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TO LORD BURGHLEY.*

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR GOOD LORDSHIP, I am sorry the joint mask from the four inns of court faileth, wherein I conceive there is no other ground of that event but impossibility. Nevertheless, because it falleth out that at this time Gray's Inn is well furnished of gallant young gentlemen, your lordship may be pleased to know that rather than this occasion shall pass

without some demonstration of affection from the inns of court; there are a dozen gentlemen of Gray's Inn, that out of the honour which they bear to your lordship and my lord chamberlain, to whom at their last mask they were so much bounden, will be ready to furnish a mask, wishing it were in their powers to perform it according to their minds. And so for the present I humbly take my leave, resting

Your lordship's very humble

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TO THE EARL OF SALISBURY.

MY LORD,-No man can better expound my doings than your lordship, which maketh me need to say the less; only I humbly pray you to believe that I aspire to conscience and commendation, first of bonus civis, which with us is a good and true servant to the queen, and next of bonus vir, that is, an honest man. I desire your lordship also to think that though I confess I love some things much better than I love your lordship, as the queen's service, her quiet and contentment, her honour, her favour, the good of my country, and the like, yet, I love few persons better than yourself, both for gratitude's sake, and for your own trueness, which cannot hurt but by accident or abuse, of which my good affection, I was ever

and am ready to yield testimony by any good offers, but with such reservations as yourself can

Lansd. MS. cvii. art. 8, Orig. +Lansd. MS. cvii. art. 9, Orig. Difficult to decypher, q. intercede ? > Lansd. MS. lxxxvii. art. 79, Orig.

not but allow; for as I was ever sorry that your lordship should fly with waxen wings, doubting Icarus's fortune, so, for the growing up of your own feathers, specially ostrich's, or any other, save of a bird of prey, no man shall be more glad; and this is the axletree whereupon I have turned, and shall turn, which to signify to you, though I think you are of yourself persuaded as much, is the cause of my writing; and so commend I your lordship to God's goodness.

Your lordship's most humbly,

From Gray's Inn, this 20th of July, 1600.

FR. BACON.

TO MR. MICHAEL HICKES.*

MR. HICKES,-I thank you for your letter, testifying your kind care of my fortune, which when it mendeth, your thanks will likewise amend. In particular you write you would be in town as on Monday, which is passed, and that you would make proof of Mr. Billett, or some other friend for my supply, whereof I see you are the more sensible, because you concur in approv ing my purpose and resolution, of first freeing my credit from suits and speech, and so my estate by degrees, which in very truth was the cause which made me sub impudens in moving you for new help, when I should have helped you with your former money. I am desirous to know what success you have had since your coming to town, in your kind care. I have thought of two sureties for one hundred pounds a piece: the one Mr. Fra. Anger, of Gray's Inn, he that was the old Count of Lincoln's executor, a man very honest and very able, with whom I have spoken, and he hath promised; the other Sir Thomas Hobby, whom I have not spoken with, but do presume of, though I never used him in that kind. So leaving it to your good will, I rest

1600.

Your assured loving friend,

TO MR. M. HICKES.†

FR. BACON.

this term, but I have now a further request, which, MR. HICKES,-Your remain shall be with you if you perform, I shall think you one of the best friends I have, and yet, the matter is not much to you, but the timing of it is much to me; for I am now about this term to free myself from all debts, which are any ways in suit or urged, following a

faster pace to free my credit than my means can follow to free my state, which yet cannot stay long after; I having resolved to spare no means

Lansd. MS. Ixxxvii. art. 86, Orig. + Lansd. MS. Ixxxvii. art. 3. Orig.

I have in hand (taking other possibilities for advantage) to clear myself from the discontent, speech, or danger of others. And some of my debts of most clamour and importunity I have this term, and some few days before, ordered, and in faet paid. I pray you to your former favours, which I do still remember, and may hereafter requite, help me out with two hundred pounds more for six months; I will put you in good sureties, and you shall do me a great deal of honesty and reputation; I have written to you the very truth and secret of my course, which to few others I would have done, thinking it may move you. And so, with my loving commendations,

I rest

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TO SIR MICHAEL HICKES.*

SIR, I pray try the concension I spoke to you of out of hand. For it is a mind I shall not continue in, if it pass this very tide. So I rest Yours, FR. BACON.

October, 1606.

