kel

In Spain there are very extraordinary preparations could so think fit. I do now receive a letter from for a great armada. Here is lately in this court a the Conde de Gondomar, who, thinking that it should current speech, as that the enterprise, whatsoever it find me in England, saith thus: “Beso las manos should have been, is laid wholly aside : but that mil vezes a mi sennor, el sennor Gran Chancilor, were strange. Yet this is certain, that the forces of

con my coracon; como estoy en su buena gracia." men, to the number of almost two thousand, which The empress is dead long since, and the emperor is were to have gone into Spain from hence, are dis- so sickly, or rather so sick, that they forbear to bury charged, together with some munition, which was her with solemnity, as conceiving, that he will save also upon the point of being sent. Another thing charge by dying shortly. They say here, that the is also certain, that both in the court of Spain and business of Bohemia is growing towards an end by this, there is at this time a strange straitness of composition. money; which I do not conceive, for my part, to Brussels, this 14th of Feb. 1619. proceed so much from want, as design to employ it. The rendezvous, where the forces were to meet, was at Malaga within the straits ; which makes the enterprise upon Algiers most likely to be intended. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. For I take that to be a wild conceit, which thinks

MY VERY GOOD LORD, of going by the Adriatic per far in un viaggio duoi serritii; as the giving a blow to Venice, and the For the services committed to Sir Lionel Cranlanding of forces in aid of the king of Bohemia about field, after his Majesty hath spoken with him, I Trieste.

shall attend and follow his Majesty's pleasure and Perhaps the king of Spain would be glad to let directions, and yield my best care, advice, and enthe world see, that now he is hors de paye ; and by deavour for performance. showing himself in some action, to entitle the duke In the pretermitted duty I have some profit, and of Lerma to all his former sloth ; or perhaps he now more was to have had if queen Anne had lived. makes a great preparation, upon the pretence of Wherefore I shall become an humble suitor to his some enterprise, that he will let fall, that so he may Majesty, that I may become no loser, specially with the less noise assemble great forces some other seeing the business had been many a time and oft Fear, for some other attempt not spoken of now. quite overthrown, if it had not been upheld only, or

My lord Compton is in this court, and goes chiefly, by myself; so that whatsoever service hath shortly towards Italy. His fashion is sweet, and been since done, is upon my foundation. his disposition noble, and his conversation fair and Mr. Attorney † groweth pretty pert with me of honest.

late ; and I see well who they are that maintain him. Diego, my lord Roos's man, is come hither. I But be they flies, or be they wasps, I neither care pray God it be to do me any good towards the re- for buzzies nor stings, more especially in any thing covery of the debt his lord owes me.

that concerneth my duty to his Majesty, or my love Most honoured lord, I am here at good leisure to to your lordship. look back upon your lordship’s great and noble I forgot not, in my public charge, the last stargoodness towards me, which may go for a great ex- chamber day, to publish his Majesty's honour for ample in this age ; and so it doth. That which I his late commission for the relief of the poor, and am sure of, is, that my poor heart, such as it is, doth suppressing vagabonds; as also his gracious intennot only beat, but even boil in the desires it hath to tion touching informers, which, I perceive, was redo your lordship all humble service.

ceived with much applause. That of projectors I I crave leave, though it be against good manners, spake not of, because it is not yet ripe, neither doth that I may ever present my humblest service to my it concern the execution of any law, for which my most honoured lady, my lady Verulam, and lady speech was proper. God ever preserve and prosper Constable, with my best respects to my dear friend, you. Sir John Constable; who, if your lordship want the Your lordship’s most obliged friend and faithful leisare, would perhaps cast an eye upon the enclosed servant, paper.

FR. VERULAM, CANC, I do, with more confidence, presume to address February 17, 1619. this other letter to Mr. Meautys, because the contents thereof concern your lordship's service. I beseech sweet Jesus to make and keep your

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. lordship entirely happy. So I humbly do you reverence, remaining ever

MY VERY GOOD LORD, Your lordship’s most obliged servant,

I SEND, by post, this sealed packet, containing my TOBIE MATTHEW.

lord of Suffolk's answer in the star-chamber. I re

ceived it this evening at six of the clock, by the Post. I should be glad to receive some of your hands of the master of the rolls, f sealed as it is lordship's philosophical labours, if your lordship with my lord of Suffolk's seal, and the master's of

Spencer, lord Compton, only son of William, earl of Northampton. This nobleman, who succeeded his father in

near Stafford, on Sunday, March 19, 1642-3, fighting for

king Charles Í. bis title and estate, in June 1630, was killed at Hopton-Heath, † Sir Henry Yelverton.

