THE 



SECOND BOOK OF FRANCIS BACON; 



OF THE PROFICIENCE OR 



ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING, 



DIVINE AND HUMAN. 



To the King. 



i. TT might seem to have more convenience, though it 

 come often otherwise to pass (excellent king), that 

 those which are fruitful in their generations, and have in 

 themselves the foresight of immortality in their descend 

 ants, should likewise be more careful of the good estate 

 of future times, unto which they know they must transmit 

 and commend over their dearest pledges. Queen Eliza 

 beth was a sojourner in the world in respect of her un 

 married life, and was a blessing to her own times; and 

 yet so as the impression of her good government, besides 

 her happy memory, is not without some effect which doth 

 survive her. But to your Majesty, whom God hath already 

 blessed with so much royal issue, worthy to continue and 

 represent you for ever, and whose youthful and fruitful 

 bed doth yet promise many the like renovations, it is 

 proper and agreeable to be conversant not only in the 

 transitory parts of good government, but in those acts 

 also which are in their nature permanent and perpetual. 

 Amongst the which (if affection do not transport me) there 



