LETTER FROM THE LAMBETH LIBRARY CONTINUED. Translation of the Latin Letter to Count Gondomar.* EXCELLENT COUNT, I Do first, as I ought, congratulate with you your new honour, which, though great in itself, it is much greater because it was given you upon so noble a ground. The repair of Mr. Matthew, my true friend as your lordship well knoweth, into these parts, makes me call to mind those great and singular favours, which upon your noble visits, which both in field and town, by his means and appointment, your Lordship vouchsafed me a little before your departure, and the great endeavours which your lordship used both with the King and the Marquis for my fortunes. At that time if one had whispered me in the ear and said, stay these things; England is a cold country; defer them till the Prince of Wales, and the Marquis of Buckingham, and the Count Gondomar meet in Spain, where fruits ripen faster, I should have smiled at it. But since your lordship hath power to work these miracles in a public fortune, it is a much less matter for you to work a miracle in the fortune of a private friend. And since your lordship hath power, and I have faith, a miracle is soon wrought if your lordship think it worth the stretching forth your noble hand. Having written so lately to your lordship, I shorten this letter, only desiring your lordship to give Mr. Matthew the same freedom to propound or advise with your lordship concerning my business, as heretofore you have vouchsafed; and resting MS. Gibson, Lambeth Lib. 936. fol. 184. d. See the original, vol. xii. 443. †The remainder is in Lord Bacon's hand. To his very loving Friends, the Parishioners and Feoffees for the Poor of the Parish of St. Alldats, in Oxford. After my hearty commendations, I send you here inclosed a copy of an order made by the late Lord Chancellor, my predecessor, in the cause depending in Chancery between Edmond Blyth, plaintiff, against John Phillips and others, defendants, and formerly directed by his lordship's letters unto you, to show cause why a decree made by commissioners for charitable purposes should not be confirmed by decree of the Chancery, which hitherto you have not done; and, therefore, it was desired that it might be decreed accordingly, which I have forborne to do, but have thought fit to recontinue the said order, and to renew the said letters unto you, requiring you to show good cause by the second return of the next term, why the commissioners' decree should not be confirmed, otherwise the plaintiff is to have his lease decreed as he hath desired. So wishing you due respect herein, I bid you farewell, From York House, this 13th of February, 1619. Your loving Friend, FR. VERULAM. LETTERS FROM MALLET. To the Lord Viscount Villiers. It may please your Lordship, I pray let his majesty understand, that although my Lord Chancellor's answer, touching the dismission of the Farmer's cause, was full of respect and duty, yet I would be glad to avoid an express signification from his majesty, if his majesty may otherwise have his end. And therefore I have thought of a course, that a motion be made in open court, and that thereupon my lord move a compromise to some to be named on either part, with bond to stand to their award. And as I find this to be agreeable to my Lord Chancellor's disposition, so I do not find but the Farmers and the other party are willing enough towards it. And therefore his majesty may be pleased to forbear any other letter or message touching that business. God ever keep your lordship. Your Lordship's true and most devoted Servant, Jan. 23, 1616. FR. BACON. |