Sir Julius Cæsar.

the rolls. But neither I, nor the master of the rolls, | fore ended by award, but is now revived again, and know what is in it; but it cometh first to his Ma- was, in Michaelmas term last, fully heard before jesty's sight. Only I did direct, that because the your lordship; at which hearing your lordship did authentic copy, unto which my lord is sworn, accord- not give your opinion thereof, but were pleased to ing to the course of the court, is not so fit for his defer it, until breviats were delivered on both sides ; Majesty's reading, my lord of Suffolk should send which, as I am informed, hath been done accordwithal a paper copy, which his Majesty might read ingly : now my desire unto your lordship is, that with less trouble.

you will be pleased to take some time, as speedily My lady Suffolk is so ill of the small-pox, as as your lordship may, to give your opinion thereof, she is not yet fit to make any answer.

and so make a final end, as your lordship shall find Bingley's * answer is come in, a long one; and, the same in equity to deserve. For which I will as I perceive, with some things impertinent, yea, ever rest and unfit. Of that I confer with Mr. Solicitor + to

Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, morrow; and then I will farther advertise your

G. BUCKINGHAM. lordship.

Windsor, May 18, 1620.
God ever preserve and prosper you.
Your lordship’s most obliged friend and faith-
ful servant,

TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.
FR. VERULAM, CANC.

MY VERY GOOD LORD, York-house, this 23d of Feb. 1619, at nine of the clock (1619-20.]

I went to Kew for pleasure, but I met with pain. But neither pleasure nor pain can withdraw my mind from thinking of his Majesty's service. And

because his Majesty shall see how I was occupied TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.

at Kew, I send him these papers of rules for the Most HONOURED LORD,

star-chamber, wherein his Majesty shall erect one I do even now receive this letter from the Conde of the noblest and durablest pillars for the justice de Gondomar, with direction I should send it, since of his kingdom in perpetuity, that can be, after, by I am not there to deliver it, to Mr. Wyche, that so his own wisdom, and the advice of his lords, he he may present it to your lordship’s hand at such shall have revised them, and established them. The time, as it may be of most use to him. He com- manner and circumstances I refer to my attending mands me besides, that for his sake I should become his Majesty. The rules are not all set down; but an humble solicitor to your lordship for this friend of I will do the rest within two or three days. I ever his; which I presume to do the more willingly, be- remain cause this party is a great friend of mine, and so are Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithalso many of his friends my friends. Besides he

ful servant, wills me to represent his great thanks to your lord

FR. VERULAM, CANC. ship, for the just favours you have been pleased to June 9, 1620. vouchsafe to Mr. Wyche already, the rather in contemplation of the Conde, as he hath been informed. And if in the company, or rather in the attendance

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.Ş of so great an intercessor, it be not an unpardonable kind of ill manners to intrude myself, I presume to

MY VERY GOOD LORD, cast myself at your lordship's feet, with protestation, Such is my haste at this time, that I cannot write that I shall be very particularly bound to your lord- so largely to yourself, as I would, in the business of ship’s goodness for any favour, with justice, that he the steel, in which once already I sent to your lordshall obtain.

ship, and in which I only desire the good of the I beseech Jesus keep your lordship ever entirely commonwealth, and the service of my master. I happy ; and so doing all humble reverence, I take therefore have sent this bearer, my servant, unto leave.

you, and committed the relation of the business to Your lordship’s most humble and most obliged him. And I do entreat your lordship to give credit servant,

to what he shall deliver your lordship therein, with

TOBIE MATTHEW. your lawful assistance of my desires ; wherein I Brussels, this 26th of Feb. 1619.

doubt not but you shall do a very good office. And I shall rest ready to requite your courtesy; and, with

my best wishes, continue TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. I

Your very loving friend,

G. BUCKINGHAM. MY HONOURABLE LORD,

Egham, July 6, 1620. UNDERSTANDING that there hath been a long and tedious suit depending in the chancery between Ro

Indorsed, bert D'Oyley and his wife, plaintiffs, and Leonard My Lord Marquis in the behalf of his serrant, Mr. Lovace, defendant; which cause hath been hereto.

