Page:Essays of Francis Bacon 1908 Scott.djvu/47

Rh "Without stopping to change his dress, travel-stained as he was, he sought the Queen in her chamber, and found her newly-risen, with her hair about her face. He kneeled to her and kissed her hands. Elizabeth, taken by surprise, gave way to her old partiality for him, and the pleasure she always had in his company. He left her presence much pleased with her reception, and thanked God, though he had suffered much trouble and storm abroad, that he had found a sweet calm at home."

The next day the Earl of Essex was ordered into the custody of the Lord Keeper Egerton, at York House. After several months' delay, Essex was brought before a special commission at York House, June 5, 1600. Bacon as one of the Queen's counsel took a minor part in the prosecution. Essex was acquitted of disloyalty, but found guilty of disobedience in neglecting his orders and deserting his command. He was sentenced to be suspended from all his offices and to be imprisoned in his own house during the Queen's pleasure. Bacon by the Queen's order drew up an account of the proceedings of the Privy Council in the case. When he read this paper to her for criticism, he had touched so lightly upon Essex's offences in one passage that Elizabeth smiled, and said "she perceived old love could not easily be forgotten." Bacon's quick wit at once turned the expression back upon her. "Whereupon I answered suddenly, that I hoped she meant that by herself."

In a short time Essex was released from sequestration, but was forbidden to come to Court. The Rh