LETTERS FROM THE BACONIANA. 191 



The Answer of the Lord Bacon,, then Attorney 

 General, to the University of Cambridge, when he 

 was sworn of the Privy Council to the King. 



Your letters were very acceptable to me; and I give 

 myself joy, upon your congratulation. The thing itself will 

 (I suppose) conduce to my honour and satisfaction, if I 

 remain in the mind I now am in ; by unwearied study, and 

 perpetual watchfulness, and pure affection, to promote the 

 public good. Now among the parts of the commonwealth, 

 there are none dearer to me than the universities and 

 learning. And this, my manner of life hitherto, and my 

 writings do both declare. If therefore any good fortune 

 befalls me, you may look upon it as an accession to your 

 selves. Neither are you to believe, that my patronage 

 is either quite removed from you, or so much as diminished. 

 For that part of an advocate which concerneth the giving 

 of counsel in causes remaineth entire. Also (if any thing 

 more weighty and urgent falleth out) the very office of 

 pleading (the king s leave being obtained) is still allowed 

 me. And whatsoever shall be found wanting in my juri 

 dical patronage will be compensated by my more ample 

 authority. My wishes are, that as I am translated from the 

 business of private men and particular clients, to the go 

 vernment of the commonwealth ; so the latter part of my 

 age (if my life be continued to me) may, from the public 

 cares, be translated to leisure and study. 



Also this thought comes often into my mind, amidst so 

 many businesses and of such moment, every year to lay 

 aside some days to think on you : that so having the 

 greater insight into your matters I may the better consult 

 your advantage. 



Your most faithful and kind friend, 

 July the 5th, 1616. FR. BACON. 



