But it is not only the difficulty and labor, which men take in finding out of truth, nor again, that when it is found, it imposeth upon men’s thoughts, that doth bring lies in favor but a natural, though corrupt love, of the lie itself. And though the sects of philosophers of that kind be gone, yet there remain certain dis- coursing wits, which are of the same veins, though there be not so much blood in them, as was in those of the ancients. Certainly there be, that delight in giddiness, and count it a bondage to fix a belief affecting free-will in thinking, as well as in acting. WHAT is truth? said jesting Pilate,and would not stay for an answer. Your Graces most Obliged and faithfull Servant, My Instauration, I dedicated to the King: My Historie of Henry the Seventh, (which I have now also translated into Latine) and my Portions of Naturall History, to the Prince: And these I dedicate to your Grace Being of the best Fruits, that by the good Encrease, which God gives to my Pen and Labours, I could yeeld. For I doe conceive, that the Latine Volume of them, (being in the Universall Language) may last, as long as Bookes last. I thought it therefore agreeable, to my Affection, and Obligation to your Grace, to prefix your Name before them, both in English, and in Latine. I have enlarged them, both in Number, and Weight So that they are indeed a New Worke.

I doe now publish my Essayes which, of all my other workes, have beene most Currant: For that, as it seemes, they come home, to Mens Businesse, and Bosomes. And you have planted Things, that are like to last. For your Fortune, and Merit both, have been Eminent. SALOMON saies A good Name is as a precious oyntment And I assure my selfe, such wil your Graces Name bee, with Posteritie. Of the True Greatness of Kingdoms and Estates Of Regiment of Health

The essays of sir francis bacon