LETTERS FROM THE CABALA. 19 



be instantly provided for; for opportunity makes a thief : 

 and if he should mean never so well now, yet such an ad 

 vantage as the breaking of her majesty s garrisons, might 

 tempt a true man. And because he may as well waver upon 

 his own inconstancy, as upon occasion, and want of variable 

 ness is never restrained but with fear, I hold it necessary to 

 be menaced with a strong war ; not by words, but by mus 

 ters and preparations of forces here, in case the accord 

 proceed not ; but none to be sent over lest it disturb the 

 treaty, and make him look to be overrun as soon as he hath 

 laid down arms. And, but that your lordship is too easy to 

 pass, in such cases, from dissimulation to verity, I think, if 

 your lordship lent your reputation in this case, it is to pre 

 tend, that if not a defensive war, as in times past, but a full 

 re-conquest of those parts of the country be resolved on, 

 you would accept the charge, I think it would help to settle 

 him, and win you a great deal of honour gratis. And that 

 which most properly concerneth this action, if it prove a 

 peace, I think her majesty shall do well to cure the root of 

 the disease, and to profess by a commission of peaceable 

 men chiefly of respect arid countenance, the reformation of 

 abuses, extortions and injustices there, and to plant a 

 stronger and surer government than heretofore, for the ease 

 and protection of the subject ; for the removing of the sword, 

 or government in arms, from the earl of Ormond, or the 

 sending of a deputy, which will eclipse it, if peace follow, I 

 think unseasonable. Lastly, I hold still my opinion, both 

 for your better information, and your fuller declaration of 

 your care, and evermore meriting service, that your lordship 

 have a set conference with the persons I named in my for 

 mer writing. 1 rest, 



At your Lordship s service, 



FR. BACON, 



