20 LETTERS FROM STEPHENS. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



We sentence to-morrow, but I write to-day, because I 

 would not leave the King in suspense. 



I shall write not so good news as I would, but better 

 than I expected. 



We met amongst ourselves to-day, which I find was 

 necessary more than convenient. I gave aim that the 

 meeting was not to give a privie verdict, or to determine 

 what was a good proof or not a good proof, nor who was 

 guilty or not guilty, but only to think of some fit proportion 

 of the fines, that there might be less distraction in the 

 sentence, in a cause so scattered ; some would have entered 

 into the matter itself, but I made it good and kept them 

 from it. 



I perceive the old defendants will be censured as well 

 as the new (which was the goal), and I am persuaded the 

 King will have a great deal of honour of the cause. Their 

 fines will be moderate, but far from contemptible. The 

 attorney did very well to-day; I perceive he is a better 

 pleader than a director, and more eloquent than considerate. 



Little thinks the King what ado I have here, but I am 

 sure I acquit my trust. To-morrow I will write particu 

 larly. God ever preserve you. 



Your Lordship s most obliged Friend 



Tuesday Afternoon, and faithful Servant, 



this 7th December, 1619. FR. VERULAM, Cane. 



To the Lord Chancellor. 

 My Lord, 



His majesty having seen in this great business your 

 exceeding care and diligence in his service by the effect 

 which hath followed thereupon, hath commanded me to 

 give you many thanks in his name, and to tell you that 

 he seeth you play the part of all in all, &c. 



Newmarket, Yours, &C, 



the 10th December, 1619. G. BUCKINGHAM. 



Endorsed In the Dutch Cause. 



To the Marquis of Buckingham. 

 My very good Lord, 



To keep form, I have written immediately to his majesty 

 of Justice Croke s death, and send your lordship the letter 

 open, wishing time were not lost. God preserve and pros 

 per you. 



Your Lordship s ever, 



January 24th, 1619. FR. VERULAM, Cane. 