Porter, and Mr. Dullington. * Sir John Bingley's.

infinite honour, and win the hearts of your people TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.*

to acknowledge you, as well the most politic king,

as the most just. MY HONOURABLE LORD,

Secondly, it will oblige your commissioners to a His Majesty having made a reference of business

more strict account, when they shall be engaged by to your lordship, concerning Sir Robert Douglas and such a public charge and commandment. And, Mr. David Ramsay, two of his highness's servants, thirdly, it will invite and direct any man, that finds whom he loveth, and whom I wish very well unto ; | himself to know any thing concerning those comI have thought fit to desire you to show them all missions, to bring in their informations. So as I the favour your lordship may therein : which I will

am persuaded it will eternize your name and merit, acknowledge, and ever rest

and that king James's commissions will be spoken Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, of, and put in ure, as long as Britain lasts ; at the

G. BUCKINGHAM. | least, in the reign of all good kings. Farnham, the last of August, 1620.

For the particulars, besides the two commissions

of the navy, and the buildings about London, wherein The reference comes in the name of my brother

your Majesty may consider, whether you will have Christopher, because they thought it would succeed

any thing altered or supplied, I wish these following the better : but the prince wisheth well to it. to be added. Indorsed,

Commission for advancing the clothing of EngTouching the business of wills.

land, as well the old drapery as the new, and all the incidents thereunto.

Commission for staying treasure within the realm,

and the reiglement of moneys. TO THE KING.

Commission for the provision of the realm with

corn and grain, and the government of the exportAmongst the counsels, which, since the time I ation and importation thereof; and directing of pubhad the honour to be first of your learned, and after lic granaries, if cause be. of your privy council, I have given your Majesty Commission for introducing and nourishing mafaithfully, according to my small ability : I do take nufactures within the realm, for the setting people comfort in none more, than that I was the first, that a-work, and the considering of all grants and priviadvised you to come in person into the star-cham- leges of that nature. ber; knowing very well, that those virtues of your Commission to prevent the depopulation of towns Majesty, which I saw near hand, would out of that and houses of husbandry, and for nuisances and throne, both, as out of a sphere, illustrate your own highways. honour, and, as out of a fountain, water and refresh Commission for the recovery of drowned lands. Four whole land. And because your Majesty, in Commission for the suppression of the grievances that you have already done, hath so well effected of informers. that, which I foresaw and desired, even beyond my Commission for the better proceedings in the expectation ; it is no marvel, if I resort still to the plantations of Ireland. branches of that counsel, that hath borne so good Commission for the provision of the realm with

all kind of warlike defence, ordnance, powder, muniThe star-chamber, in the institution thereof, tion, and armour. hath two uses ; the one as a supreme court of judi- Of these you may take and leave, as it shall

the other as an open council. In the first please you: and I wish the articles concerning every kind, your Majesty hath sat there now twice; the one of them, first allowed by your council, to be first time, in a cause of force, concerning the duels ; read openly, and the commissioners' names. the second time, in a cause of fraud, concerning the For the good, that comes of particular and select forgeries and conspiracies against the lady of Exeter; committees and commissions, I need not commonwhich two natures of crimes, force and fraud, are place, for your Majesty hath found the good of the proper objects of that court.

them : but nothing to that that will be, when such In the second kind, your Majesty came the first things are published; because it will vindicate them time of all, when you did set in frame and fabric the from neglect, and make many good spirits, that we several jurisdictions of your courts. There wants a little think of, co-operate in them. foarth part of the square to make all complete, which I know very well, that the world, that commonly is, if your Majesty will be pleased to publish certain is apt to think, that the care of the commonwealth commonwealth commissions ; which, as your Mais but a pretext in matters of state, will perhaps jesty hath well begun to do in some things, and to conceive, that this is but a preparative to a parliaspeak of in some others; so, if your Majesty will be

ment.

