L. L. i. 233.)

"It is worthy of note that, among the many expressions of regret at the royal displeasure, there is no record of any apology
68 FRANCIS BACON
tendered by Bacon for his speech." (Abbott, Introduction to Essays, I. xxix.)
See also the polite but independent letter which Bacon wrote not long afterwards to the Queen herself, ignoring the obnoxious matter of the speech, and applying directly to be employed in the Queen's service. (Spedding, L. L. i. p. 240.)
His speech charging Essex, and his connection with the trial, condemned as perfidious and unpardonable.
" The lamentable truth must be told. This friend, so loved, so trusted, bore a principal part in ruining the EarVs fortunes, in shedding his blood, and in blackening his character," etc. (Macaulay's Essay.)
" To deprive him of all chance of mercy . . . Bacon compared him to the Duke of Guise. . . . The Queen wished a pamphlet to be written to prove that Essex was properly put to death, and she selected Francis Bacon to write it. He, without hesitation, undertook the task. . . . No honourable man would purchase Bacon's subsequent elevation at the price of being the author of this publication," etc. (Campbell, p. 64.)
His speech charging Essex commended as lenient — His con- ducting of the trial explained as being obligatory ; an official duty, etc.
" Bacon closed the case in an eloquent and memorable speech. His own relations with the Earl of Essex, he said, were at an end. Yet, in spite of this avowal, he spoke as the EarVs advocate, rather than as the Queen's ; charging him with hasty expressions, but distinctly freeing him from the charge of disloyalty. Bacon's speech at York House saved Essex in his fortunes and his fame." (Hepworth Dixon's Story of Bacon, p. 162, quoting from Chamberlain to Carleton, July 1 — 26, 1600, Record Office ; Confessions of D. Hayward, July 11, 1600, R. O. ; Abstract of Evidence against Essex, July 22, 1600; Examination of Thos. Wright, July 24, 1600, R. O. ; Moryson, Part II. 68 ; Sydney Papers, II. 200; and see Personal Life.) Basil Montagu and Spedding, II. 367.
" Yet, even when it was made thus sternly and just by the Queen, the ' Declaration of the practises and treasons attempted
AND HIS SECRET SOCIETY. 69
committed by Robt. Devereux, late Earl of Essex, and his complices,' was, perhaps, the most gentle and moderate state paper ever published in any kingdom" etc. (Hepworth Dixon's Story, pp. 186-7 ; see, also, Prof. Fowler's Bacon, pp. 8, 9.)
He incurred the indignation and contempt of his contemporaries on account of the part which he took in Essex's trial.
if
" The base ingratitude and the slavish meanness manifested by Bacon on this occasion called forth the indignation of his contemporaries. . . . For some time after Essex's execution, Bacon was looked upon with aversion," etc. (Campbell, pp. 66, 68.)
"It is certain that his conduct excited great and general disapprobation." (Macaulay, p. 323.)
" The multitude loudly condemned him." (lb. 325 and 326.)
No indignation was exhibited against him on account of the part which he took in Essex1 s trial. He was now honoured more highly than before.
" That the lofty and gentle course which Bacon pursued through these memorable events commanded the admiration of all his contemporaries, save a faction of the defeated band, is a fact of which the proofs are incontestible. . . . If he were thought of with aversion, here were the means, the opportunities for condign revenge. . . . Did the friends of Lord Essex rise on his adversaries ? Was the . . . stone flung at Bacon ? Just the reverse. . . .
" The world had not been with the rebellious Earl, either in his treason at Temple Bar or in his suffering at Tower Hill, and those who had struck down the Papist plot were foremost in the ranks of the new Parliament. Four years ago Bacon had been chosen to represent Ipswich, and the chief town of Suffolk again ratified its choice. But his public acts now won for him a second constituency in St. Albans. Such a double return, always rare in the House of Commons, was the highest compli- ment that could be paid to his political life." (Hep. Dixon, " Story," p. 183. See 184-5, of the Queen revising Bacon's " Declaration " as being too lenient to Essex ; and Notes,