40 LETTERS FROM THE CABALA. 



wisest parts that ever he played, when he went down to your 

 majesty to Royston, and desired to have my lord chancellor 

 joined with him. So this was one of the weakest parts 

 that ever he played, to make all the world perceive that my 

 lord chancellor is severed from him at this time. 



But for that which may concern your service, which is 

 my end (leaving other men to their own ways.) First, my 

 opinion is plainly, that my lord Coke, at this time, is not to 

 be disgraced, both because he is so well habituate for that 

 which remaineth of these capital causes, and also tor that 

 which I find is in his breast touching your finances, and 

 matter of repair of your estate. And (if I might speak it) 

 as I think it were good his hopes were at an end in some 

 kind, so I could wish they were raised in some other. On 

 the other side, this great and public affront, not only to the 

 reverend and well deserving person of your chancellor (and 

 at a time when he was thought to lie a dying, which was 

 barbarous^ but to your high court of chancery (which is the 

 court of your absolute power) may not (in my opinion) pass 

 lightly, nor end only in some formal atonement; but use 

 is to be made thereof, for the settling of your authority, and 

 strengthening of your prerogative, according to the rules of 

 monarchy. Now to accomodate and reconcile these advices., 

 which seem almost opposite. 



First, your majesty may not see it (though I confess it 

 be suspicious) that my lord Coke was any way aforehand 

 privy to that which was done, or that he did set it, or ani 

 mate it, but only took the matter as it came before him, and 

 that his error was only that at such a time he did not divert 

 it in some good manner. 



Secondly, if it be true (as is reported) that any of the 

 puisne judges did stir this business, or that they did openly 

 revile and menace the jury for doing their conscience (as 

 they did honestly and truly) I think that judge is worthy to 

 lose his place. And to be plain with your majesty, I do 



