24 LETTERS FROM THE CABALA. 



Sir Francis Bacon, to the Earl of Essex after his 



enlargement. 

 My Lord, 



No man can expound my doings better than your lord 

 ship, which makes me need to say the less ; only I humbly 

 pray you to believe that I aspire to the conscience and 

 commendation of &quot; bonus civis&quot; and &quot; bonus vir;&quot; and that 

 though I love some things better, I confess, than I love 

 your lordship ; yet I love few persons better, both for 

 gratitude s sake, and for virtues, which cannot hurt, but by 

 accident. Of which my good affection it may please your 

 lordship to assure yourself, of all the true effects and offices 

 that I can yield : for as I was ever sorry your lordship 

 should fly with waxen wings, doubting Icarus s fortune ; 

 so for the growing up of your own feathers, be they os 

 triches or other kind, no man shall be more glad; and this 

 is the axle-tree, whereupon I have turned, and shall turn. 

 Which having already signified unto you by some near 

 means, having so fit a messenger for mine own letter, I 

 thought good to redouble also by writing. And so I com 

 mend you to God s protection. From Gray s Inn, etc. 



FR. BACON. 

 July 19, 1COO. 



Sir Francis Bacon in recommendation of his service 

 to the Earl of Northumberland, a few days before 

 Queen Elizabeth s death. 



May it please your good Lordship, 

 As the time of sowing of seed is known, but the time of 

 coming up and disclosing is casual, or according to the 

 season ; so i am a witness to myself, that there hath been 

 covered in my mind a long time a seed of affection and 

 zeal towards your lordship, sown by the estimation of your 