But let not that hinder your Majesty's pleased to make a solemn declaration of them in that magnanimity, in opere operato, that is so good ; and place, this will follow :

besides, that opinion, for many respects, will do no First, that your Majesty shall do yourself an hurt to your affairs.

fruit.

cature;

• Harl. MSS. Vol. 7006.

in the star-chamber, in January 1619-20, and before the This letter appears to have been written after the pro- resolution of calling the parliament which met January 30, ceedings against Sir Thomas Lake, and his lady and daughter, 1620-1.

2

this work, namely, the compiling of a natural and TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.*

experimental history, which must be the main

foundation of a true and active philosophy. MY VERY GOOD LORD,

This work is but a new body of clay, whereinto By his Majesty's directions Sir Francis Blundell your Majesty, by your countenance and protection, will deliver you a petition of Sir Francis Annesley, may breathe life. And, to tell your Majesty, truly his Majesty's secretary of Ireland, with his Ma- what I think, I account your favour may to this jesty's pleasure thereupon. To the gentleman I work as much as a hundred years time: for I am wish very well, and do therefore recommend him persuaded the work will gain upon men's minds in and his cause to your lordship’s good favour; and ages, but your gracing it may make it take hold more your respect of him, in his absence, I will thankfully swiftly; which I would be very glad of, it being a acknowledge. So I take my leave.

work meant not for praise or glory, but for practice,

and the good of men. Your lordship's very loving friend,

One thing, I confess, I am ambitious of, with hope, which is, that after these

G. BUCKINGHAM. beginnings, and the wheel once set on going, men Theobald's, the 2d of Oct. 1620.

shall seek more truth out of christian pens, than hitherto they have done out of heathen. I say with hope; because I hear my former book of the “ Ad

vancement of Learning," is well tasted in the uniTO THE KING.

versities here, and the English colleges abroad: and

this is the same argument sunk deeper. IT MAY PLEASE YOUR MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY,

And so I ever humbly rest in prayers, and all It being a thing to speak or write, specially to a other duties, king, in public, another in private, although I have Your Majesty's most bounden and devoted dedicated a work,t or rather a portion of a work,

servant, which, at last, I have overcome, to your Majesty by

FR. VERULAM, CANC. a public epistle, where I speak to you in the hear

York-house, this 12th of Oct. 1620. ing of others; yet I thought fit also humbly to seek access for the same, not so much to your person as to your judgment, by these private lines. The work, in what colours soever it may be set

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.|| forth, is no more but a new logic, teaching to invent

MY HONOURABLE LORD, and judge by induction, as finding syllogism incompetent for sciences of nature; and thereby to make There is a business in your lordship’s hands, philosophy and sciences both more true and more with which Sir Robert Lloyd did acquaint your active.

lordship; whereof the prince hath demanded of me This tending to enlarge the bounds of reason, and what account is given. And because I cannot into endow man's estate with new value, was no im- form his highness of any proceeding therein, I desire proper oblation to your Majesty, who, of men, is the your lordship to use all expedition that may be, in greatest master of reason, and author of beneficence. making your answer to me, that I may give his

There be two of your council, and one other bi- highness some satisfaction, who is very desirous shopt of this land, that know I have been about thereof. And so I rest some such work near thirty years ; § so as I made Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, no haste. And the reason why I have published it

G. BUCKINGHAM. now, specially being unperfect, is, to speak plainly, because I number my days, and would have it saved.

Royston, 14th of October, 1620. There is another reason of my so doing, which is to

Indorsed, try whether I can get help in one intended part of

Touching the register of wills.

* Harl. MSS. Vol. 7006.

lowing title: "The Shyp of Folys of the world: Translated † Novum Organum. In the library of the late Thomas, in the Coll. of Saynt Mary Otery, in the counte of Devonearl of Leicester, the descendant of Sir Edward Coke, at Holk shyre, out of Latin, Frenche, and Doche, into Englesshe ham in Norfolk, is a copy of this work, entitled Instauratio tongue, by Alex. Barklay, preste and chaplen in the said Magna, printed by John Bill, in 1620, presented to Sir College, Mccccc,vill". It was dedicated by the transEdward, who at the top of the title-page has written, Edw. C. lator to Thomas Cornish, bishop of Tine, and suffragan bishop ex dono auctoris.

of Wells, and adorned with great variety of wooden cuts. “ Auctori Consilium.

