I send now to know how his majesty doth after his remove, and to give you account, that yesterday was a day of motions in the Chancery. This day was a day of motions in the Star Chamber, and it was my hap to clear the bar, that no man was left to move any thing, which my lords were pleased to note they never saw before. Tomorrow is a sealing day; Thursday is the funeral day; so that I pray your lordship to direct me whether I shall attend his majesty Friday or Saturday. Friday hath some relics of business, I forget not Tufton's cause. All things stay, and the commissioners of treasure have appointed and precedents are in search. TO THE KING.⭑ MAY IT PLEASE YOUR MOST EXCELLENT MAJESTY, According to your majesty's pleasure, signified to us by the Lord Marquis Buckingham, we have considered of the fitness and conveniency of the gold and silver thread business, as also the profit that may accrue unto your majesty. We are all of opinion that it is convenient that the same should be settled, having been brought hither at the great charge of your majesty's now agents, and being a means to set many of your poor subjects on work; and to this purpose there was a former certificate to your majesty from some of us with others. to meet; but to see his majesty is to me above all. I have set down, de bene esse, Suffolk's cause, the third sitting next term; if the wind suffer the commission of Ireland to be sped. I ever more Your lordship hath sent so good news to his majesty that I could have wished you had been the reporter of it yourself; but seeing you came not, I cannot but give you thanks for employing And for the profit that will arise, we see no cause to doubt; but do conceive apparent likeli-me in the delivering of that which pleased his hood, that it will redound much to your majesty's profit, which we esteem may be at the least ten thousand pounds by the year; and, therefore, in a business of such benefit to your majesty, it were good it were settled with all convenient speed, by all lawful means that may be thought of; which, notwithstanding, we most humbly leave to your majesty's highest wisdom. Your majesty's most humble and faithful servants, FR. VERULAM, Canc. majesty so well, whereof he will put your lordship in mind when he seeth you. I am glad we are come so near together, and hoping to see you at Windsor, I rest Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, G. BUCKINGHAM. August 29th, 1619. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MY HONOURABLe Lord, As I was reading your lordship's letter, his majesty came, and took it out of my hands, when he knew from whom it came, before I could read the paper enclosed, and told me that you had done like a wise counsellor; first setting down the state of the question, and then propounding the difficulties, the rest being to be done in its own time. I am glad of this occasion of writing to your lordship, that I may now let your lordship understand his majesty's good conceit and acceptation of your service, upon your discourse with him at Windsor; which, though I heard not myself, yet I heard his majesty much commend it, both for the method and the affection you showed therein to his affairs, in such earnest manner, as if you inade it your only study and care to advance his | of the chief justices and the learned counsel, was majesty's service. And so I rest Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, Wanstead, September 9th, 1619. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MY HONOURABLE Lord, conceived agreeable to his majesty's meaning and directions; yet, lest we should err, we thought good to send it to his majesty. It is to be returned with speed, or else there will be no day in court to make it. God bless and prosper you. I rest Your lordship's most obliged friend November 28th, 1619. FR. VERULAM, Canc. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MY HONOURABLE Lord, I have received your letters by both your servants, and have acquainted his majesty with them, who is exceedingly pleased with the course you have held in the Earl of Suffolk's business, and holdeth himself so much the more beholden to you, because you sent the letter of your own motion, without order or consent of the lords, where- I have acquainted his majesty with your lordby his majesty is not tied to an answer. His ship's letter, and with the submission you sent majesty hath understood by many how worthily drawn for Sir Thomas Lake, which his majesty your lordship hath carried yourself both in this liketh well, and, because he served him in so and the Dutch business; for which he hath com- | honourable a place, is graciously pleased that he manded me to give you thanks in his name; and maketh submission in writing, so that my Lady seeth your care to be so great in all things that of Exeter be contented and the lords, whom his concern his service, that he cannot but much majesty would have you acquaint therewith. And rejoice in the trust of such a servant, which is no so I rest less comfort to Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, Royston, October 23d, 1619. Endorsed, On my Lord of Bucks, enclosing a letter of submission from my Lord of Suffolk. