PREFACE. — Xxili 
now devoted his energies to his own affairs, which were still 
embarrassed, and to the business of his profession, in which 
he was gradually but surely rising. On the 24th of October, 
1600, he had been made Double Reader at Gray’s Inn, and 
had his lectures for the Lent term to prepare on the Statute 
of Uses. 
Up to the 8th of February, 1600-1, it is abundantly evident 
that Bacon had done his utmost to restore Essex to the 
Queen’s favour. His efforts were vain, but they were made, 
and were made, moreover, not only at the risk but with the 
result of bringing the Queen’s displeasure upon himself. And 
now came the crisis in which his worst forebodings were 
more than realised. Essex, left to his own deyices and the 
company and counsel of men who used him as an instrument 
for their own ends, plunged deeper and deeper in guilt. As 
long ago as the previous August he had again sounded 
Montjoy on the subject of an armed demonstration in con- 
junction with the King of Scotland, But Montjoy turned 
adeaf ear. Still there were hopes from James. Meanwhile 
the secret which had hitherto been confined to a few was 
in danger of being divulged. The discontented spirits of all 
parties were encouraged to rally round Essex, though without 
knowing the full extent of the conspiracy they were intended 
to support. Before Christmas, Essex had determined to se- 
cure his access to the Queen in such sort as might not be 
resisted. Bythe end of January the plot had assumed a defin- 
ite form. He was ‘resolved not to hazard any more com- 
mandments and restraints.’ On the 3rd of February the 
plan for attacking the Court was made and the parts assigned 
to the conspirators. Sir Christopher Blount was to seize the 
utter gate, Sir Charles Davers the presence, and Sir John 
Davies the hall and water-gate. The guard being over- 
powered and the Queen’s person secured, the Earl and his 
company were to enter from the Mews, and make their own 
terms. Cecil, Ralegh, and Cobham were to be removed. 
They had no intention of injuring the Queen; but, as Blount 
confessed on the scaffold, they were prepared, rather than 
