In
the original nature, not without the active blessings, and so left
it as a task fitter for remoter times, and the sallies of some
bolder pencil to correct that which is amiss, and draw the rest up
to life, than for me to have endeavoured it. I took it in
consideration, how I might have dashed into it much of the stain of
pollution, and thereby have defaced that little which is done; for I
profess I have taken care to master my pen, that I might not err
ANIMO, {69} or of set purpose discolour each or any of the parts
thereof, otherwise than in concealment. Haply there are some who
will not approve of this modesty, but will censure it for
pusillanimity, and, with the cunning artist, attempt to draw their
line further out at length, and upon this of mine, which way (with
somewhat more ease) it may be effected; for that the frame is ready
made to their hands, and then haply I could draw one in the midst of
theirs, but that modesty in me forbids the defacements in men
departed, their posterity yet remaining, enjoying the merit of their
virtues, and do still live in their honour. And I had rather incur
the censure of abruption, than to be conscious and taken in the
manner, sinning by eruption, or trampling on the graves of persons
at rest, which living we durst not look in the face, nor make our
addresses unto them, otherwise than with due regard to their
honours, and reverence to their virtues.
LORD HERBERT.
The accomplished, the brave, and romantic Lord Herbert of Cherbury
was born in this reign, and laid the foundation of that admirable
learning of which he was afterwards a complete master.
Footnotes:
{1} His name was Sir Thomas Falconer.
{2} This is not true, for her legitimacy was with good reason
contested.
{3} This is a mistake; her epitaph says stipendia constituit tribus
hoc coenobio monachis et doctori grammatices apud Wynbourne.
{4} Sir Giles Dawbney; he was not Earl of Bridgewater, not a Lord.
{5} This romantic inscription probably alluded to Philip II., who
wooed the Queen after her sister's death; and to the destruction of
his Armada.
{6} This probably alluded to the woollen manufacture; Stow mentions
his riding through the Cloth Fair on the Eve of St. Bartholomew.
{7} The collar of SS.
{8} He probably means rushes.
{9} Her father had been treated with the same deference. It is
mentioned by Foxe in his "Acts and Monuments," that when the Lord
Chancellor went to apprehend Queen Catherine Parr, he spoke to the
King on his knees. King James I. suffered his courtiers to omit it.
{10} Lord Treasurer Burleigh died August 4, 1598.
