76 MISCELLANEOUS LETTERS. 



with the approbation and mediation of her greatest coun 

 sellors, might prevail in a greater matter than this; and 

 urged her, that though she could not signify her mind to 

 others, I might have a secret promise, wherein I should re 

 ceive great comfort, as in the contrary great unkindness. 

 She said she was neither persuaded nor would hear of it till 

 Easter, when she might advise with her council, who were 

 now all absent ; and, therefore, in passion bid me go to bed, 

 if I would talk of nothing else. Wherefore in passion I 

 went away, saying, while I was with her, I could not but 

 solicit for the cause and the man I so much affected ; and 

 therefore I would retire myself till I might be more gra 

 ciously heard; and so we parted. To-morrow I will go 

 hence of purpose, and on Thursday I will write an expos 

 tulating letter to her. That night or upon Friday morning 

 I will be here again, and follow on the same course, stirring 

 a discontentment in her, &c. And so wish you all happi 

 ness, and rest 



Your most assured Friend, 



T-T c c ~p &quot;v&quot; 



Indorsed March 28, 1594. 



The Earl of Essex to Mr. Francis Bacon.* 



Sir, 



I have now spoken with the Queen, and I see no stay 

 from obtaining a full resolution of that we desire. But the 

 passion she is in by reason of the tales that have been told 

 her against Nicholas Clifford, with whom she is in such 

 rage, for a matter, which I think you have heard of, doth 

 put her infinitely out of quiet; and her passionate humour 

 is nourished by some foolish women. Else I find nothing 

 to distaste us, for she doth not contradict confidently ; 

 which they, that know the minds of women, say is a sign 

 of yielding. I will to-morrow take more time to deal with 

 her, and will sweeten her with all the art I have to make 

 benevolum auditorem. I have already spoken with Mr. 

 Vice-Chamberlain,-]- and will to-morrow speak with the 

 rest. Of Mr. Vice-Chamberlain you may assure yourself; 

 for so much he hath faithfully promised me. The excep 

 tions against the competitors I will use to-morrow ; for then 

 I do resolve to have a full and large discourse, having pre- 



* Among the papers of Antony Bacon, Esq. vol. iv. fol. 89, in the Lam 

 beth Library. 



t Sir Thomas Heneagc. 



