Page:Essays of Francis Bacon 1908 Scott.djvu/41

Rh imagery. One of the discourses of the 'device' of 1592, he shortly afterwards enlarged into an argumentative defence of the Queen's government.

The Earl of Essex was at the height of his power and influence at Court during these years when the Queen graciously permitted him to entertain her now and then with a masque. More than any other Elizabethan nobleman, Essex seemed to possess the qualities then considered necessary in the perfect courtier. He was of noble birth; he had a handsome face and manly bearing; his manners were winning; he was generous, gallant, and brave. He was also impulsive, headstrong, jealous, and imperious. But if he had not been endowed with the more serious and sober qualities of an able man, his relations to Bacon could not have been what they were. He was the first person at Court to understand and appreciate the great intellect and ready wit of Bacon. He used his influence with the Queen to urge the advancement of his political secretary. But he was soon to learn that even as the reigning favorite he was not all-powerful at Elizabeth's Court. She made a sharp distinction between business and pleasure, and the Cecils, father and son, controlled the business of her government.

In 1593, a vacancy was about to occur in the office of Attorney-General. Bacon fixed his eye on the place and Essex encouraged his candidacy. The Cecils thought him too young and inexperienced for so important a post, and proposed to promote the Solicitor-General, Sir Edward Coke. The Queen Rh