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 CHAPTER IX

ROBERT CECIL, FIRST EARL OF SALISBURY

(continued)

ON the death of Essex (February, 1601) the power and influence of Sir Robert were largely enhanced. While Essex lived, he would tolerate no division of service. Those who followed him, must give no allegiance to Cecil. " As for your Honour," wrote Sir F. Gorges after Essex's death, " the opposition was so apparent between you two as there was no possibility for me to ' interest ' myself in you without abjuring of him, and so must have manifested my dishonest humour and fickle disposition. ... I vow to God I did endeavour, by what means I was able, the reconciliation of your Honour and him ; but he answered me that he would receive no good from you or by your means. The truth of this his soul can testify." l But when Essex was dead, his followers soon transferred their allegiance to his former rival.

It was at this time that Cecil entered upon the " secret correspondence " with King James of Scotland, which had so great an influence, not only on his own fortunes, but on the future of

1 April 27th, 1601 (Hatfield MSS., XI. 179 ; and see Introduction to that volume).

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