TO SIR MICHAEL HICKES.+ SIR, There is a commission, touching the king's service, to be executed at your house, on Tuesday next; the commissioners are Mr. Recorder of London, Sir John Bennet, Sir Thomas Bodley, and myself. There are blanks left for other names, such as you in your wisdom shall think fit to fill. Mr. Horden is wished, for the better countenance of the service, and Sir Thomas Lowe is spoken of, but these and others are wholly left unto you. It will take up a whole afternoon, and, therefore, no remedy but we must dine with you; but for that you are not so little in grace with Mr. Chancellor but you may have allowance, the Exchequer being first full; hereof

This Sunday at afternoon, August 6, 1609.

FR. BACON.

SIR, Finding, during Parliament, a willing-I thought most necessary to give you notice. So ness in you to confer with me in this great service I remain Your assured guest and friend, concerning the union, I do now take hold thereof to excuse my boldness to desire that now which you offered then, for both the time as to leisure is more liberal, and as to the service itself is more urgent. Whether it will like you to come to me to Gray's Inn, or to appoint me where to meet with you, I am indifferent, and leave it to your choice, and accordingly desire to hear from you; so I remain your very loving friend,

Gray's Inn, this 8th of Sept., 1604.

TO SIR M. HICKES.

FR. BACON.

TO SIR ROBERT COTTON.

SIR,-You may think the occasion was great and present, that made me defer a thing I took much to heart so long; I have in the blank leaf supplied some clauses, which, warranted by your kind respect and liberty, I wish were inserted for my father's honour, as a son, I confess; but yet, no farther than I have the two great champions, both truth and opinion, of my side. They be but three places, and that you may readily find them, I have turned down leaves; desiring you to reform the Latin or the sense by your better style and SIR,-For your travel with all disadvantages, conceit, which done, if it please you (being but I will put it upon my account to travel twice so three pages) to have them written again, and so far, upon any occasion of yours; but your wits incorporate them into the copy you carry to the seemed not travelled, but fresh, by your letter, king, you shall content me much, who I think which is to me an infallible argument of hearts-am no unfit man to give you some contribution or ease, which doth so well with you, as I must retribution to your worthy intention. So, in haste, Your assured friend, entreat you to help me to some of the same. And, therefore, I will adjourn our conference to your return to the Strand, on Monday, where I will find you, if it chance right. And this day would I have come to your Friary, but that I am commanded to attend the indictments at Westminster. And so I leave, to perceive your good disposition.

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I remain

Gray's Inn, this 7th
of April, 1610.

FR. BACON.

TO SIR MICHAEL HICKES.

SIR MICHAEL HICKES,

It is but a wish, and not any ways to desire it to your trouble, but I heartily wish I had your

Lansd. MS, lxxxix. art. 105, Orig.

+ Lansd. MS. xci. art. 94, Orig.

Cotton MS. Julius, c. iii. fol. 71 b, Orig.
Lansd. MS. xci. art. 40, Orig.

company here at my mother's funeral, which I purpose on Thursday next, in the forenoon. I dare promise you a good sermon, to be made by Mr. Fenton, the preacher of Gray's Inn; for he never maketh other feast; I make none: but if I might have your company for two or three days at my house, I should pass over this mournful occasion with more comfort. If your son had continued at St. Julian's, it might have been an adamant to have drawn you; but now, if you come, I must say it is only for my sake. I commend myself to my lady, and commend my wife to you both. And rest

Yours ever assured, This Monday, 27th of

August, 1610.

FR. BACON.

TO SIR MICHAEL HICKES.*

SIR MICHAEL,

I do use, as you know, to pay my debts with time; but, indeed, if you will have a good and perfect colour in a carnation stocking, it must be long in the dyeing: I have some scruple of conscience whether it was my lady's stockings or her daughter's, and I would have the restitution to be to the right person, else I shall not have absolution. Therefore, I have sent to them both, desiring them to wear them for my sake, as I did wear theirs for mine own sake. So, wishing you

all a good new year,
I rest
Yours assured,
Gray's Inn, this 8th of Jan., 1611.

FR. BACON.

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The special love and favour which your honour,

