264 LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 



evidence by way of aggravation in the main cause. And it 

 is true, that if this precursory matter goeth well, it giveth 

 great entrance into the main cause ; if ill, contrariwise, it 

 will do hurt and disadvantage to the main. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



These things which I write now and heretofore in this 

 cause, I do not write so as any can take knowledge that I 

 write, but I dispatch things ex officio here, and yet think 

 it fit inwardly to advertise the king what doth occur. And 

 I do assure your lordship, that if I did serve any king 

 whom I did not think far away wiser than myself, I would 

 not write in the midst of business, but go on of myself. 



This morning, notwithstanding my speech yesterday with 

 the duke, he delivered this letter inclosed, and I having 

 cleared the room of all save the court and learned counsel 

 (whom I required to stay) the letter was read a little before 

 our hour of sitting. When it was read, Mr. Attorney 

 began to move that my lord should not acknowledge his 

 offences as he conceived he had committed them, but as 

 they were charged ; and some of the lords speaking to that 

 point, I thought fit to interrupt and divert that kind of 

 question ; and said, before we considered of the extent of 

 my lord s submission we were first to consider of the extent 

 of our own duty and power ; for that I conceived it was 

 neither fit for us to stay proceeding, nor to move his majesty 

 in that which was before us in course of justice ; unto which 

 (being once propounded by me) all the lords and the rest 

 una voce assented. I would not so much as ask the ques 

 tion whether, though we proceeded, I should send the letter 

 to his majesty, because I would not straiten his majesty 

 in any thing. 



The evidence went well (I will not say I sometimes helped 

 it as far as was fit for a judge), and at the arising of the 

 court I moved their lords openly, whether they would not 

 continue this cause from day to day till it were ended; 

 which they thought not fit in regard of the general justice, 

 which would be delayed in all courts: yet afterwards 

 within I prevailed so far, as we have appointed to sit 

 Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and to sit by eight of 

 the clock, and so to dispatch it before the king come, if we 

 can. God preserve and prosper you. I ever rest 



Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 

 This 22d of October, i faithful Servant 



Friday, at 4 of the ancl itniui servant, 



clock, 1619. FR. VERULAM, Cane. 