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MY HONOURABle Lord, The news of this victory hath so well pleased his majesty, that he giveth thanks to all; and I, among the rest, who had no other part but the delivering of your letter, had my part of his good acceptation, which he would have rewarded after the Roman fashion with every man a garland, if it had been now in use; but after the fashion of his gracious goodness, he giveth your lordship thanks; and would have you deliver the like, in his majesty's name, to Sir Edward Coke and the judges. Your news, which came the first, gave his majesty a very good breakfast, and I hope his health will be the better after it. Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, October 14th, 1619. Endorsed, Your lordship's faithful friend and servant, TO THE MARQUIS of BUCKINGHAM. We sentence to-morrow, but I write to-day, because I would not leave the king in suspense. I shall write not so good news as I would, but better than I expected. We met amongst ourselves to-day, which I find was necessary more than convenient. I gave aim that the meeting was not to give a privie verdict, or to determine what was a good proof or not a good proof, nor who was guilty or not guilty, but only to think of some fit proportion of the fines, that there might be less distraction in the sentence, in a cause so scattered; some would have entered into the matter itself, but I made it good and kept them from it. I perceive the old defendants will be censured as well as the new, (which was the goal,) and I am persuaded the king will have a great deal of honour of the cause. Their fines will be moderate, but far from contemptible. The attorney did very well to-day; I perceive he is a better pleader than a director, and more eloquent than Thanks on the Success in the Ore Tenus against considerate. the Dutch. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD LORD, I send the submission of Sir Thomas Laque, drawn in such form as, upon a meeting with me Little thinks the king what ado I have here, but I am sure I acquit my trust. To-morrow I will write particularly. God ever preserve you. Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant, FR. VERULAM, Canc. Tuesday Afternoon, this 7th Dec., 1619. But still it must be effect more than they can. remembered, that the stringing of the harp, nor the tuning of it will not serve, except it be well played on from time to time. If his majesty's business or commandments require it, I will attend him at Windsor, though I would be glad to be spared, because quick airs at this time of the year do affect me. At London, and so at Theobalds and Hampton Court, I will not fail, God willing, to wait upon his majesty. Meanwhile I am exceeding glad to hear his majesty hath been lusty and well this progress. Thus, much desiring to see your lordship, cujus amor tantum mihi crescit in horas, (as the poet saith,) I ever remain Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant, FR. VERULAM, Canc. Gorhambury, this 30th August, 1620. January 24th, 1619. Your lordship's ever, FR. VERULAM, Canc. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD Lord, I doubt not but Sir Giles Montpesson adveriseth your lordship how our revenue business proceeds. I would his majesty had rested upon the first names; for the additionals, specially the exchequer man, doth not only weaken the matter, but weakeneth my forces in it, he being thought to have been brought in across. But I go on, and hope good service will be done. For the commissions to be published in the Star Chamber, for which it pleaseth his majesty to give me special thanks, I will have special care of them in time. God ever prosper you. Your lordship's most obliged friend and faithful servant, February 10, 1619. FR. VERULAM, Canc. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD Lord, One gave me a very good precept for the stone; that I should think of it most when I feel it least. This I apply to the king's business, which surely I revolve most when I am least in action, whereof, at my attendance, I will give his majesty such account as can proceed from my poor and mean abilities, which as his majesty, out of grace, may think to be more than they are, so I, out of desire, may think sometime they can TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD LORD, The tobacco business is well settled in all points. For the coals, they that brought the offer to Secretary Calvert, do very basely shrink from their words; but we are casting about to piece it and perfect it. The two goose quills, Maxwell and Alured, have been pulled, and they have made submissions in that kind which the board thought fit for we would not do them the honour to require a recantation of their opinion, but an acknowledgment of their presumption. His majesty doth very wisely, (not showing much care or dread to it,) yet really to suppress this licentious course of talking and writing. My old Lord Burghley was wont to say, that the Frenchman, when he hath talked, he