LETTERS FROM THE BACONIAN A. 195 



and second table, and yet all against God. So with the 

 servants of kings, there are offences more immediate against 

 the sovereign: although all offences against law are also 

 against the king. Unto which comfort there is added this 

 circumstance, that as my faults were not against your 

 majesty, otherwise than as all faults are ; so my fall was not 

 your majesty s act, otherwise than as all acts of justice are 

 yours. This I write not to insinuate with your majesty, but 

 as a most humble appeal to your majesty s gracious remem 

 brance, how honest and direct you have ever found me in 

 your service; whereby I have an assured belief, that there 

 is in your majesty s own princely thoughts, a great deal of 

 serenity and clearness to me your majesty s now prostrate 

 and cast-down servant. 



Neither, my most gracious sovereign, do I by this 

 mention of my services, lay claim to your princely grace 

 and bounty, though the privilege of calamity doth bear that 

 form of petition. I know well, had they been much more, 

 they had been butmybounden duty. Nay, I must also con 

 fess, that they were from time to time, far above my merit, 

 over and super-rewarded by your majesty s benefits which 

 you heaped upon me. Your majesty was and is that 

 master to me, that raised and advanced me nine times ; 

 thrice in dignity, and six times in office. The places indeed 

 were the painfullest of all your services ; but then they had 

 both honour and profits : and the then profits might have 

 maintained my now honour, if I had been wise. Neither was 

 your majesty s immediate liberality wanting towards me in 

 some gifts, if I may hold them. All this I do most thank 

 fully acknowledge, and do herewith conclude, that for any 

 thing arising from myself to move your eye of pity towards 

 me, there is much more in my present misery, than in my 

 past services ; save that the same your majesty s goodness, 

 that may give relief to the one, may give value to the 

 other. 



And indeed, if it may please your majesty, this theme of 



