clxvi 



LIFE OF BACON. 



The dissatisfaction which existed in the community, at 

 the state of the government, now manifested itself in 

 various modes, and was, according to the usual efforts of 



the country, of the better sort to follow. Whereupon, their 

 lordships devised and directed letters unto the sheriffs and 

 justices, which declared what was done here above, and 

 wished that the country might be moved, especially men 

 of value. Care was however taken, that that which was 

 then done might not have the effect, no nor the shew, no 

 nor so much as the shadow of a tax : breeding or bringing 

 in, any ill precedent or example. It was not so much as 

 recommended, until many that were never moved nor dealt 

 with, ex mero motu, had freely and frankly sent in their 

 presents. The whole carriage of the business had no cir 

 cumstance compulsory. There was no proportion or rate 

 set down, not so much as by way of a wish : there was no 

 menace of any that should deny; no reproof of any that 

 did deny, no certifying of the names of any that had 

 denied. It was a benevolence, not an exaction; it was 

 what the subject of his good will would give, not what the 

 King of his good will would take. 



Amongst other countries, these letters of the lords came 

 to the justices of Devonshire, who signified the contents 

 thereof, and gave directions and appointments for meet 

 ings, concerning the business, to several towns and places 

 within that county, and amongst the rest, notice was 

 given unto the town of A. The mayor of A. conceiving 

 that this Mr. I. S. (being a principal person, and a 

 dweller in that town) was a man likely to give both money 

 and good example, dealt with him, to know his mind ; 

 but he, instead of sending an answer, absented himself, 

 and published a seditious accusation against the King 

 and the state, and sent it to the mayor to read at the 

 meeting.&quot; 



He then divides the libel into four parts, saying, &quot; The 



