n him which had already
been in progress. A second accusation (Edward Egerton's case) followed
immediately after, and was investigated by the House, who, satisfied that
they had just matter for reprehension, appointed the 19th for a conference
with the Lords. On that day Bacon, as he had feared, was too ill to attend.
He wrote[30] to the Lords excusing his absence, requesting them to appoint
a convenient time for his defence and cross-examination of witnesses, and
imploring them not to allow their minds to be prejudiced against him, at
the same time declaring that he would not "trick up an innocency with
cavillations, but plainly and ingenuously declare what he knew or
remembered." The charges rapidly accumulated, but Bacon still looked upon
them as party moves, and was in hopes of defending himself.[31] Nor did he
seem to have lost his courage, if we are to believe the common reports of
the day,[32] though certainly they do not appear worthy of very much
credit.

The notes[33] bearing upon the interview which he obtained with the king
show that he had begun to see more clearly the nature and extent of the
offences with which he was charged, that he now felt it impossible
altogether to exculpate himself, and that his hopes were directed towards
obtaining some mitigation of his sentence. The long roll of charges made
upon the 19th of April finally decided him; he gave up all idea of defence,
and wrote to the king begging him to show him favour in this emergency.[34]
The next day he sent in a general confession to the Lords,[35] trusting
that this would be considered satisfactory. The Lords, however, decided
that it was not sufficient as a ground for their censure, and demanded a
detailed and particular confession. A list of twenty-eight charges was then
sent him, to which an answer by letter was required. On the 30th of April
his "confession and humble submission"[36] was handed in. In it, after
going over the several instances, he says, "I do again confess, that on the
points charged upon me, although they should be taken as myself have
declared them, there is a great deal of corruption and neglect; for which I
am heartily and penitently sorry, and submit myself to the judgment, grace,
and mercy of the court."[37] On the 3rd of May, after considerable
discussion, the Lords decided upon the sentence, which was,[38] That he
should undergo fine and ransom of L40,000; that he should be imprisoned in
the Tower during the king