LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 265 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



I do not love to interlope by writing in the midst of 

 business; but because his majesty commanded me to 

 acquaint him with any occurrence which might cross the 

 way, I have thought fit to let his majesty know what 

 hath passed this day. 



This day (which was the day set down) the great cause 

 of the Dutchmen was entered into. The pleading being 

 opened, and the case stated by the counsel, the counsel of 

 the defendants made a motion to have certain examinations 

 taken concerning the old defendants suppressed, because 

 they were taken since the last hearing. 



I set the business in a good way, and shewed they were 

 but supplemental, and that at the last hearing there were 

 some things extrajudicial alleged ad infimandum conscien- 

 tiam judicis, and therefore there was more reason these 

 should be used ad informandum conscientiam judicis, and 

 that there was order for it. The order was read, and 

 approved both by the court and the defendant s own 

 counsel; but it was alleged, that the order was not 

 entered time enough, whereby the defendants might like 

 wise examine, wherein certainly there was some slip or 

 forgetfulness in Mr. Attorney or Britten that followed it, 

 which I wish had been otherwise, yet it went fair out of 

 the court. 



But after dinner my lords were troubled with it, and 

 after much dispute, we have agreed to confer silently, and 

 sine strepitu to-morrow and set all straight, calling the 

 judges and the learned counsel, with whom I have spoken 

 this evening I think to good purpose. For in good faith 

 I am fain to be omnibus omnia as St. Paul saith, to set 

 forward his majesty s service. 



I discern a kind of inclination to take hold of all acci 

 dents to put off the cause, whereunto neither I shall give 

 way, nor I hope his majesty ; to-morrow if cause be I shall 

 write more, but I hope all shall be well. I ever rest 

 Your Lordship s most obliged 

 Friday night, Friend and faithful Servant, 



19th November, l 619. FR. VERULAM, Cane. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



I have conferred with Sir Lyonel Cranfield, according 

 to his majesty s special commandment, touching two points 

 of value, for the advancement (the one present, the other 

 speedy) of his majesty s revenue. 



