So that the real charge against Bacon assumes, to us who have not to deal practically with dangerous abuses, but to judge conduct and character, a different complexion.

Instead of being the wickedness of perverting justice and selling his judgments for bribes, it takes the shape of allowing and sharing in a dishonourable and mischievous system of payment for service, which could not fail to bring with it temptation and discredit, and in which fair reward could not be distinguished from unlawful gain.

Such a system it was high time to stop; and in this rough and harsh way, which also satisfied some personal enmities, it was stopped.

We may put aside for good the charge on which he was condemned, and which in words he admitted--of being corrupt as a judge.

His real fault--and it was a great one--was that he did not in time open his eyes to the wrongness and evil, patent to every one, and to himself as soon as pointed out, of the traditional fashion in his court of eking out by irregular gifts the salary of such an office as his.
Thus Bacon was condemned both to suffering and to dishonour; and, as has been observed, condemned without a trial.