assured himself that his army would have been quickly increased by all sorts of discontented people. He did confess before his going, That he was assured that many of the rebels would be advised by him, but named none in particular. The examination of the Earl of SOUTHAMPTON after his arraignment; taken before the Earl of NorTINGHAM, Lord High Admiral; Sir ROBERT CECIL, principal Secretary; and Mr. JOHN HERBERT, second Secretary of Estate. Sir Christopher Blunt being hurt, and lying in the castle of Dublin, in a chamber which had been mine, the Earl of Essex one day took me thither with him, where being none but we three, he told us, He found it necessary for him to go into England, and thought it fit to carry with him as much of the army as he could conveniently transport, to go on shore with him to Wales, and there to make good his landing with those, till he could send for more; not doubting but his army would so increase in a small time, that he should be able to march to London, and make his conditions as he desired. To which project I answered, That I held it altogether unfit, as well in respect of his conscience to God, and his love to his country, as his duty to his sovereign, of which he, of all men, ought to have greatest regard, seeing her majesty's favours to him had been so extraordinary: wherefore I could never give any consent unto it. Sir Christopher Blunt joined with me in this opinion. Exam. per NOTTINGHAM, Ro. CECIL, J. HERBERT. The speech of Sir CHRISTOPHER BLUNT, at the time of his death, as near as it could be remembered, March 18, 1600. My lords, and you that be present, although I must confess, that it were better fitting the little time I have to breathe, to bestow the same in asking God forgiveness for my manifold and abominable sins, than to use any other discourse, especially having both an imperfection of speech, and, God knows, a weak memory, by reason of my late grievous wound: yet, to satisfy all those that are present, what course hath been held by me in this late enterprise, because I was said to be an instigator and setter on of the late earl, I will truly, and upon the peril of my soul, speak the truth. It is true, that the first time that ever I understood of any dangerous discontentment in my Lord of Essex, was about three years ago, at Wanstead, upon his coming one day from Greenwich. At that time he spake many things unto me, but descended into no particulars, but in general terms. After which time he never brake with me in any matter tending to the alteration of the state, I protest before God, until he came into Ireland, other than I might conceive, that he was of an ambitious and discontented mind. But when I lay at the castle of Thomas Lee, called Reban, in Ireland, grievously hurt, and doubted of my life, he came to visit me, and then began to acquaint me with his intent. [As he thus spake, the sheriff began to interrupt him, and told him the hour was past. But my Lord Gray, and Sir Walter Raleigh, captain of the guard, called to the sheriff, and required him not to interrupt him, but to suffer him quietly to finish his prayers and confessions. Sir Christopher Blunt said, Is Sir Walter Raleigh there? Those on the scaffold answered, Yea. To whom Sir Christopher Blunt spake on this manner:] Sir Walter Raleigh, I thank God that you are present: I had an infinite desire to speak with you, to ask you forgiveness ere I died, both for the wrong done you, and for my particular ill intent towards you: I beseech you forgive me. 66 Sir Walter Raleigh answered, That he most willingly forgave him, and besought God to forgive him, and to give him his divine comfort: protesting before the Lord, That whatsoever Sir Christopher Blunt meant towards him, for his part he never had any ill intent towards him and farther said to Sir Christopher Blunt, "I pray you without offence let me put you in mind that you have been esteemed, not only a principal provoker and persuader of the Earl of Essex in all his undutiful courses, but especially an adviser in that which had been confessed of his purpose to transport a great part of her majesty's army out of Ireland into England, to land at Milford, and thence to turn it against her sacred person. You shall do well to tell the truth, and to satisfy the world." To which he answered thus: Sir, if you will give me patience, I will deliver a truth, speaking now my last, in the presence of God, in whose mercy I trust. [And then he directed himself to my Lord Gray and my Lord Compton, and the rest that sat on horseback near the scaffold.] When I was brought from Reban to Dublin, and lodged in the castle, his lordship and the Earl of Southampton came to visit me; and to be short, he began thus plainly with me: That he intended to transport a choice part of the army of Ireland into England, and land them in Wales, at Milford or thereabouts; and so securing his descent thereby, would gather such other forces as might enable him to march to London. To which, I protest before the Lord God, I maue this or the like answer: That I would that night con sider of it; which I