hath done; but the Englishman, when he hath talked, he begins. It evaporateth malice and discontent in the one, and kindleth it in the other. And therefore, upon some fit occasion, I wish a more public example. The king's states, if I should now die and were opened, would be found at my heart, as Queen Mary said of Calais; we find additionals still, but the consumption goeth on. I pray God give his majesty resolution, passing by at once all impediments and less respects, to do that which may help it, before it be irreniediable. God ever preserve and prosper your lordship. Your lordship's most obliged friend July 23d, 1620. FR. VERULAM, Canc I have stayed the thousand pounds set upon Englefield, for his majesty, and given order for levying it. TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. MY VERY GOOD Lord, I write now only a letter of thanks to his majesty, for that I hear in my absence, he was pleased to express towards me, (though unwor thy,) a great deal of grace and good opinion before his lords; which is much to my comfort, whereunto I must ever impute your lordship as accessary. I have also written to him what sig nification I received from Secretary Naunton, of his majesty's will and pleasure, lest in so great a business, there should be any mistaking. The pain of my foot is gone, but the weakness doth a little remain, so as I hope, within a day or two, to have full use of it. I ever remain October 2d, 1620. FR. VERULAM, Canc. TO THE KING. IT MAY PLEASE YOUR MAJESTY, I thought myself an unfortunate man, that I could not attend you at Theobald's. But I hear that your majesty hath done, as God Almighty useth to do, which is to turn evil into good, in that your majesty hath been pleased upon that occasion to express, before your lords, your gracious opinion and favour towards me, which I most humbly thank your majesty for, and will aspire to deserve. Secretary Naunton this day brought me your pleasure in certain notes: that I should advise with the two chief justices, (old Parliament men,) and Sir Edward Coke, (who is also their senior in that school,) and Sir Randall Crewe, the last speaker, and such other judges as we should think fit, touching that which might in true policy, without packing or degenerate arts, prepare to a Parliament, in case your majesty should resolve of one to be held, and withal he signified to me some particular points, which your majesty very wisely had deduced. All your majesty's business is super cor meum, for I lay it to heart, but this is a business secundum cor meum; and yet, as I will do your majesty all possible good services in it, so I am far from seeking to impropriate to myself the thanks, but shall become omnibus omnia, (as St. Paul saith,) to attain your majesty's ends. As soon as I have occasion, I will write to your majesty touching the same, and will have special care to communicate with my lords in some principal points, though all things are not at first fit for the whole table. I ever rest Your majesty's most bounden October 2d, 1620. and most devoted servant, FR. VERULAM, Canc. Your majesty needeth not to doubt but I shall carry the business with that secrecy which appertaineth. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MY LORD:-I have acquainted his majesty with your letter, and labour in his service, for which he commandeth me to give you thanks, and to let your lordship know, that he liketh exceeding well your method held by the judges, which could not be amended, and concurreth with you in your opinions. First, touching the proclamation, that it should be monitory and persuasive rather than compulsive: and, secondly, that the point concerning the persons, who should be admitted and who avoided, is fit to be kept from the knowledge of the council table, and to be carried with all secrecy. For the business of Ireland, his majesty had heard of it before, and gave commandment to the master of the wards, that it should be hastened and set in hand with all speed, which his majesty doubteth not but is done by this time. Touch ing your advice for a treasurer, his majesty is very mindful of it, and will let you know as much at his return, when he will speak further with your lordship of it: and so I rest Yours, &c. Royston, Oct. 9th, 1620. G. BUCKINGHAM. TO THE LORD CHANCELLOR. MY HONOURABLE LORD, I have showed your letter and the proclamation to his majesty, who expecting only, according as his meaning was, directions therein for the well ordering of the elections of the burgesses, findeth a great deal more, containing matter of state, and the reasons of calling the Parliament; whereof neither the people are capable, nor is it fit for his majesty to open unto them, but to reserve to the time of their assembling, according to the course of his predecessors, which his majesty intendeth to follow. The declaring whereof, in the proclamation, would cut off the ground of his majesty's and your lordship's speech at the proper time; his majesty hath, therefore, extracted somewhat of the latter part of the draught you have sent, purposing to take a few days' space to set down