CHIEF JUSTICE COKE. 367 



3. That it is too common in every man s mouth 

 in court, that your greatness shall be abated ; and 

 as your tongue hath been as a razor to some, so shall 

 theirs be to you. 



4. That there are laid up for you, to make your 

 burden the more grievous, many petitions to his 

 majesty against you. 



My lord, Sir Edward Coke, as if he were already 

 upon his wings, triumphs exceedingly ; hath much 

 private conference with his majesty ; and in public 

 doth offer himself, and thrust upon the king, with as 

 great boldness of speech, as heretofore. 



It is thought, and much feared, that at Wood 

 stock he will again be recalled to the council-table ; 

 for neither are the earl s ears, nor his thoughts, ever 

 off him. 



Sir Edward Coke, with much audacity, affirmeth 

 his daughter to be most deeply in love with Sir John 

 Villiers ; that the contract pretended with the earl 

 of Oxford is counterfeit ; and the letter also, that 

 is pretended to have come from the earl. 



My noble lord, if I were worthy, being the mean 

 est of all to interpose my weakness, I would humbly 

 desire, 



1. That your lordship fail not to be with his ma 

 jesty at Woodstock. The sight of you will fright 

 some. 



2. That you single not yourself from other lords ; 

 but justify the proceedings as all your joint acts ; 

 and I little fear but you pass conqueror. 



3. That you retort the clamour and noise in this 



