THE 



SECOND BOOK OF FRANCIS BACON; 



OF THE PKOFICIENCE AND 



ADVANCEMENT OF LEARNING, 



DIVINE AND HUMAN. 



To the King. 



1. It might seem to have more convenience, though 

 it come often otherwise to pass (excellent king), that 

 those which are fruitful in their generations, and have 

 in themselves the foresight of immortality in their 

 descendants, should likewise be more careful of the 

 good estate of future times, unto which they know 

 they must transmit and commend over their dearest 

 pledges. Queen Elizabeth was a sojourner in the 

 world in respect of her unmarried life, and was a bless 

 ing to her own times ; and yet so as the impression 

 of her good government, besides her happy memory, 

 is not without some effect which doth survive her. 

 But to your Majesty, whom God hath already blessed 

 with so much royal issue, worthy to continue and 

 represent you for ever, and whose youthful and fruitful 

 bed doth yet promise many the like renovations, it is 

 proper and agreeable to be conversant not only in the 

 transitory parts of good government, but in those acts 

 also which are in their nature permanent and perpetual. 

 Amongst the which (if affection do not transport me) 



