THE 
SECOND BOOK OF FRANCIS BACON; 
OF THE PROFICIENCE OR 
ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING, 
DIVINE AND HUMAN. 
To the King. 
t. Te might seem to have more convenience, though it 
come often otherwise to pass (excellent king), that 
those which are fruitful in their generations, and have in 
themselves the foresight of immortality in their descend- 
ants, should likewise be more careful of the good estate 
of future times, unto which they know they must transmit 
and commend over their dearest pledges. Queen Eliza- 
beth was a sojourner in the world in respect of her un- 
married life, and was a blessing to her own times; and 
yet so as the impression of her good government, besides 
her happy memory, is not without some effect which doth 
- survive her. But to your Majesty, whom God hath already 
blessed with so much royal issue, worthy to continue and 
represent you for ever, and whose youthful and fruitful 
bed doth yet promise many the like renovations, it is 
proper and agreeable to be conversant not only in the 
transitory parts of good government, but in those acts 
also which are in their nature permanent and perpetual. 
Amongst the which (if affection do not transport me) there 
