The King did not want what he offered, did not want his histories, did not want his help about law.

Well, then, he had work of his own on which his heart was set; and if the King did not want his time, he had the more for himself.

Even in the busy days of his Chancellorship he had prepared and carried through the press the _Novum Organum_, which he published on the very eve of his fall.

It was one of those works which quicken a man's powers, and prove to him what he can do; and it had its effect.

His mind was never more alert than in these years of adversity, his labour never more indefatigable, his powers of expression never more keen and versatile and strong.