did. And the next day the earls came again: I told them, That such an enterprise, as it was most dangerous, so would it cost much blood, as I could not like of it; besides many hazards, which at this time I cannot remember unto you, neither will the time permit it. But I rather advised him to go over himself with a good train, and make sure of the court, and then make his own conditions. And although it be true, that, as we all protested in our examinations and arraignments, we never resolved of doing hurt to her majesty's person, for in none of our consultations was there set down any such purpose; yet, I knew, and must confess, if we had failed of our ends, we should, rather than have been disappointed, even have drawn blood from herself. From henceforward he dealt no more with me herein, until he was discharged of his keeper at Essex House. And then he again asked mine advice, and disputed the matter with me; but resolved not. I went then into the country, and before he sent for me, which was some ten days before his rebellion, I never heard more of the matter. And then he wrote unto me to come up, upon pretence of making some assurances of land, and the like. I will leave the rest unto my confessions, given to that honourable lord admiral, and worthy Mr. Secretary, to whom I beseech you, Sir Walter Raleigh, commend me; I can requite their favourable and charitable dealing with me, with naught else but my prayers for them. And I beseech God of his mercy, to save and preserve the queen, who hath given comfort to my soul, in that I hear she hath forgiven me all, but the sentence of the law, which I most worthily deserved, and do most willingly embrace; and hope that God will have mercy and compassion on me, who have offended him as many ways as ever sinful wretch did. I have led a life so far from his precepts, as no sinner more. God forgive it me, and forgive me my wicked thoughts, my licentious life, and this right arm of mine, which, I fear me, hath drawn blood in this last action. And I beseech you all bear witness, that I die a Catholic, yet so, as I hope to be saved only by the death and passion of Christ, and by his merits, not ascribing any thing to mine own works. And I trust you are all good people, and your prayers may profit me. Farewell, my worthy Lord Gray, and my Lord Compton, and to you all; God send you both to live long in honour. I will desire to say a few prayers, and embrace my death most willingly. With that he turned from the rail towards the executioner; and the minister offering to speak with him, he came again to the rail, and besought that his conscience might not be troubled, for he was resolved; which he desired for God's sake. Whereupon commandment was given, that the minister should not interrupt him any farther. After which he prepared himself to the block, and so died very manfully and resolutely. An Abstract out of the Earl of Essex's confession under his own hand. Upon Saturday, the twenty-first of February, after the late Earl of Essex had desired us to come to him, as well to deliver his knowledge of those treasons, which he had formerly denied at the bar, as also to recommend his humble and earnest request, that her majesty would be pleased, out of her grace and favour, to suffer him to die privately in the Tower; he did marvellous. earnestly desire, that we would suffer him to speak unto Cuffe, his secretary: against whom he vehemently complained unto us, to have been a principal instigator to these violent courses which he had undertaken. Wherein he protested, that he chiefly desired that he might make it appear that he was not the only persuader of those great offences which they had committed; but that Blunt, Cuffe, Temple, besides those other persons who were at the private conspiracy at Drury House, to which, though these three were not called, yet, they were privy, had most malicious and bloody purposes to subvert the state and government: which could not have been prevented, if his project had gone forward. This request being granted him, and Cuffe brought before him, he there directly and vehemently charged him; and among other speeches used these words: " Henry Cuffe, call to God for mercy, and to the queen, and deserve it by declaring truth. For I, that must now prepare for another world, have resolved to deal clearly with God and the world: and must needs say this to you; You have been one of the chiefest instigators of me to all these my disloyal courses into which I have fallen." Testified by THO. EGERTON, C. S. The Earl of Essex his confession to three ministers, whose names are underwritten, the 25th of Fel ruary, 1600. The late Earl of Essex thanked God most heartily, that he had given him a deeper insight into his offence, being sorry he had so stood upon his justification at his arraignment, for he was since that become another man. He thanked God that his course was so prevented: for if his project had taken effect, God knows, said he, what harm it had wrought in the realm. He humbly thanked her majesty, that he should die in so private a manner, lest the acclamation of