The works of Francis Bacon, lord chancellor of England.

436 OF A HOLY WAR.
These examples confirmed me much in a resolution, whereunto I was otherwise inclined, to spend
my time wholly in writing; and to put forth that poor talent, or half talent, or what it is, that God
hath given me, not, as heretofore, to particular exchanges, but to banks, or mounts of perpetuity,
which will not break. Therefore, having not long since set forth a part of my Instauration; which
is the work that, in mine own judgment, ", si nunquam fallit imago," I do most esteem: I think to
proceed in some new parts thereof; and although I have received from many parts beyond the seas,
testinionies touching that work, such as beyond which I could not expect at the first in so abstruse
an argument; yet, nevertheless, I have just cause to doubt, that it flies too high over men's heads: I
have a purpose, therefore, though I break the order of time, to draw it down to the sense, by some patterns of a natural story and inquisition. And, again, for that my book of Advancement of Learning
may be some preparative, or key, for the better opening of the Instauration; because it exhibits a
mixture of new conceits and old; whereas the Instauration gives the new unmixed, otherwise than
with some little aspersion of the old for taste's sake; I have thought good to procure a translation of
that book into the general language, not without great and ample additions, and enrichment thereof,
especially in the second book, which handleth the partition of sciences; in such sort, as I hold it may
serve in lieu of the first part of the Instauration, and acquit my promise in that part. Again, because
I cannot altogether desert the civil person that I have borne; which, if I should forget, enough would
remember; I have also entered into a work touching laws, propounding a character of justice in a
middle term, between the speculative and reverend discourses of philosophers, and the writings of
lawyers, which are tied and obnoxious to their particular laws. And although it be true, that I had a
purpose to make a particular digest, or recompilement of the laws of mine own nation; yet, because
it is a work of assistance, and that which I cannot master by mine own forces and pen, I have laid it
aside. Now, having in the work of mine Installration had in contemplation the general good of men
in their very being, and the dowries of nature; and in my work of laws, the general good of men
likewise in society, and the dowries of government; I thought in duty I owed somewhat unto my
own country, which I ever loved: insomuch as, although my place hath been far above my desert,
yet my thoughts and cares concerning the good thereof were beyond, and over, and above my place:
so now being, as I am, no more able to do my country service, it remained unto me to do it honour;
which I have endeavoured to do it in my work of the Reign of King Henry the Seventh. As for my
Essays, and some other particulars of that nature, I count them but as the recreations of my other
studies, and in that sort purpose to continue them: though I am not ignorant that those kind of writings would, with less pains and embracement, perhaps, yield more lustre and reputation to my name
than those other which I have in hand. But I account the use that a man should seek of the publishing of his own writings before his death, to be but an untimely anticipation of that which is proper
to follow a man, and not to go along with him.
But, revolving with myself my writings, as well those which I have published, as those which I
had in hand, methought they went all into the city, and none into the temple: where, because I
have found so great consolation, I desire likewise to make some poor oblation. Therefore I have
chosen an argument mixed of religious and civil considerations; and likewise mixed between contemplative and active. For who can tell whether there may not be an 6" exoriere aliquis." Great matters, especially if they he religious, have many times small beginnings: and the platform may draw
on the building. This work, because I was ever an enemy to flattering dedications, I have dedicated
to your lordship, in respect of our ancient and private acquaintance; and because amongst the men of
our times I hold you in special reverence.
Your lordship's loving friend, FR. ST. ALBAN.
THE PERSONS THAT SPEAK:
EUSEBIUS, GAMALIEL, ZEBEDAUS, MARTIUS, EUPOLIS, POLLIO.
THERE met at Paris, in the house of Eupolis,* were set in conference, Pollio came in to them
Eusebius, Zebedweus, Gamaliel, Martius, all per- from court, and as soon as he saw them, after his
sons of eminent quality, but of several dispositions. witty and pleasant manner, he said,
Eupolis himself was also present; and while they PoLLIO. Here be four of you, I think, were able
to make a good world; for you are as differing as
* Characters of the persons. Eusebius beareth the cha- the four elements. and vet you are friends. As?Rntebor 5I!1;t' ~:iie Gamaiel of a Protestant zealot; ar
aebedieus of a Roman Catholic zealot; Martius of a militaryon, e may be he fifth e ssene
man; Eupoils of a politic; Pollio of a courtier. out passion, he may be the fifth essence.