476 LETTERS FROM THE BRITISH MUSEUM, 



attended, and which hath been bettered only by yourself 

 (the queen except), and not by any other in matter of 

 importance. This last request I find it more necessary for 

 me to make, because (though I am glad of her majesty s 

 favour, that I may with more ease practise the law, which 

 percase I may use now and then for my countenance,) yet 

 to speak plainly, though perhaps vainly, I do not think 

 that the ordinary practice of the law, not serving the queen 

 in place, will be admitted for a good account of the poor 

 talent that God hath given me, so as I make reckoning, I 

 shall reap no great benefit to myself in that course. Thus 

 again desiring the continuance of your lordship s goodness 

 as I have hitherto found, and on my part sought also to 

 deserve, I commend your good lordship to God s good 

 preservation. 



From Grey s Inn, Your Lord ship s most humbly bounden, 



this 21st of March, 1594. FR. BACON. 



To Mr. Henry Maynard, and Mr. Michael Hickes.* 



Mr. Maynard and Mr. Hickes, I build somewhat upon 

 the conceit I have of your good wills, which maketh me 

 direct my request to you in so pressing an occasion as is 

 fallen unto me, by the strange slipping, and uncertain over- 

 cunning dealing of a man in the city, who having concluded 

 a bargain with me for certain marsh lands, now in mortgage 

 for a thousand pounds, and standing to be redeemed the 

 24th of this present, which is but twelve days hence, and 

 being to give me sixteen hundred and odd pounds for the 

 sale, doth now upon a point, as clear as any case in Little 

 ton, and wherein Mr. Attorney General, Mr. Brograve, Mr. 

 Heskett, Mr. Gerard, Mr. Altham, and all that I can speak 

 with make no manner of doubt, quarrel upon the assur 

 ance, and so in this time of difficulty for money pensions, 

 and in so instant a quantity of time as twelve days, plunge 

 me to seek my redemption money, or to forfeit my land to 

 seven hundred pounds less and more. This maketh me de 

 sire the help of two so good friends as I esteem yourselves 

 to be, the rather because the collateral pawn which I would 

 offer, which is the assurance of my lease of Twickenham, 

 being a thing which will pass with easy and short assurance, 

 and is every way clear and unsubject to incumbrance (be 

 cause it is my pleasure and my dwelling), I would not offer 

 but to a private friend ; upon which assurance my desire is, 



* Lansd. MS. Ixxx. art. 71. Grig. 