the people might have been a temptation unto him. To which he added, that all popularity and trust in man was vain; the experience whereof himself had felt. He acknowledged, with thankfulness to God, that he was thus justly spewed out of the realm. He publicly in his prayer and protestation, as also privately, aggravated the detestation of his offence; and especially in the hearing of them WRITTEN BY SIR FRANCIS BACON, ON THE IMPORTUNITY OF HIS PATRON ANd friend. NOBLE SIR, You know, I am no courtier, nor versed in state affairs: my life hitherto hath rather been contemplative than active; I have rather studied books than men; I can but guess, at the most, at these things in which you desire to be advised; nevertheless, to show my obedience, though with the What you requested of me by word, when I last waited on you, you have since renewed by your letters. Your requests are commands unto me: and yet the matter is of that nature, that I find myself very unable to serve you therein as you desire. It hath pleased the king to cast an extra-hazard of my discretion, I shall yield unto you. ordinary eye of favour upon you, and you express yourself very desirous to win upon the judgment of your master, and not upon his affections only. I do very much commend your noble ambition herein; for favour so bottomed is like to be last-you are also a favourite; the favourite of the time, ing; whereas, if it be built upon the sandy foundation of personal respects only, it cannot be long-lived. Sir, in the first place, I shall be bold to put you in mind of the present condition you are in. You are not only a courtier, but a bed-chamber man, and so are in the eye and ear of your master; but and so are in his bosom also. The world hath so voted you, and doth so esteem of you; for kings and great princes, even the wisest of them, have had [* My lord, when the blessing of God, to whom, their friends, their favourites, their privadoes, in in the first place, I know you ascribe your prefer-all ages; for they have their affections as well as ment, and the king's favour, purchased by your other men. Of these they make several uses; noble parts, promising as much as can be expected sometimes to communicate and debate their from a gentleman, had brought you to this high | thoughts with them, and to ripen their judgments pitch of honour, to be in the eye and ear, and even in the bosom of your gracious master and you had found by experience the trouble of all men's confluence, and for all matters, to yourself, as a mediator between them and their sovereign you were pleased to lay this command upon me; first, in general, to give you my poor advice for your carriage in so eminent a place, and of so much danger, if not wisely discharged. Next, in particular, by what means to give despatches to suitors of all sorts, for the king's best service, the suitors' satisfaction, and your own ease. I humbly return you mine opinion in both these, such as a hermit, rather than a courtier can render.] Yet in this you have erred, in applying yourself to me, the most unworthy of your servants, to give assistance upon so weighty a subject. * What is found in crotchets is borrowed from the original edition, published in 4to, 1661. thereby; and sometimes to ease their cares by imparting them; and sometimes to interpose them between themselves and the envy or malice of their people; for kings cannot err; that must be discharged upon the shoulders of their ministers; and they who are nearest unto them must be content to bear the greatest load. [Remember then what your true condition is. The king himself is above the reach of his people, but cannot be above their censures; and you are his shadow, if either he commit an error, and is loath to avow it, but excuses it upon his ministers, of which you are first in the eye; or you commit the fault, or have willingly permitted it, and must suffer for it; and so perhaps you may be offered a sacrifice to appease the multitude.] But truly, sir, I do not believe or suspect that you are chosen to this eminency out of the last of these considerations; for you serve such a master, who by his wisdom and goodness is as free from the malice or envy of his subjects, as, I think, I may truly say, ever any king was, who hath sat upon his throne before him. But am confident his majesty hath cast his eyes upon you, as finding you to be such as you should be, or hoping to make you to be such as he would have you to be; for this I may say, without flattery, your outside promiseth as much as can be expected from a gentleman; but be it in the one respect or other, it belongeth to you to take care of yourself, and to know well what the name of favourite signifies. If you be chosen upon the former respects, you have reason to take care of your actions and deportment, out of your gratitude for the king's sake; but if out of the latter, you ought to take the greater care for your own sake. You are as a new-risen star, and the eyes of all men are upon you; let not your own negligence make you fall like a meteor. [Remember well the great trust you have