart, would move your but yet they be " minora quam pro studio et
majesty's royal heart to take compassion of me, voluntate." For as I do yet bear an extreme zeal
and to grant my desire. to the memory of my old mistress, Queen ElizaI prostrate myself at your majesty's feet; I, beth, to whom I was rather bound for her trust
your ancient servant, now sixty-four years old in than for her favour; so I must acknowledge myage, and three years and five months old in self more bound to your majesty, both for trust
misery. I desire not from your majesty means, and favour; whereof I will never deceive the