The vastness, the difficulties, the attractions of that conquest of all knowledge which he dreamed of, were becoming greater every day to his thoughts.

The law, without which he could not live, took up time and brought in little.

Attendance on the Court was expensive, yet indispensable, if he wished for place.

His mother was never very friendly, and thought him absurd and extravagant.
Debts increased and creditors grumbled.

The outlook was discouraging, when his friendship with Essex opened to him a more hopeful prospect.
In the year 1593 the Attorney-General's place was vacant, and Essex, who in that year became a Privy Councillor, determined that Bacon should be Attorney-General.