undertaken; you are as a continual sentinel, always to stand upon your watch to give him true intelligence. If you flatter him, you betray him; if you conceal the truth of those things from him which concern his justice or his honour, although not the safety of his person, you are as dangerous a traitor to his state, as he that riseth in arms against him. A false friend is more dangerous than an open enemy: kings are styled gods upon earth, not absolute, but " Dixi, Dii estis ;" and the next words are, "sed moriemini sicut homines;" they shall die like men, and then all their thoughts perish. They cannot possibly see all things with their own eyes, nor hear all things with their own ears; they must commit many great trusts to their ministers. Kings must be answerable to God Almighty, to whom they are but vassals, for their actions, and for their negligent omissions: but the ministers to kings, whose eyes, ears, and hands they are, must be answerable to God and man for the breach of their duties, in violation of their trusts, whereby they betray them. Opinion is a master wheel in these cases: that courtier who obtained a boon of the emperor, that he might every morning at his coming into his presence humbly whisper him in the ear and say nothing, asked no unprofitable suit for himself: but such a fancy raised only by opinion cannot be long-lived, unless the man have solid worth to uphold it; otherwise, when once discovered it vanisheth suddenly. But when a favourite in court shall be raised upon the foundation of merits, and together with the care of doing good service to the king, shall give good despatches to the suitors, then can he not choose but prosper.] The contemplation then of your present condition must necessarily prepare you for action: what time can be well spared from your attendance on your master, will be taken up by suitors, whom you cannot avoid nor decline without reproach. For if you do not already, you will soon find the throng of suitors attend you; for no man, almost, who hath to do with the king, will think himself safe, unless you be his good angel, and guide him; or at least that you be not a “malus genius" against him: so that, in respect of the king your master, you must be very wary that you give him true information; and if the matter concern him in his government, that you do not flatter him: if you do, you are as great a traitor to him in the court of heaven, as he that draws his sword against him: and in respect of the suitors which shall attend you, there is nothing will bring you more honour and more ease, than to do them what right in justice you may, and with as much speed as you may: for, believe it, sir, next to the obtaining of the suit, a speedy and gentle denial, when the case will not bear it, is the most acceptable to suitors: they will gain by their despatch; whereas else they shall spend their time and money in attending, and you will gain, in the ease you will find in being rid of their importunity. But if they obtain what they reasonably desired, they will be doubly bound to you for your favour; "Bis dat qui cito dat," it multiplies the courtesy, to do it with good words and speedily. That you may be able to do this with the best advantage, my humble advice is this; when suitors come unto you, set apart a certain hour in a day to give them audience: if the business be light and easy, it may by word only be delivered, and in a word be answered; but if it be either of weight or of difficulty, direct the suitor to commit it to writing, if it be not so already, and then direct him to attend for his answer at a set time to be appointed, which would constantly be observed, unless some matter of great moment do interrupt it. When you have received the petitions, and it will please the petitioners well, to have access unto you to deliver them into your own hand, let your secretary first read them, and draw lines under the material parts thereof; for the matter, for the most part, lies in a narrow room. The petitions being thus prepared, do you constantly set apart an hour in a day to peruse those petitions; and after you have ranked them into several files, according to the subject matter, make choice of two or three friends, whose judgments and fidelities you believe you may trust in a business of that nature; and recommend it to one or more of them, to inform you of their opinions, and of their reasons for or against the granting of it. And if the matter be of great weight indeed, then it would not be amiss to send several copies of the same petition to several of your friends, the one not knowing what the other doth, and desire them to return their answers to you by a certain time, to be prefixed, in writing; so shall you receive an impartial answer, and by comparing the one with the other, as out of "responsa prudentium," you shall both discern the abilit es and faithfulness of your are inconsistent with the truth of religion pro friends, and be able to give a judgment thereupon fessed and protested by the Church of England, as an oracle. But by no means trust to your own whence we are