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now devoted his energies to his own affairs, which were still embarrassed, and to the business of his profession, in which he was gradually but surely rising. On the 24th of October, 1600, he had been made Double Reader at Gray’s Inn, and had his lectures for the Lent term to prepare on the Statute of Uses.

Up to the 8th of February, 1600-1, it is abundantly evident that Bacon had done his utmost to restore Essex to the Queen’s favour. His efforts were vain, but they were made, and were made, moreover, not only at the risk but with the result of bringing the Queen’s displeasure upon himself. And now came the crisis in which his worst forebodings were more than realised. Essex, left to his own devices and the company and counsel of men who used him as an instrument for their own ends, plunged deeper and deeper in guilt. As long ago as the previous August he had again sounded Montjoy on the subject of an armed demonstration in conjunction with the King of Scotland. But Montjoy turned a deaf ear. Still there were hopes from James. Meanwhile the secret which had hitherto been confined to a few was in danger of being divulged. The discontented spirits of all parties were encouraged to rally round Essex, though without knowing the full extent of the conspiracy they were intended to support. Before Christmas, Essex had determined to secure his access to the Queen in such sort as might not be resisted. Bythe end of January the plot had assumed a definite form. He was ‘resolved not to hazard any more commandments and restraints.’ On the 3rd of February the plan for attacking the Court was made and the parts assigned to the conspirators. Sir Christopher Blount was to seize the utter gate, Sir Charles Davers the presence, and Sir John Davies the hall and water-gate. The guard being overpowered and the Queen’s person secured, the Earl and his company were to enter from the Mews, and make their own terms. Cecil, Ralegh, and Cobham were to be removed. They had no intention of injuring the Queen; but, as Blount confessed on the scaffold, they were prepared, rather than