NOTES. 



NOTE A. 



The house will allow me to substitute for my own imper 

 fect expressions the emphatic terms in which lord Bacon has re 

 corded the suggestions of a mighty intellect. 



In addressing his sovereign, he says that his object is not 

 to tax the laws, I speak/ says he, only by way of perfecting 

 them, which is easiest in the best things : for that which is far 

 amiss hardly receiveth amendment, but that which hath already, 

 to that more may be given. 



Besides, what I shall propound, is not to the matter of 

 the laws, but to the manner of their registry, expression, and 

 tradition : so that it giveth them rather new light than any new 

 nature. 



He proceeds to slate, that for the safety and convenience 

 of the proposal which he makes, it is good to consider and 

 answer those objections or scruples which may arise or be made 

 against this work. 



Objection the first, That it is a thing needless ; and 

 that the law as it now is, is in a good estate comparable to any 

 foreign law ; and that it is not possible for the wit of man in 

 respect of the frailty thereof, to provide against the uncertain 

 ties and evasions or omissions of law. 



The following is the answer of lord Bacon : 



For the comparison with foreign laws, it is in vain to speak 

 of it, for men will never agree about it. Our lawyers will main- 



VOL. v. c 



