the possibility and worth of this matter.  But all this while I assure myself, I cannot be mistaken by your Lordship, as if I sought an office or employment for myself.  For no man knoweth better than your Lordship, that (if there were in me any faculty thereunto, as I am most unable), yet neither my fortune nor profession would permit it.  But because there be so many good painters both for hand and colors, it needeth but encouragement and instructions to give life and light unto it.

So in all humbleness I conclude my presenting to your good Lordship this wish:  that if it perish it is but a loss of that which is not.  And thus craving pardon that I have taken so much time from your Lordship, I always remain

     Your Lps. very humbly and much bounden

FR. BACON.

GRAY’S INN, this 2d of April, 1605.

TO VILLIERS ON HIS PATENT AS VISCOUNT

From ‘Letters and Life,’ by James Spedding

Sir: 

I have sent you now your patent of creation of Lord Blechly of Blechly, and of Viscount Villiers.  Blechly is your own, and I like the sound of the name better than Whaddon; but the name will be hid, for you will be called Viscount Villiers.  I have put them both in a patent, after the manner of the patents of Earls where baronies are joined; but the chief reason was, because I would avoid double prefaces which had not been fit; nevertheless the ceremony of robing and otherwise must be double.

And now, because I am in the country, I will send you some of my country fruits; which with me are good meditations; which when I am in the city are choked with business.

After that the King shall have watered your new dignities with his bounty of the lands which he intends you, and that some other things concerning your means which are now likewise in intention shall be settled upon you; I do not see but you may think your private fortunes established; and, therefore, it is now time that you should refer your actions chiefly to the good of your sovereign and your country.  It is the life of an ox or beast always to eat, and never to exercise; but men are born (and especially Christian men), not to cram in their fortunes, but to exercise their virtues; and yet the other hath been the unworthy, and (thanks be to God) sometimes the unlucky humor of great persons in our times.  Neither will your further fortune be the further off:  for assure yourself that fortune is of a woman’s nature, that will sooner follow you by slighting than by too much wooing.  And in this dedication of yourself to the public, I recommend unto you principally that which I think was never done since I was born; and which not done hath bred almost a wilderness and solitude in the King’s service; which is, that you countenance, and encourage, and advance able men and virtuous men, and meriting men in all kinds, degrees, and professions.