LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 277 



the trouble of the gentleman with whom I am. I have a 

 hundred pounds lying by me, which he may have, and the 

 rest upon some reasonable time and security, or if need be, 

 the whole ; but with my more trouble. As for the contempt 

 he hath offered, in regard her majesty s service to my un 

 derstanding, carrieth a privilege eundo et redeundo in meaner 

 causes, much more in matters of this nature, especially in 

 persons known to be qualified with that place and employ 

 ment, which, though unworthy, I am vouchsafed, I inforce 

 nothing, thinking I have done my part when I have made 

 it known, and so leave it to your lordship s honourable 

 consideration. And so with signification of my humble 

 duty, 8cc. 



To Sir Robert Cecil, Secretary of State.* 

 It may please your Honour, 



I humbly pray you to understand how badly I have been 

 used by the inclosed, being a copy of a letter of complaint 

 thereof, which I have written to the lord keeper. How 

 sensitive you are of wrongs offered to your blood in my 

 particular I have had not long since experience. But 

 herein I think your honour will be doubly sensitive, in ten 

 derness also of the indignity to her majesty s service; for 

 as for me, Mr. Sympson might have had me every day in 

 London ; and therefore to belay me while he knew I came 

 from the Tower about her majesty s special service was to 

 my understanding very bold. And two days before he 

 brags he forbore me, because I dined with Sheriff More: 

 so as with Mr. Sympson, examinations at the Tower are 

 not so great a privilege, eundo et redeundo, as sheriff More s 

 dinner. But this complaint I make in duty ; and to that 

 end have also informed my lord of Essex thereof; for other 

 wise his punishment will do me no good. 



So with signification of my humble duty, I commend 

 your honour to the divine preservation. 

 From Coleman Street, this At y our honourable command 

 24th of September, 1598. particularly, FR. BACON. 



To Mr. Secretary Cecil. f 

 It may please your Honour, 



Because we live m an age, where every man s imperfec 

 tions are but another s fable ; and that there fell out an 

 accident in the Exchequer, which I know not how, nor 

 how soon may be traduced, though I dare trust rumour in 

 it, except it be malicious, or extreme partial ; I am bold 



* From the Hatfield Collection. t From the Hatfield Collection. 



