Buckingham kept up appearances by saying a word for him from time to time in Parliament, which he knew would be useless, and which he certainly took no measures to make effective.

It is sometimes said that Buckingham never knew what dissimulation was.

He was capable, at least, of the perfidy and cowardice of utter selfishness.

Bacon's conspicuous fall diverted men's thoughts from the far more scandalous wickedness of the great favourite.

But though there was no plot, though the blow fell upon Bacon almost accidentally, there were many who rejoiced to be able to drive it home.