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THE SECOND BOOK OF FRANCIS BACON 



OF THE 



PROFICIENCE AND ADVANCEMENT OF 

 LEARNING 



DIVINE AND HUMAN 



TO THE KING 



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 blessing 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 con- 

 tinue 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) 

 there is not any more worthy than the further endowment 



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