It can hardly have been in pursuance of previous
arrangements; for though it was customary in those days to
distribute the evidence into parts and to assign several parts to
several counsel, there had been no appearance as yet of any part
being concluded. It is probable that the course of the trial had
upset previous arrangements and confused the parts. At any rate so
it was, however it came to pass, that when Cecil and Essex had at
last finished their expostulation and parted with charitable
prayers, each that the other might be forgiven, then (says our
reporter) Mr. Bacon entered into a speech much after this fashion:
"'In speaking of this late and horrible rebellion which hath been
in the eyes and ears of all men, I shall save myself much labour in
opening and enforcing the points thereof, insomuch as I speak not
before a country jury of ignorant men, but before a most honourable
assembly of the greatest Peers of the land, whose wisdoms conceive
far more than my tongue can utter; yet with your gracious and
honourable favours I will presume, if not for information of your
Honours, yet for the discharge of my duty, to say thus much.
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