PREFACE. “xxi 
proposed to proceed by public information against Essex. 
But for this, Bacon urged, it was far too late; at which the 
Queen was offended. At the beginning of the next term the 
subject was again discussed between them, Bacon as before 
dissuading any public process. The Queen finally resolved 
that the matter should be heard before a commission at York 
House. Her counsel had their parts assigned to them. At 
first it was doubtful whether Bacon, in consideration of his 
relations with Essex, and the way in which he had consist- 
ently pleaded his cause, would be allowed any share in the 
proceedings. He begged to be excused, but held himself 
ready to obey the Queen’s commands, thinking that by so 
far yielding to her he might be in a better position to serve 
Essex. Up to this time it must be remembered he knew 
nothing of the Earl’s treasonous designs, and regarded his 
quarrel with the Queen as a storm which would soon blow 
over. In the distribution to the counsel of their several 
parts, Bacon was allotted one which seemed insignificant, and 
was given him as least calculated to do harm to Essex. The 
Privy Council with their assessors met at York House on the 
5th of June. Essex was acquitted of disloyalty, but censured 
for contempt and disobedience in neglecting his instructions 
and deserting his command. Bacon, by the Queen’s order, 
drew up a narrative of what had passed, in which he touched 
upon Essex’s faults with so tender a hand, that Elizabeth was 
moved and said, ‘she perceived old love would not easily be 
forgotten.’ Bacon with great adroitness took advantage of 
the expression. ‘Whereunto I answered suddenly, that I 
hoped she meant that by herself.’ In a short time Essex was 
released from the slight restraint which had been placed upon 
him, but forbidden to come to the Court. His fate was again 
_in his own hands, 
So far it was proved that Bacon’s policy was the true one, 
and that by keeping on good terms with the Queen he could 
better serve Essex than by placing himself in opposition to 
her. His principles however remained the same as before. 
‘For my Lord of Essex,’ he writes to Lord Henry Howard, 
