Only I humbly pray you to believe that I aspire to the conscience and commendation first of _bonus civis_, which with us is a good and true servant to the Queen, and next of _bonus vir_, that is an honest man.

I desire your Lordship also to think that though I confess I love some things much better than I love your Lordship--as the Queen's service, her quiet and contentment, her honour, her favour, the good of my country, and the like--yet I love few persons better than yourself, both for gratitude's sake and for your own virtues, which cannot hurt but by accident or abuse.

Of which my good affection I was ever ready and am ready to yield testimony by any good offices, but with such reservations as yourself cannot but allow; for as I was ever sorry that your Lordship should fly with waxen wings, doubting Icarus's fortune, so for the growing up of your own feathers, specially ostrich's, or any other save of a bird of prey, no man shall be more glad.

And this is the axletree whereupon I have turned and shall turn, which to signify to you, though I think you are of yourself persuaded as much, is the cause of my writing; and so I commend your Lordship to God's goodness.
From Gray's Inn, this 20th day of July, 1600.
"Your Lordship's most humbly, "FR.

BACON." To this letter Essex returned an answer of dignified reserve, such as Bacon might himself have dictated-- "MR.