LETTERS FROM THE CABALA. 71 



sought in building of galleries, and planting of elms along 

 highways, and the outward ornaments wherein France now 

 is busy, (things rather of magnificence than of magnanimity), 

 as there is in the uniting of states, pacifying of controversies, 

 nourishing and augmenting of learning and arts, and the 

 particular action appertaining unto these; of which kind 

 Cicero judged truly, when he said to Caesar, &quot; Quantum 

 operibus tuis detrahet vetustas, tantum addet laudibus.&quot; 

 And lastly, I called to mind, that your lordship, at some 

 times, hath been pleased to express unto me a great desire, 

 that something of this matter should be done, answerable 

 indeed to your other noble and worthy courses and actions v 

 joining, and adding unto the great services towards his 

 majesty (which have in small compass of time been per 

 formed by your lordship) other great deservings, both of the 

 church, and common-wealth, and particulars ; so as the 

 opinion of so great and wise a man doth seem to me a good 

 warrant, both of the possibility, and worth of the matter. 

 But all this while, I assure myself, I cannot be mistaken by 

 your lordship, as if I sought an office or employment for 

 myself; for no man knows better than your lordship, that if 

 there were in me any faculty thereunto, yet neither m y 

 course of life, nor profession would permit it. But because 

 there be so many good painters, both for hand and colours, 

 it needeth but encouragement and instructions to give life 

 unto it. So in all humbleness, I conclude my presenting 

 unto your lordship this wish, which if it perish, it is but a 

 loss of that which is not. And so craving pardon that I have 

 taken so much time from your lordship, I remain, etc. 



Sir Francis Bacon to the King, about the Pardon of 

 the Parliament s Sentence. 



Most gracious and dread Sovereign, 

 Before I make my petition to your majesty I make my 

 prayers to God above, &quot; pectore ab imo,&quot; that if I have 



