LETTERS FROM BIRCH. 455 



It is open to every man s discourse, that there are but 

 two ways for the restitution of the palatinate, treaty and 

 arms. It is good therefore to consider of the middle acts, 

 which may make either of these ways desperate, to the end 

 they may be avoided in that way which shall be chosen. 

 If no match, either this with Spain, or perhaps some other 

 with Austria, no restitution by treaty. If the Dutch, either 

 be ruined, or grow to a peace of themselves with Spain, no 

 restitution by war. 



But these things your grace understandeth far better 

 than myself. And, as I said before, the points of state I 

 aim not at farther, than they may concern your grace, to 

 whom, while I live, and shall find it acceptable to you, I 

 shall ever be ready to give the tribute of a true friend and 

 servant, and shall always think my counsels given you 

 happy, if you shall pardon them when they are free; and 

 follow them when they are good. 



God preserve and prosper you. 



To the Duke of Buckingham.* 

 Excellent Lord, 



There is a suit, whereunto I may, as it were, claim kin 

 dred, and which may be of credit and profit unto me ; and 

 it is an old arrear which is called upon, from Sir Nicolas 

 Bacon, my eldest brother. It may be worth to me perhaps 

 two thousand pounds ; and yet I may deal kindly with my 

 brother, and also reward liberally (as I mean to do) the 

 officers of the Exchequer, which have brought it to light. 

 Good my lord obtain it of the king, and be earnest in it for 

 me. It will acquit the king somewhat of his promise, that 

 he would have care of my wants ; for hitherto, since my 

 misfortunes, I have tasted of his majesty s mercy, but not 

 of his bounty. But your lordship may be pleased in this, 

 to clear the coast with my Lord Treasurer; else there it 

 will have a stop. I am almost at last cast for means ; 

 and yet it grieveth me most, that at such a time as this, 

 I should not be rather serviceable to your grace, than 

 troublesome. 



God preserve and prosper your grace. 



Your Grace s most obliged 



and faithful Servant, 



This 23d of January, 1623. Ffl. ST. ALBAN. 



* The duke s answer to this letter, dated at Newmarket, the 28th of January, 

 1623, is printed in Lord Bacon s works. 



