LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 297 



nevertheless, I will be careful no ways to prevent or dis 

 cover the evidence of the next day. 



In this my Lord Chancellor and I have likewise used a 

 point of providence : for I did forecast, that if in that nar 

 rative, by the connection of things, any thing should be 

 spoken that should shew him guilty, she might break forth 

 into passionate protestations for his clearing ; which, though 

 it may be justly made light of, yet it is better avoided. 

 Therefore my Lord Chancellor and I have devised, that 

 upon the entrance into that declaration she shall, in respect 

 of her weakness, and not to add further affliction, be with 

 drawn. 



It is impossible, neither is it needful, for me to express 

 all the particulars of my care in this business. But I 

 divide myself into all cogitations as far as I can foresee, 

 being very glad to find, that his majesty doth not only 

 accept well of my care and advices, but that he applieth 

 his directions so fitly, as guideth me from time to time. 



I have received the commissions signed. 



I am not forgetful of the goods and estate of Somerset, 

 as far as is seasonable to inquire at this time. My Lord 

 Coke taketh upon him to answer for the jewels, being the 

 chief part of his moveable value : and this, I think, is done 

 with his majesty s privity. But my Lord Coke is a good 

 man to answer for it. God ever preserve and prosper you. 

 I rest , 



May 10, Friday, at 7 of the Your true and devoted Servant, 



clock in the morning, 1616. FR. BACON, C, S. 



Mr. Tobie Matthew to Sir Francis Bacon, Attorney- 

 General. 



May it please your Honour, 



Such as know your honour may congratulate with you 

 the favour which you have lately received from his ma- 

 j esty, of being made a counsellor of state : * but as for me, 

 I must have leave to congratulate with the council-table, 

 in being so happy as to have you for an assessor. I hope 

 these are but beginnings, and that the marriage, which 

 now I perceive that fortune is about to make with virtue, 

 will be consummate in your person. I cannot dissemble, 

 though I am ashamed to mention, the excessive honour 

 which you have vouchsafed to do unto my picture. But 



* Sir Francis Bacon was sworn at Greenwich of the privy-council, June 9, 

 1616. 



