

PREFACE. XXI 



proposed to proceed by public information against Essex. 

 But for this, Bacon urged, it was far too late ; at which the 

 Queen was offended. At the beginning of the next term the 

 subject was again discussed between them, Bacon as before 

 dissuading any public process. The Queen finally resolved 

 that the matter should be heard before a commission at York 

 House. Her counsel had their parts assigned to them. At 

 first it was doubtful whether Bacon, in consideration of his 

 relations with Essex, and the way in which he had consist 

 ently pleaded his cause, would be allowed any share in the 

 proceedings. He begged to be excused, but held himself 

 ready to obey the Queen s commands, thinking that by so 

 far yielding to her he might be in a better position to serve 

 Essex. Up to this time it must be remembered he knew 

 nothing of the Earl s treasonous designs, and regarded his 

 quarrel with the Queen as a storm which would soon blow 

 over. In the distribution to the counsel of their several 

 parts, Bacon was allotted one which seemed insignificant, and 

 was given him as least calculated to do harm to Essex. The 

 Privy Council with their assessors met at York House on the 

 5th of June. Essex was acquitted of disloyalty, but censured 

 for contempt and disobedience in neglecting his instructions 

 and deserting his command. Bacon, by the Queen s order, 

 drew up a narrative of what had passed, in which he touched 

 upon Essex s faults with so tender a hand, that Elizabeth was 

 moved and said, she perceived old love would not easily be 

 forgotten. Bacon with great adroitness took advantage of 

 the expression. Whereunto I answered suddenly, that I 

 hoped she meant that by herself. In a short time Essex was 

 released from the slight restraint which had been placed upon 

 him, but forbidden to come to the Court. His fate was again 

 in his own hands. 



So far it was proved that Bacon s policy was the true one, 

 and that by keeping on good terms with the Queen he could 

 better serve Essex than by placing himself in opposition to 

 her. His principles however remained the same as before. 

 For my Lord of Essex, he writes to Lord Henry Howard, 



