36 LETTERS FROM THE CABALA. 



rumour get way of true relation ; for I know fame hath 

 swift wings, especially that which hath black feathers ; but 

 within these two days (for sooner I cannot be ready) I will 

 write to his majesty both the narrative truly, and my opi 

 nion sincerely, taking much comfort, that I serve such a 

 king, as hath God s property, in discerning truly of men s 

 hearts. I purpose to speak with my lord chancellor this day, 

 and so to exhibit that cordial of his majesty s grace, as I 

 hope this other accident will rather rouse and raise his spirits, 

 than deject him, or incline him to a relapse ; mean while, I 

 commend the wit of a mean man that said this other day, well 

 (saith he) next term you shall have an old man come with a 

 besom of worm-wood in his hand, that will sweep away all 

 this. For it is my lord chancellor s fashion, especially to 

 wards the summer, to carry a posy of worm-wood. 1 write 

 this letter in haste, to return the messenger with it. God 

 keep you, and long and happily may you serve his majesty. 



Your true and affectionate servant. 

 Feb. 10, 1615. 



POSTSCRIPT. 



Sir, I humbly thank you for your inward letter : I have 

 burned it as you commanded, but the flame it hath kindled 

 in me will never be extinguished. 



Sir Francis Bacon to the King, concerning the 

 Praemunire in the King s-bench against the 

 Chancery. 



It may please your Most Excellent Majesty. 

 I was yesterday in the afternoon, with my lord chan 

 cellor, according to your commandment, which I received 

 by the Mr. of the Horse, and find the old man well com 

 forted, both towards r ^od and towards the world. And 

 that same middle comfort, which is a divine and humane, 

 proceeding from your majesty, being God s lieutenant on 