and gracious charters, are (under a pretence of dignity and honour to this university) either intended to be shaken, or wholly overthrown. We doubt not but your honour hath heard of a late petition preferred to his majesty by the mayor and others of Cambridge, (as they pretend,) to dignify the university in making the town a city; which, upon so fair a gloss, his majesty, out of his gracious favour to this university, hath referred to the order of Lord Chancellor of England, their high steward; the lord treasurer, our honourable and our most loving chancellor, and your honour. By this project, (though dignity and honour to us be the first colour they cast upon their suit, yet, by the cunning carriage of the business, and secret workings of friends,) we cannot but fear this shadow will be overcast with matter of such substance for them and their purpose, that it will either draw our former grants into question, or us to great inconvenience. Neither is this suspicion without a cause; first, for that, about six years past, the like petition was preferred and followed by them; at what time, by a secret view of their book, we perceived our best charters nearly touched: secondly, upon our earnest request to have a copy of such matters as they desire, they slight us, saying, "That were but to part the lion's skin :" thirdly, by experience we find the danger of trusting their kindness, for, upon our late sufferance of their last charter to pass, (without good advice of our council,) they both encroach upon our ancient grants, and enforce that charter not only against our privileges and customs, but the special proviso and reservation therein made for our former liberties. These peremptory answers and dealings of theirs, upon so kind and friendly usage and requests of ours, make us fear the sequel; for, that as yet we could never find, by any record, act, or wish of theirs, that this university ever received honour, dignity, or favour; in regard whereof, we earnestly entreat your honour to stand with our worthy chancellor and us in staying this suit, until we be truly informed how the town may receive grace and the university no dishonour. So, with our hearty thanks to your honour, for all your former favours showed us and this university, and with our daily prayers to the Almighty for your long life and happiness, we take our leave.

Your honour's in all duty.

This 9th of December, 1616.

by word and writing, hath ever professed to learn- TO THE RIGHT WORSHIPFUL THE VICE-CHAN

ing and this university, makes us fly to your protection in a present danger, where we fear the chief nerves and foundation of all our jurisdiction,

*Lansd. MS. xci. art 81, Orig.

+ Harl. MSS. 6986, art. 114.
Sloan MS. 3562, art. 40.

CELLOR AND OTHERS, THE MASTERS, AND THE HEADS OF THE HOUSES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE.*

AFTER my very hearty commendations, I have received your letter of the 9th of this present

*Sloan MS. No. 3562, art. 25.

ING MOMPESSON'S BUSINESS OF INNS.*

MY VERY GOOD Lord,

We are left a little naked in the business of

December, and have taken care of you rather ac- | A LETTER TO MY LORD OF BUCKINGHAM, TOUCHcording to your request than at your request; forasmuch as I had done it before your letter came. This you may perceive by the joint letter which you shall receive from my lord chancellor, my lord treasurer, and myself. And, for me, you may rest assured that nothing can concern you little, or more nearly, or afar off, but you shall have all care out of my affection, and all strength and help out of my means and power to conserve and advance your good estate and contentment. And so I remain

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Inns, by the death of Justice Nicholls; and my
Lord Chief Baron and Mr. Justice Crooke having
been with me, do desire the number of three may
be fulfilled. I have, therefore, sent your lordship
a warrant for the king's signature, wherein Justice
Winch is put in Justice Nicholls' place. It is
also altered at my request, in that other point of
the former warrant, whereby the certificate was
required in writing, which they desire may be by
attending his majesty themselves, at his coming,
which I do think to be the more convenient and
the more usual for judges. I ever rest
Your lordship's true and most
devoted servant.

October 18, 1616.

FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF CAMBRIDGE.* RIGHT HONOURABLE,

The confidence which the townsmen have, in obtaining their charter and petition, makes us bold and importunate suitors to your honour, by whose favour with his majesty and protection, we again humbly entreat, the university and ourselves may be freed from that danger which by them is intended to us. By their own reports, it is a matter of honour and advantage for which they sue: when they were at their lowest, and in their meanest fortunes, they ever showed themselves unkind neighbours to us; and their suits with us,

within these few years, have caused us to spend our common treasury, and trouble our best friends, and, therefore, we cannot expect peace amongst

them, when their thoughts and wills shall be
winged and strengthened by that power and au-
thority which the very bare title of a city will
give unto them. Since our late letter to the right
honourable lord chancellor, your honour, and his
majesty's attorney-general, we (being better in-
formed of the course they take, and of their con-

fidence to prevail at the end of the next term)
have sent letters from the body of the university
to the king's majesty, the lord chancellor, and
others, our honourable friends; showing them of
our fear, and their purpose, and to entreat them
to join with your honour and us, to his majesty,
to stay their suit before we be driven to further
charge or trouble, in entertaining counsel, or soli-
citing our friends. Thus, humbly entreating your
honour to pardon our importunity, and often
soliciting your lordship in this business, with our
earnest prayers to the Almighty for your honour's
long life and happy estate, we end this.
Your honour's in all duty

to be commanded.

February, 1616.

* Sloan M8. 3562, art. 41.

