These examples confirmed me much in a resolution (whereunto I was otherwise inclined) to spend my time wholly in writing; and to put forth that poor talent, or half talent, or what it is, that God hath given me, not as heretofore to particular exchanges, but to banks or mounts of perpetuity, which will not break.2 Therefore having not long since set forth a part of my Instauration; which is the work, that in mine own judgment (si nunquam fallit imago) I do most esteem; I think to proceed in some new parts thereof.* And although I have received from many parts beyond the seas, testimonies touching that work, such as beyond which I could not expect 5 at the first in so abstruse an argument; yet nevertheless I have just cause to doubt, that it flies too high over men's heads: 6 I have a purpose therefore (though I break the order of time) to draw it down to the sense, by some patterns of a Natural Story and Inquisition. And again, for that my book of Advancement of Learning may be

1 concessum mihi tempus.

2 utque talentum a Deo concreditum, non ut prius Trapezitis particularibus, sed excambiis publicis, quæ nunquam exhaurientur et usuram pro certo reddent, committerem.

8 ante annos aliquot.

4 decrevi certe in cæteris ejus partibus minime defatisci. Quod etiam nunc

ago.

For "I think to proceed" the Cambridge MS. has "I have proceeded.” 5 quibus non potuerim majora, cum tam insigni approbatione et honore . . . . expectare.

6 hominum, præsertim vulgaris judicii.

▾ per exempla quædam et portiones Naturalis Historiæ, et Inquisitiones super eam: quod etiam ex parte feci.

The Historia Ventorum was published about the beginning of November 1622, and the Historia Vita et Mortis about the end of the following January; after the English version of this letter was written, probably, and before it was translated. In the Cambridge MS., which appears to be of an earlier date than Rawley's copy, the last sentence stands thus: "I have taken a course to draw it down to the sense, which cannot fail."

some preparative, or key, for the better opening of the Instauration; because it exhibits a mixture of new conceits and old; whereas the Instauration gives the new unmixed, otherwise than with some little aspersion of the old for taste's sake; I have thought good to procure a translation of that book into the general language, not without great and ample additions 2 and enrichment thereof, especially in the second book, which handleth the Partition of Sciences; in such sort, as I hold it may serve in lieu of the first part of the Instauration, and acquit my promise in that part. Again, because I cannot altogether desert the civil person that I have borne; which if I should forget, enough would remember; I have also entered into a work touching Laws, propounding a character of Justice, in a middle term, between the speculative and reverend discourses of philosophers, and the writings of lawyers which are tied and obnoxious to their particular laws. And although it be true, that I had a purpose to make a particular digest or recompilement of the laws of mine own nation; yet because it is a work of assistance, and that that I cannot master by mine own forces and pen,5 1 have laid it aside. Now having in the work of my

1 consentaneum putavi opus illud in linguam generalem ex vernacula vertere. 2 The Cambridge MS. has "not without some addition."

8 idque ita cumulate præstiti, ut judicem librum illum, jam in plures divisum, pro primâ Instaurationis parte haberi posse; quam Partitionum Scientiarum nomine antea insignivi: et sic fidem meam in hâc parte liberari confido. Atque hoc etiam jam peractum est.

The De Augmentis Scientiarum was published in the autumn of 1623.

4 The following sentence is added in the translation. Hoc autem opus, quoniam tantum absorpturum fuisset temporis, atque alia jure præcedere deberent, infectum reliqui: solummodo portiunculam ejus quandam, ad exemplar, in uno ex libris De Augmentis Scientiarum (octavo scilicet) exhibui. 5 quia plurimorum manibus indigebat neque ex me solo pendebat.

Instauration had in contemplation the general good of men in their very being, and the dowries of nature; and in my work of Laws, the general good of men likewise in society, and the dowries of government; I though in duty I owed somewhat unto mine own country, which I ever loved; insomuch as although my place hath been far above my desert, yet my thoughts and cares concerning the good thereof were beyond and over and above my place: so now being (as 1 am) no more able to do my country serview it remained unto me to do it bencar: which I have endeavoured to do in my work of The reign of King Henry the Seventh. As fe my Essays and some other particulars of that water. I event dem but as the recreations of my other studies, and in that sent parese de contàrie them :* Souch Ian wis has those kind of writings would with less and enticement (perhaps) veidi more use and repwaliou to my name than those her when I rein band. But Lacevant he be hat a man donki seš a de puasaing of his own writings bhoes his teach

to be but an untimely anticipation of that which is proper to follow a man and not to go along with him.1

But revolving with myself my writings, as well those which I have published, as those which I had in hand, methought they went all into the city, and none into the temple; 2 where because I have found so great consolation, I desire likewise to make some poor oblation. Therefore I have chosen an argument mixt of religious and civil considerations and likewise mixt between contemplative and active,8 For who can tell whether .there may not be an Eroriere aliquis? Great matters (especially if they be religious) have (many times) small beginnings: and the platform may draw on the building. This work, because I was ever an enemy to flattering dedications, I have dedicated to your lordship, in respect of our ancient and private acquaintance; and because amongst the men of our times I hold you in special

reverence.

Your lordship's loving friend,

FR. ST. ALBAY,

1 This sentence is omitted in the translation: and instead of it the following is inserted. Quinctium libellum meum De Sapientia Veterum, ut at interite tufior esset, in Tomo Operum meorum Moralium et Politicorum rursus edendum curavi.

* Exceptis paucis the translation adde, alicubi enspersie, yuve ad keliyi onem spectant.

* Tractatum, scilicet De Bello Sacro.