We at least know that his rivals dabbled in intrigue and foolish speeches as well as he; that little more than two years afterwards Raleigh and Grey and Cobham were condemned for treason in much the same fashion as he was; that Cecil to the end of his days--with whatever purpose--was a pensioner of Spain.
The question was not whether Essex was guilty.

The question for Bacon was, whether it was becoming in him, having been what he had been to Essex, to take a leading part in proceedings which were to end in his ruin and death.

He was not a judge.

He was not a regular law officer like Coke.

His only employment had been casual and occasional.