TO MY LORD OF BUCKINGHAM, TOUCHING MOM-
PESSON'S BUSINESS, THE MALTSTERS, &c.t
MY VERY GOOD Lord,

I am much troubled in mind, for that I hear you are not perfectly well, without whose health I cannot joy, and without whose life, I desire not to be. I hear nothing from Mr. Mompesson, save that some tell me is knighted, which I am glad of, because he may the better fight with the bull and the bear, and the Saracen's head, and such fearful creatures.

of apprentices, I doubt we must part it; but yet I For Sir Robert Killigrewe's suit of enrolment suppose it may

be left valuable.

effect. I have given his majesty an account of Your office is despatched, and your books in those things wherein I have received his pleasure from your lordship by this letter which I send open.

Good, my lord, once again have care of your health; and learn what Cardanus saith, that more

men die of cold after exercise, than are slain in
the wars. God ever keep you.

Your lordship's true and much devoted servant.
Nov. 21, 1616.

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you have made so good an entrance, and have taken the right way of examining the business. And, whereas, you give your opinion of the mint, we have thought fit to remember unto you the usual form which we have ever used in matters of consequence, that when you have taken the laborious part upon you in examination of the business, we first here report of the whole proceeding, before we give our resolution thereupon. And, therefore, until we hear the report of it in particular, we cannot conclude with you. As for

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LORD PRESIDENT OF YORK, IN FAVOUR OF MR.
JOHNS, FOR THE SECRETARY'S PLACE AT YORK.*

IT MAY PLEASE YOUR GOOD LORDSHIP,

the point of the stay of commerce, we agree with A LETTER FROM MR. FRANCIS BACON TO THE you in opinion thus far, that you call three or four of the aldermen whom you shall think fittest, and assure them, in our name, that we see no likelihood or reason of raising our coin, for aught we have yet heard, but rather of the contrary; and that the raising of the value of the coin will be the last course we shall take, when we see no other means left; for which we yet see no cause, and, therefore, the stop of money is needless. As for the committee, we think it fit that they should continue to meet, until we have brought the busi

ness to such ripeness, that by the report thereof, at our return, we may perfectly understand every particular.

Given at our court at Newmarket, this 4th of December, 1618.

A LETTER TO MY LORD BUCKINGHAM.* MY VERY GOOD Lord,

Your lordship's former letter was honourable, but this your latter letter was both honourable and comfortable; for which I yield your lordship humble thanks. And for my liberty, as your lordship hath, in your letter, vouchsafed to show a great deal of tenderness concerning the same, so you will be nobly pleased to take some opportune time to move it; the rather, for that the season cometh on now fit for physic, which at this time of the year I have ever used; and my health never so much required. I ever humbly rest

Your lordship's most obliged friend
and faithful servant.

5th March, 1621.

I have been moved to recommend a person and suit to your lordship, which I assure myself, if it with you by; for both I know perfectly the honesty may take place with you, I shall not lose credit and sufficiency of the man, and that which is the next point, I am so well acquainted with his duti ful affection to your lordship, as I dare undertake faithfully at your commandment. It is conceived no servant of yours shall be more observantly and in court, that Mr. Secretary Herbert shall have conferred upon him the place of secretary there, whose good will, by that which we do already find, Mr. Edward Jones hath reason to hope well of for a deputation. There rest two points, the one her majesty's good allowance, and the other yours. The former whereof I hope he shall have good means to procure, and the second is that to move you, besides the fitness of the man hardly which I am to sue to your lordship for. Wherein to be matched in any other particular, I will undertake for his thankfulness in as good a manner as any other can be whatsoever; and all the poor credit myself have with you, which I have not been unmindful to cherish, I desire may appear in this suit rather than in any motion for myself. And so, with my humble signification of duty, I commend your lordship to God's goodness.

At your lordship's honourable commandment, FR. BACON.

TO MY VERY LOVNG FRIEND, THE MAYOR, &c.
OF CAMBRIDGE.†

WHEREAS I am given to understand that there are some differences lately risen between the now mayor and aldermen, and other the members of that corporation, touching the election of the mayor next to succeed; wherein all parties have, according to charter, appealed to me as their high

*Addit. MS. 5503, fol. 105, 1.

+ MS. Cole, Mus. Brit. vol. xx. fol. 229.

A LETTER TO MR. MATTHEW.†
MR. MATTHEW,

I hope it may stand with your business to come hither down to me on Monday or Tuesday next. My Lord Digby I understand is in town, my Lord of Doncaster not hastily expected, the king far off. I pray you, if your business be not very important, let me see you one of those days. I do hear from you by Mr. Meautys that I am still much bound to my Lord Digby. I take it, I

*MS. Lansd. Mus. Brit. vol. ccxxxviii. fol. 126.
+ Addit. MS. Mus. Brit. 5503, fol. 103.

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