for this reason, all wise statesmen agree, that a prince or state ought to have no passions, if they would prosper in glory and power.

It is very true, that valour and conduct in armies may shine in one subject above another; that frugality and good management may in another: but till we can find one man master of all knowledge and all virtues, it will never be safe nor honourable for any prince wholly to confide himself and his affairs to either, exclusive of all others. For that nation is in a lost and undone condition indeed, that can afford but one man among all its nobility and gentry qualified to serve the public, and in whom the prince cannot have an equal confidence. Nay, it is an argument of the weakness and depravity of a prince, who, if he encouraged and rewarded virtue, would not want numbers of able heads to assist him.

But, madam, I must remember to whom it is that I am speaking, to one of the wisest and best of princes; on whom the first flattery can never have any effect, as being entirely free from all vicious inclinations, and of too good judgment to be imposed on by the fairest appearances of virtue so far as to lose the juster considerations of public good in the shining qualities of any particular. Under you, madam, we find that saying true," How happy is the kingdom governed by a philosopher!" We feel the blessing, and every day experience the manna of your reign. And how indulgent soever your majesty may be thought to the eminent excellencies of some, yet I have no manner of fear that they will

ever be able to expel your majesty's affections from all your other subjects, or make you ever deviate to a partiality in their favour against the good and universal cries of your people.

This noble temper of your majesty it is that secures me against all fears from this freedom which I have taken; since you will easily see a public spirit, void of all private aims, shine through the whole. I have, therefore, only to add my ardent wishes for the prosperous and long reign of your majesty, over a people that are sensible of the blessing which Providence has bestowed on them in their gracious queen.

LADY BACON* TO THE EARL OF ESSEX.

HEARING, my singular good lord, of your honour's return from the seacoasts this day, and I going hence to-morrow, if the Lord so will, I am bold, upon some speeches of some, and with some persons at the court, where lately I was, to impart somewhat to your honour, because it concerned a party there more near to me than gracious to her stock. I will not deny, but before this great suspicion of her unwifelike and unshamefaced demeanour, hath been brought to me even into the country; but loath to believe, I laid it up with secret sadness in my breast. And truly, my good lord, I did not a little, but greatly rejoice in heart, that it pleased God of his mercy and goodness, with the famous honour he gave

* Lady Bacon was the mother of the celebrated Sir Francis Bacon.

were

you in your late martial exploit, with renowned good success, he did also work in you such a change of your mind, before, by report, inclined to work carnal dalliance, that that honourable and Christian bruit was carried about joyfully, to the much gladding of many, that unfeignedly loved your honour's true prosperity. But proh dolor! my good lord, I perceived by some eyewitnesses here, and which must needs hear and mark, that of late a backsliding to the foul impudent doth plainly appear: and though they did marvel and much blame your dishonourable and dangerous to yourself course-taking, to the infaming a nobleman's wife, and so near about her majesty; yet she was utterly condemned as too bad, both unchaste and impudent, with as it an incorrigible unshamefacedness. The Lord speedily of his grace amend her, or cut her off before some sudden mischief. It hath already made her ancient noble husband to undo his house by selling, as one out of comfort. But if a desperate rage, as commonly followeth, he will revenge his provoked jealousy, and most intolerable injury, even desperately; and the more, because, it is said, he loveth her, and greatly, as with grief, laboureth to win her. It is great pity she is not delivered to him, and the court to be cleansed by sending away such an unchaste gaze and common by-word, in respect of her place and husband. But you, my good lord, have not so learned Christ, and heard his holy word. In the third, fourth, and fifth verses of the fourth chapter of the first epistle to the Thessalonians, it is written, "This is the will of

God, that ye should be holy, and abstain from fornication, and every one know how to keep his own vessel in holiness and honour; and not in the lust of concupiscence, as do the Gentiles, which know not God." And more, if it please you to read and mark well, it is a heavy threat, "that fornicators and adulterers God will judge," and that they shall be shut out: for such things, saith the apostle, commonly cometh the wrath of God upon us. Good lord, remember and consider your great danger hereby both of soul and body. Grieve not the Holy Spirit of God, but honour God, that honoured you, and reward him not with such evil for his great kindness towards you. Good my lord, sin not against your own soul.

My Lady Strafford said upon occasion in her talk, the good virtuous countess your wife was with child. O honourable and valiant noble, make great account of this God's blessing to you both, and make not her heart sorrowful to the hinderance of her young fruit within her. For it is thought she took before to heart, and that her last did not comfortably prosper.

If you be with the Lord indeed, he will be with you, and make your very enemies to reverence you. Be strong in the Lord, your and our good patient God. Fear him, and walk privately in his truth; and for his promise in Christ he will assist you, look favourably on you and yours, and prosper and increase his blessing upon you and yours which mercy and grace I humbly do, as I am most bound, call upon him to grant you ever, my dear lord and worthy lord in Christ

Jesu. With my very inward affection have I thus presumed ill favouredly to scribble, I confess, being sickly and weak many ways. Boni consulas, te vehementer oro, et quam optime vivas et valeas, vir insignissime, et quantum decet, mihi charissime. In Christo ex animo.

Dec. 1, 1596.

A. BACON.

THE EARL OF ESSEX TO LADY BACON.

MADAM,

THAT it pleased you to deal thus freely with me, in letting me know the worst you hear of me, I take it as a great argument of God's favour in sending so good an angel to admonish me; and of no small care in your ladyship of my well doing. I know how needful these summons are to all men, especially to those that live in this place. And I had rather with the poor publican knock my breast, and lie prostrate, or with the apostles confess, when I have done all I can, I am an unprofitable servant, than pharisaically to justify myself. But what I write now is for the truth sake, and not for mine own. I protest before the majesty of God, and my protestation is voluntary and advised, that this charge, which is newly laid upon me, is false and unjust; and that since my departure from England towards Spain, I have been free from taxation of incontinency with any woman that lives. I never saw or spoke with the lady you mean but in public places; and others being seers and hearers, who, if they would do me right, could justify my