PREFACE. XX111 



now devoted his energies to his own affairs, which were still 

 embarrassed, and to the business of his profession, in which 

 he was gradually but surely rising. On the 24th of October, 

 1600, he had been made Double Reader at Gray s Inn, and 

 had his lectures for the Lent term to prepare on the Statute 

 of Uses. 



Up to the 8th of February, 1600-1, it is abundantly evident 

 that Bacon had done his utmost to restore Essex to the 

 Queen s favour. His efforts were vain, but they were made, 

 and were made, moreover, not only at the risk but with the 

 result of bringing the Queen s displeasure upon himself. And 

 now came the crisis in which his worst forebodings were 

 more than realised. Essex, left to his own devices and the 

 company and counsel of men who used him as an instrument 

 for their own ends, plunged deeper and deeper in guilt. As 

 long ago as the previous August he had again sounded 

 Montjoy on the subject of an armed demonstration in con 

 junction with the King of Scotland. But Montjoy turned 

 a deaf ear. Still there were hopes from James. Meanwhile 

 the secret which had hitherto been confined to a few was 

 in danger of being divulged. The discontented spirits of all 

 parties were encouraged to rally round Essex, though without 

 knowing the full extent of the conspiracy they were intended 

 to support. Before Christmas, Essex had determined to se 

 cure his access to the Queen in such sort as might not be 

 resisted. By the end of January the plot had assumed a defin 

 ite form. He was resolved not to hazard any more com 

 mandments and restraints/ On the 3rd of February the 

 plan for attacking the Court was made and the parts assigned 

 to the conspirators. Sir Christopher Blount was to seize the 

 utter gate, Sir Charles Davers the presence, and Sir John 

 Davies the hall and water-gate. The guard being over 

 powered and the Queen s person secured, the Earl and his 

 company were to enter from the Mews, and make their own 

 terms. Cecil, Ralegh, and Cobham were to be removed. 

 They had no intention of injuring the Queen ; but, as Blount 

 confessed on the scaffold, they were prepared, rather than 



