To wish all readers of your abilities, were unreasonably to multiply the number of scholars beyond the temper of these times. But unto this ill-judging age, we charitably desire a portion of your equity, judgment, candour, and ingenuity; wherein you are so rich, as not to lose by diffusion. And being a flourishing branch of that noble family,[A 1] unto whom we owe so much observance, you are not new set, but long rooted in such perfection; whereof having had so lasting confirmation in your worthy conversation, constant amity, and expression; and knowing you a serious student in the highest arcana of nature; with much excuse we bring these low delights, and poor maniples to your treasure.
Your affectionate Friend and Servant,
Norwich, May 1st.
- ↑ This was the fourth (premier) baronet, grandson of Sir Robert, the third baronet, whose younger brother Nicholas (6th son of the first baronet) was the father of Nicholas, (afterwards Sir Nicholas, Bart, of Gillingham) to whom the present letter was addressed; and who thus was first cousin to Sir Edmund's father. Ultimately the line of Sir Robert, the 3rd baronet, failed; and the premier baronetcy passed into that of his brother Sir Butts Bacon, of Mildenhall, created a baronet, 29th of July, 1627, in the person of whose descendant Sir Richard, in 1755, were united the Redgrave, (or premier) baronetcy of 1611, and Mildenhall of 1627.
