396 LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 



as by position and principle, doth disclaim to be tried by 

 any thing but by experience, and the results of experience 

 in a true way, yet the sharpness and profoundness of your 

 majesty s judgment ought to be an exception to this general 

 rule ; and your questions, observations, and admonishments, 

 may do infinite good. 



This comfortable beginning makes me hope farther that 

 your majesty will be aiding to me in setting men on work 

 for the collecting of a natural and experimental history, 

 which is basis totius negotii, a thing which I assure myself 

 will be from time to time an excellent recreation unto you ; 

 I say to that admirable spirit of yours that delighteth in 

 light : and I hope well, that, even in your times, many 

 noble inventions may be discovered for man s use. For 

 who can tell, now this mine of truth is opened, how the 

 veins go; and what lieth higher, and what lieth lower? 

 But let me trouble your majesty no farther at this time. 

 God ever preserve and prosper your majesty. 



[Oct. 19, 1620.] 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



I send now only to give his majesty thanks for the sin 

 gular comfort which I received by his majesty s letter of 

 his own hand, touching my book. And I must also give 

 your lordship of my best thanks for your letter so kindly 

 and affectionately written. 



I did even now receive your lordship s letter touching 

 the proclamation, and do approve his majesty s judgment 

 and foresight about mine own. Neither would I have 

 thought of inserting matter of state for the vulgar, but 

 that now a days there is no vulgar, but all statesmen. 

 But, as his majesty doth excellently consider, the time of 

 it is not yet proper. I ever rest 



Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 



and faithful Servant, 



October 19, 1620. FR. VERI3LAM, Cane. 



Indorsed In answer to his Majesty s directions touching 

 the proclamation for a parliament. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



It may be your lordship will expect to hear from me 

 what passed yesterday in the Star-chamber, touching Yel- 

 verton s cause, though we desired Secretary Calvert to 

 acquaint his majesty therewith. 



