292 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



Farther, I think fit to let your majesty know that, in my 

 opinion, I hold it a fit time to proceed in the business of 

 the rege inconsulto, which is appointed for Monday. I did 

 think these greater causes would have come to period or 

 pause sooner : but now they are in the height, and to have 

 so great a matter as this of the rege inconsulto handled, 

 when men do aliud agere, I think it no proper time. Besides, 

 your majesty in your great wisdom knoweth, that this busi 

 ness of Mr. Murray s is somewhat against the stream of 

 the judges inclination : and it is no part of a skilful mariner 

 to sail on against a tide when the tide is at strongest. If 

 your majesty be pleased to write to my Lord Coke that you 

 would have the business of the rege inconsulto receive a 

 hearing when he should be ammo sedato et liberOj and not in 

 the midst of his assiduous and incessant cares and indus 

 tries in other practices, I think your majesty shall do your 

 service right. Howsoever, I will be provided against the 

 day. 



Thus praying God for your happy preservation, whereof 

 God giveth you so many great pledges, 



I rest your Majesty s most humble and 



devoted Subject and Servant, 



November 17, 1615. p R&amp;lt; BACON. 



To Sir George Villiers, 

 Sir, 



The message which I received from you by Mr. Shute 

 hath bred in me such belief and confidence as I will now 

 wholly rely upon your excellent and happy self. When 

 persons of greatness and quality begin speech with me of 

 the matter, and offer me their good offices, I can but answer 

 them civilly. But those things are but toys : I am yours 

 surer to you than to mine own life; for, as they speak of 

 the turquois stone in a ring, I will break into twenty pieces 

 before you have the least fall. God keep you ever, 



February 15, 1615. Y Ur trU6St Servant 



FR. BACON. 



My Lord Chancellor is prettily amended. I was with 

 him yesterday almost half an hour. He used me with 

 wonderful tokens of kindness. We both wept, which I do 

 not often. 



Indorsed A letter to Sir George Villiers, touching a mes 

 sage brought to him by Mr. Shute of a promise 

 of the Chancellor s place. 



