CCCXXXV1 LIFE OF BACON. 



he have called upon the lovers of truth and of justice to 

 divest their minds of all prejudice; to be, when sitting in 

 judgment upon a judge, themselves impartial. Knowing 

 the nature of the high tribunal before whom he was to 

 appear, there could, indeed, have been scarcely any 

 necessity for such an appeal. He knew the joy which 

 they &quot; would feel, if he could clear his honour.&quot; He knew 

 that, however grateful it may be to common minds to in 

 dulge in the vulgar pleasure of imaginary self-importance 

 from the depression of superiority, a disinclination to con 

 demn, even if truth call for conviction, is an attribute of 

 every noble mind, always afflicted at the infirmities of 

 genius. Knowing that, amongst the peers, many valued 

 themselves upon ancient learning, he would have reminded 

 them, that &quot; the tree scathed with lightning, was with 

 them of the olden time ever held sacred. Sure no tree of 

 the forest, under Jove s favour, ever flourished more than 

 myself; witness for me all those, who while the dews of 

 heaven rested on me, were rejoiced to shelter under my 

 branches : and I the more readily, my lords, remind you 

 of an en sample of heathen piety, because I would not in 

 the presence of some of you speak of Christian charity, 

 which, if it were not recorded by one who cannot lie, I 

 have found so cold that I might suppose it to be only 

 painted forth in books, but, indeed, without life, or heat, 

 or motion.&quot; 



He could not have thought it necessary to warn the 

 Lords, as he had apprised the King that &quot; when from 

 private appetite it is resolved that a creature shall be 

 sacrificed, it is easy to pick up sticks enough from any 

 thicket whither it hath strayed to make a fire to offer it 

 with ;&quot; nor to have said to the Lords, as he had said to 

 the King, &quot; For the briberies and gifts wherewith I am 

 charged, when the book of hearts shall be opened, I hope 