himself what he thinketh fit, and to make it ready against his return hither, or to Theobald's at the furthest, and then to communicate it to your lordship, and the rest of the lords. And so I rest Yours, &c. Royston, Oct. 19th, 1620. G. BUCKINGHAM. TO THE MARquis of BUCKINGHAM. OUR VERY GOOD LORD, This might have been made more manifest as to the presence and acts of the prince in days of sitting, if, through the negligence of officers, the journal books of the Upper House of Parliament, before the reign of King Henry VIII., were not all missing. We thought it our duty to impart to his majesty, by your lordship, one particular of Parliament business, which we hold it our part to relate, though it be too high for us to give our opinion of it. All which we thought it appertained to our care The officers that make out the writs of Parlia- to look through, and faithfully to represent to his ment, addressed themselves to me, the chancellor, majesty. And having agreed secrecy amongst to know whether they should make such a writ ourselves, and enjoined it to the inferior offiof summons to the prince, giving me to under-cers, we humbly desire to know his majesty's stand that there were some precedents of it, which pleasure, whether he will silence the question 1. the chancellor, communicated with the rest of altogether, or make use of it for his service, or the committees for Parliament business, in whose refer it to his council, or what other course he assistance I find so much strength, that I am not will be pleased to take, according to his great willing to do any thing without them. Where- wisdom and good pleasure. upon, we, (according to his majesty's prudent and constant rule, for observing in what reigns the precedents were,) upon diligent search, have found as followeth: That King Edward I. called his eldest son Prince Edward, to his Parliament, in the thirtieth year of his reign, the prince then being about the age of eighteen years; and to another Parliament, In the four-and-thirtieth year of his reign. Edward III. called the Black Prince, his eldest son, to his Parliament in the five-and-twentieth, eight-and twentieth, and two-and-fortieth years of his reign. Henry IV. called Prince Henry to his Parliaments in the first, third, eighth, and eleventh years of his reign, the prince being under age in the three first Parliaments; and we find in particular, that the eighth year, the prince sat in the Upper House in days of business, and recommended a bill to the lords. King Edward IV. called Prince Edward, his son, to his Parliament, in anno 22 of his reign, being within age. King Henry VII. called Prince Arthur to his Parliament in the seventh year of his reign, being within age. Of King Edward VI. we find nothing; his years were tender, and he was not created Prince of Wales. And for Prince Henry, he was created Prince of Wales during the last Parliament at which he lived. We have thought it our duty to relate to his majesty what we have found; and, withal, that the writs of summons to the prince are not much differing from the writs to the peers; for they run in file et ligeancia, and sometimes in fide et homagin in quibus nobis tenemini, and after consilium nobis impensuri circa ardua regni. Whereby it should seem that princes came to Parliament, not only in the days of solemnity, when they came without writ, but also on the days of sitting. And, if it should be so, then the prince may vote, and likewise may be of a committee of the Upper House, and, consequently, may be of a conference with the Lower House, and the like. This we have despatched the sooner, because the writs of summons must have forty days distance from the first days of the Parliament. And for the other parts of our accounts, his majesty shall hear from us, by the grace of God, within few days. Evermore praying for his majesty's prosperity, and wishing your lordship much happiness, Your lordship's to be commanded, York House, Nov. 21st, 1620. FR. VERULAM, Canc., EDW. COKE, HENRY HOBARTE, TO THE MARQUIS OF BUCKINGHAM. We have, these two days past, made report to the board of our Parliament committee, upon relation whereof, for some things we provide, for some things we arm. The king, by my lord treasurer's signification, did wisely put it upon a consult, whether the patents which we mentioned in our joint letters, were at this time to be removed, by act of counci! before Parliament. I opined, (but yet somewhat like Ovid's mistress that strove, but yet as one that would be overcome) that yes. My reasons: That men would go better and faster to the main errand. That these things should not be staged, nor talked of, and so the less fuel to the fire. That in things of this nature, wherein the council had done the like in former particulars (which I enumerated) before Parliament, near Parliament, during Parliament, the council were to keep their wonted sentinel, as if they thought not of a Parliament, to destroy in other patents, as concealments. The reasons on the other side were, That it would be thought but a humouring of the Parliament, (being now in the calends of a Q |