As things were drifting, it seemed as if Bacon might have to fight the legal question of the prerogative in the form of a criminal charge, and be called upon to answer the accusation of being the minister of a crown which legal language pronounced absolute, and of a King who interpreted legal language to the letter; and further, to meet his accusers after the King himself had disavowed what his servant had done.

What passed between Bacon and the King is confused and uncertain; but after his speech the King could scarcely have thought of interfering with the inquiry.

The proceedings went on; Committees were named for the several points of inquiry; and Bacon took part in these arrangements.

It was a dangerous position to have to defend himself against an angry House of Commons, led and animated by Coke and Cranfield.

But though the storm had rapidly thickened, the charges against the referees were not against him alone.