DEDICATION. 251 



sometimes to begin with the meanest. Nevertheless, 

 thus much I may say with modesty, that these argu 

 ments which I have set forth, most of them are upon 

 subjects not vulgar ; and therewithal, in regard of the 

 commixture, which the course of my life hath made 

 of law with other studies, they may have the more 

 variety, and perhaps the more depth of reason : for the 

 reasons of municipal laws, severed from the grounds 

 of nature, manners, and policy, are like wall flowers, 

 which, though they grow high upon the crests of states, 

 yet they have no deep root : besides, in all public 

 services I ever valued my reputation more than my 

 pains ; and, therefore, in weighty causes I always 

 used extraordinary diligence ; in all which respects I 

 persuade myself the reading of them will not be un 

 profitable. This work I knew not to whom to dedi 

 cate rather than to the Society of GRAY S INN, the 

 place whence my father was called to the highest 

 place of justice, and where myself have lived and had 

 my procedure so far as, by his majesty s rare, if not 

 singular grace, to be of both his councils ; and there 

 fore few men so bound to their societies by obligation, 

 both ancestral and personal, as I am to yours, which 

 I would gladly acknowledge, not only in having 

 your name joined with mine own in a book, but in 

 any other good office and effect which the active part 

 of my life and place may enable me unto toward the 

 Society, or any of you in particular. And so I bid 

 you right heartily farewell. 



Your assured loving Friend and Fellow, 

 FRANCIS BACON. 



