XX11 LIFE OF BACON. 



the law, (a) and upon the improvement of the science by 

 exploring the principles of universal justice, the laws of 

 law. (b) 



Extensive as were his legal researches, and great as was 

 his legal knowledge, law was, however, but an accessory, 

 not a principal study, (c) It was not to be expected that 

 his mind should confine its researches within the narrow 

 and perplexed study of precedents and authorities. He 

 contracted his sight, when necessary, to the study of the 

 law, but he dilated it to the whole circle of science, and 

 continued his meditations upon his immortal work, which 

 he had projected when in the university, (d) 



This course of legal and philosophical research was 

 accompanied with such sweetness and affability of deport 

 ment, that he gained the affections of the whole society, 



(a) See note R at the end, and note C C . 



(A) See note S at the end. 



(c) Contemplation feels no hunger, nor is sensible of any thirst, but of 

 that after knowledge. How frequent and exalted a pleasure did David 

 find from his meditation in the divine law ? all the day long it was the 

 theme of his thoughts : The affairs of state, the government of his kingdom, 

 might indeed employ, but it was this only that refreshed his mind. How 

 short of this are the delights of the epicure ? how vastly disproportionate 

 are the pleasures of the eating and of the thinking man ? indeed as different 

 as the silence of an Archimedes in the study of a problem, and the stillness 

 of a sow at her wash. South. 



Being returned from travel, he applied himself to the study of the 

 common-law, which he took upon him to be his profession. Notwith 

 standing that he professed the law for his livelihood and subsistence, yet 

 his heart and affection was more carried after the affairs and places of state ; 

 for which, if the majesty royal then had been pleased, he was most fit. 

 The narrowness of his circumstances obliged him to think of some profession 

 for a subsistence ; and he applied himself, more through necessity than 

 choice, to the study of the common law, in which he obtained to great 

 excellence, though he made that (as himself said) but as an accessory, and 

 not his principal study . Rawley. See note S at the end. 



(&amp;lt;/ See note I at the end. 



