CCCXX11 LIFE OF BACON. 



than just. And so thinking myself happy to have so noble 

 peers and reverend prelates to discern of my cause ; and 

 desiring no privilege of greatness for subterfuge of guilti 

 ness, but meaning, as I said, to deal fairly and plainly 

 with your lordships, and to put myself upon your honours 

 and favours, I pray God to bless your counsels and persons. 

 And rest your lordships humble servant, 

 March 19, 1620. FR. ST. ALBAN, Cane. 



This letter, which was delivered by Buckingham, (a) the 

 Lords immediately answered, by assuring the Chancellor 

 &quot; that the proceedings should be according to the right rule 

 of justice ; that it was the wish of the house that his lord 

 ship should clear his honour from the different aspersions, 

 and praying him to provide for his defence;&quot; a courtesy 

 which his lordship instantly acknowledged, (b) with the 

 expression of his intention to speak more fully at a future 

 time. 



Thus resolved to defend himself, there was some com 

 munication between the Chancellor and Buckingham ; 

 whether it was confined to the favourite must be left to 

 conjecture; but it appears to have had its full effect both 

 upon him and upon the King, who, seeing the untoward 

 events which might yet occur from the discussions of this 

 inquiring parliament, sent a message to the Commons, 

 expressing his comfort that the house was careful to 



(a) The Lord Admiral declared, that he had been twice with the Lord 

 Chancellor, to visit him, being sent to him by the King. The first time, 

 he found his lordship very sick and heavy ; the second time he found him 

 better, and much comforted, for that he heard that the complaint of the 

 grievances of the Commons against him were come into this house ; where 

 he assured himself to find honourable justice ; in confidence whereof, his 

 lordship had written a letter to the house. The which letter the Lord 

 Admiral presented to the house, to be read. 

 : (6) Journals. 