Dr. Lancelot Andrews, bishop of Winchester. Instaurare paras veterum documenta sophorum :

Mr. Chamberlain, in a letter to Sir Dudley Carleton, am. Instaura Leges Justitiamq; prius.”

bassador at Holland, dated at London, October 28, 1620, menAnd over the device of the ship passing between Hercules's

tions, that Mr. Henry Cuffe, who had been secretary to Pillars, Sir Edward has written the two following verses:

Robert, earl of Essex, and executed for being concerned in

[, )

TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR.

This work, which is for the bettering of men's

bread and wine, which are the characters of temMY HONOURABLE LORD,

poral blessings and sacraments of eternal, I hope, I desire your lordship to continue your favour to by God's holy providence, will be ripened by Sir Thomas Gerrard, in the business concerning Cæsar's star. him, wherein I signified his Majesty's pleasure to Your Majesty shall not only do to myself a sinyour lordship. And one favour more I am to en- gular favour, but to your business a material help, treat of your lordship in his behalf, that you will if you will be graciously pleased to open yourself to be pleased to speak to one of the assistants of the me in those things wherein you may be unsatisfied. chancellor of the duchy, in whose court he hath a For though this work, as by position and principle, cause depending, as he will more fully inform your doth disclaim to be tried by any thing but by expelordship himself, to see that he may have a fair rience, and the results of experience in a true way; proceeding, according to justice : for which I will yet the sharpness and profoundness of your Majesty's erer rest

judgment ought to be an exception to this general Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, rule ; and your questions, observations, and admonG. BUCKINGHAM. ishments, may do infinite good.

This comfortable beginning makes me hope farRoyston, 15th of October, 1620.

ther, that your Majesty will be aiding to me, in setting men on work for the collecting of a natural and

experimental history ; which is basis totius negotii, TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM.

a thing which I assure myself will be, from time to MY VERY GOOD LORD,

time, an excellent recreation unto you ; I say, to Your lordship desiring to understand what cometh that admirable spirit of yours, that delighteth in of the business, after which the prince hearkeneth, light: and I hope well, that even in your times I was in doubt which of the two businesses you many noble inventions may be discovered for man's meant; that of the Duchy or that of the Preroga- use. For who can tell, now this mine of truth is tive-Court for wills; for both are recommended from opened, how the veins go; and what lieth higher, the prince. But be it one, or be it the other, no and what lieth lower ? But let me trouble your time hath been lost in either ; for Mr. Secretary Majesty no farther at this time. God ever preserve Xauntcn and I have entered into both. For the and prosper your Majesty. Dachy, we have already stayed all proceeding to

[October 19, 1620.) the king's disservice for those manors, which are not already passed under seal. For that which is passed, we have heard the attorney t with none or little satisfaction hitherto. The chancellor [. is not TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. yet come, though sent for. For the other, we

MY VERY GOOD LORD, have heard Sir John Bennet, ş and given him leave to acquaint my lord of Canterbury; and have re- I SEND now only to give his Majesty thanks for quired the solicitor || to come well prepared for the the singular comfort which I received by his Making. So that in neither we can certify yet; and jesty's letter of his own hand, touching my book. to trouble your lordship, while business is but in And I must also give your lordship of my best passage, were time lost. I ever rest

thanks for your letter so kindly and affectionately Your lordship’s most obliged friend and faith written. ful servant,

I did even now receive your lordship's letter October 16, 1620. FR. VERULAM, CANC. touching the proclamation, and do approve his Ma

jesty's judgment and foresight about mine own.

Neither would I have thought of inserting matter TO THE KING, THANKING HIS MAJESTY

of state for the vulgar, but that now-a-days there is FOR HIS GRACIOUS ACCEPTANCE OF HIS no vulgar, but all statesmen. But, as his Majesty BOOK.

doth excellently consider, the time of it is not yet

proper. May it PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY,

I ever rest I CANNOT express, how much comfort I received

Your lordship's most obliged friend and faith

ful servant, by your last letter of your own royal hand. I see your Majesty is a star, that hath benevolent aspect

FR. VERULAM, CANC. and gracious influence upon all things that tend to a

October 19, 1620. general good.

Indorsed,
Daphni, quid antiquos signorum suspicis ortus ?
Ecce Dionæi processit Cæsaris astrum;

In answer to his Majesty's directions touching the Astrum, quo segetes gauderent frugibus, et quo