A SPEECH ABOUT UNDERTAKERS. 21 



but when it blazeth forth into flame it gives light to 

 the eyes. But then if you fall to an examination, 

 some person must be charged, some matter must be 

 charged ; and the manner of that matter must be 

 likewise charged ; for it may be in a good fashion, 

 and it may be in a bad, in as much difference 

 as between black and white : and then how far men 

 will ingenuously confess, how far they will politicly 

 deny, and what we can make and gather upon their 

 confession, and how we shall prove against their 

 denial ; it is an endless piece of work, and I doubt 

 that we shall grow weary of it. 



For a message to the king, it is the course I like 

 best, so it be carefully and considerately handled: 

 for if we shall represent to the king the nature of 

 this body as it is, without the veils or shadows that 

 have been cast upon it, I think we shall do him 

 honour, and ourselves right. 



For any thing that is to be done amongst our 

 selves, I do not see much gained by it, because it 

 goes no farther than ourselves ; yet if any thing can 

 be Wisely conceived to that end, I shall not be 

 against it; but I think the purpose of it is fittest to 

 be, rather that the house conceives that all this 

 is but a misunderstanding, than to take knowledge 

 that there is indeed a just ground, and then to seek, 

 by a protestation, to give it a remedy. For pro 

 testations, and professions, and apologies, I never 

 found them very fortunate ; but they rather increase 

 suspicion than clear it. 