called Protestants; and the Anajudgment alone; for no man is omniscient: nor baptists, and separatists, and sectaries on the trust only to your servants, who may mislead you other hand, whose tenents are full of schism, and or misinform you; by which they may perhaps inconsistent with monarchy: for the regulating gain a few crowns, but the reproach will lie upon of either, there needs no other coercion than the yourself, if it be not rightly carried. due execution of the laws already established by parliament.] For the facilitating of your despatches, my advice is farther, that you divide all the petitions, and the matters therein contained, under several heads: which, I conceive, may be fitly ranked into these eight sorts. I. Matters that concern religion, and the church and churchmen. II. Matters concerning justice, and the laws, and the professors thereof. III. Councillors, and the council table, and the great offices and officers of the kingdom. IV. Foreign negotiations and embassies. VI. Trade at home and abroad. And whatsoever will not fall naturally under one of these heads, believe me, sir, will not be worthy of your thoughts, in this capacity, we now speak of. And of these sorts, I warrant you, you will find enough to keep you in business. I begin with the first, which concerns religion. 1. In the first place, be you yourself rightly persuaded and settled in the true Protestant religion, professed by the Church of England; which doubtless is as sound and orthodox in the doctrine thereof, as any Christian church in the world. [For religion, if any thing be offered to you touching it, or touching the church, or churchmen, or church government, rely not only upon yourself, but take the opinion of some grave and eminent divines, especially such as are sad and discreet men, and exemplary for their lives.] 2. In this you need not be a monitor to your gracious master the king: the chiefest of his imperial titles is, to be The Defender of the Faith, and his learning is eminent, not only above other princes, but above other men; be but his scholar, and you are safe in that. 3. For the discipline of the Church of England by bishops, &c., I will not positively say, as some do, that it is "jure divino;" but this I say and think "ex animo," that it is the nearest to apostolical truth; and confidently I shall say, it is fittest for monarchy of all others. I will use no other authority to you, than that excellent proclamation set out by the king himself in the first year of his reign, and annexed before the book of Common Prayer, which I desire you to read; and if at any time there shall be the least motion made for innovation, to put the king in mind to read it himself: it is most dangerous in a state, to give ear to the least alteration in government. [If any attempt be made to alter the discipline of our church, although it be not an essential part of our religion, yet, it is so necessary not to be rashly altered, as the very substance of religion will be interested in it: therefore, I desire you, before any attempt be made of an innovation by your means, or by any intercession to your master, that you will first read over, and his majesty call to mind that wise and weighty proclamation, which himself penned, and caused to be published in the first year of his reign, and is prefixed in print before the book of Common Prayer, of that impression, in which you will find so prudent, so weighty reasons, not to hearken to innovations, as will fully satisfy you, that it is dangerous to give the least ear to such innovators; but it is desperate to be misled by them: and to settle your judgment, mark but the admonition of the wisest of men, King Solomon, Prov. xxiv. 21. " My son, fear God and the king, and meddle not with those who are given to change."] 4. Take heed, I beseech you, that you be not an instrument to countenance the Romish Catholics. I cannot flatter, the world believes that some near in blood to you are too much of that persuasion; you must use them with fit respects, according to the bonds of nature; but you are of errors. 5. The archbishops and bishops, next under the king, have the government of the church and ecclesiastical affairs: be not you the mean to prefer any to those places for any by-respects; but only for their learning, gravity, and worth: their lives and doctrine ought to be exemplary. [If any question be moved concerning the doc-kin, and so a friend to their persons, not to their trine of the Church of England expressed in the thirty-nine articles, give not the least ear to the movers thereof: that is so soundly and so orthodoxly settled, as cannot be questioned without extreme danger to the honour and stability of our religion; which hath been sealed with the blood of so many martyrs and confessors, as are famous through the Christian world. The enemies and underminers thereof are the Romish Catholic, so styling themselves, on the one hand, whose tenets VOL. II.-48 6. For deans, and canons or prebends of cathedral churches; in their first institution they were of great use in the church; they were not 212 |