LIFE OF BACOX. 



the Court of King s Bench, respecting the jurisdiction of 

 the Chancellor after judgment given in courts of law. 

 Upon this dispute, heightened by the warmth and haughti 

 ness of Sir Edward Coke, and the dangerous illness of 

 the Chancellor at the time when Coke promoted the 

 inquiry, the King and Villiers conferred with Bacon, to 

 whom and other eminent members of the profession, the 

 matter was referred, and, upon their report, the King in 

 person pronounced judgment in favour of the Lord Chan 

 cellor, with some strong observations upon the conduct of 

 Coke, (a) 



1616. Pending this investigation, Villiers it seems communi- 

 L 56 cated to Bacon the King s intention either to admit him a 

 member of the privy council, or upon the death or resigna 

 tion of the Chancellor, to entrust him with the great seal, 



() Camden s Annals of King James, June 20, 1616. Sanderson s 

 Hist, of King James, p. 431. Stephens s Introduction to Lord Bacon s 

 Letters, p. 33. See letter from Bacon to the King, dated 21 Feb. 1515-16, 

 for a full account of this dispute, its projects, and termination, it will be 

 found in vol. xii. page 36. 



A Letter to Sir George Villiers, touching the difference between the 

 Courts of Chancery and King s Bench. 



Sir, I received this morning from you two letters by the same beaver, the 

 one written before the other, both after his majesty had received my last. 

 In this difference between the two courts of Chancery and King s Bench 

 (for so I had rather take it at this time, than between the persons of my 

 Lord Chancellor and my Lord Chief Justice,) I marvel not, if rumour get 

 way of true relation ; for I know fame hath swift wings, especially that 

 which hath black feathers ; but within these two days (for sooner I cannot 

 be ready) I will write to his majesty both the narrative truly, and my 

 opinion sincerely, taking much comfort, that I serve such a king, as hath 

 God s property, in discerning truly of men s hearts. I purpose to speak 

 with my Lord Chancellor this day, and so to exhibit that cordial of his 

 majesty s grace, as I hope this other accident will rather rouse and raise 

 his spirits than deject him, or incline him to a relapse ; meanwhile, I com 

 mend the wit of a mean man that said this other day, well (saith he) next 

 term you shall have an old man come with a besom of wormwood in his 



