He was not employed by Cecil in the Winchester trials of Raleigh, Grey, and Cobham, three years afterwards, nor in those connected with the Gunpowder Plot.

He was called upon now because no one could so much damage Essex; and this last proof of his ready service was required by those whose favour, since Essex had gone hopelessly wrong, he had been diligently seeking.

And Bacon acquiesced in the demand, apparently without surprise.

No record remains to show that he felt any difficulty in playing his part.

He had persuaded himself that his public duty, his duty as a good citizen to the Queen and the commonwealth, demanded of him that he should obey the call to do his best to bring a traitor to punishment.
Public duty has claims on a man as well as friendship, and in many conceivable cases claims paramount to those of friendship.