LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 253 



I hold my opinion given in my former letter, that the 

 uniting of some tables is the most passable way ; but that 

 is not all, for when that is done, the king may save greatly 

 in that which remaineth. For if it be set down what 

 tables shall be fixed, and what diet allowed to them, my 

 steward (as ill a mesnager as I am), or my Lord Mayor s 

 steward, can go near to tell what charge will go near to 

 maintain the proportion ; then add to that some large 

 allowance for waste (because the king shall not leese his 

 prerogative to be deceived more than other men), and yet 

 no question there will be a great retrenchment. But against 

 this last abatement will be fronted the payment of arrears. 

 But I confess, I would be glad that I might see, or rather, 

 that a parliament may see, and chiefly that the king (for 

 his own quiet) may see, that upon such a sum paid such 

 an annual retrenchment will follow : for things will never 

 be done in act, except they be first done in conceit. 



I know these things do not pertain to me ; for my part 

 is to acquit the king s office towards God, by administra 

 tion of justice, and to oblige the hearts of his people to him 

 by the same, and to maintain his prerogative. But yet 

 because it is in hoc, that the king s case laboureth, I cannot 

 but yield my care and my strength too in counsel, such as 

 it is, which cannot be so much as it was between our Lady- 

 day, and Michaelmas last. But whatsoever it is, it is wholly 

 his majesty s without any deflexion. 



As soon as I find any possibility of health in Sir Lyonel 

 Cranfield to execute a sub-commission, I will by confer 

 ence with him frame a draught of a letter from his majesty, 

 for which there is the fairest occasion in the world ; and 

 the king hath prepared it as well as possible. God ever 

 preserve and prosper you. 



Your Lordship s true Friend 



York House, and devoted Servant, 



Nov. 22, 1617. FR. BACON, C. S. 



To the Earl of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



I send your lordship a draught of a letter touching the 

 subcommission,* written in wide lines, because it may be 



* Draught of the Subcommission. 



My Lords, 



In this first and greatest branch of our charge concerning our house we do 

 find what difficulties are made, and what time is lost, in disputing and of devis 

 ing upon the manner of doing it; whereof the matter must be, and is so fully 



