THE JUDICIAL CHARGE OF 



SIR FRANCIS BACON, KNIGHT, THE 



KING S SOLICITOR, UPON THE COMMISSION 



OF OYER AND TERMINER 

 HELD FOR THE VERGE OF THE COURT. 



&quot; Lex vitiorum emendatrix, virtutum commendatrix est. 



You are to know, and consider well the duty and 

 service to which you are called, and whereupon you 

 are by your oath charged. It is the happy estate and 

 condition of the subject of this realm of England, 

 that Jhe is not to be impeached in his life, lands, or 

 goods, by flying rumours, or wandering fames and 

 reports, or secret and privy inquisitions ; but by 

 the oath and presentment of men of honest condi 

 tion, in the face of justice. But this happy estate of 

 the subject will turn to hurt and inconvenience, if 

 those that hold that part which you are now to 

 perform shall be negligent and remiss in doing their 

 duty ; for as of two evils it were better mens doings 

 were looked into over-strictly and severely, than 

 that there should be a notorious impunity of male 

 factors; as was well and wisely said of ancient time^ 

 &quot; a man were better live where nothing is lawful, 

 &quot; than where all things are lawful.&quot; This therefore 

 rests in your care and conscience, forasmuch as at 

 you justice begins, and the law cannot pursue and 



