"_Coming home to men's business_" (Vol. vii., p.235.).--It is hardly
requisite to state to the readers of "N. & Q.," that many editions of
Bacon's memorable, beautiful, and didactic _Essays_ appeared in the
distinguished author's lifetime, obviously having experienced (proved by
prefatory epistles of different dates) the repeated revision and
emendations of the writer. The _Essays_ were clearly favourites with him,
as well as with the then reading public. They were first published in 1597,
preceded by a letter addressed "To M. Anthony Bacon, his deare Brother."
The _ninth_ edition was issued the year before his death, which took place
April 9, 1626. In that edition is added a dedication "To the Right
Honorable my very good Lo. the Duke of Buckingham, his Grace Lo. High
Admirall of England;" signed, "FR. ST. ALBAN:" previous signatures being
"Fran. Bacon" (1597); "Fr. Bacon" (1612); "Fra. Bacon" (no date). In this
dedication to the Duke of Buckingham first appeared the passage inquired
about: "I doe now (he tells the Duke) publish my _Essayes_; which, of all
my other workes, haue beene most current: for that, as it seems, they _come
home to Men's Businesse and Bosomes_."--How accurate, yet modest, an
appreciation of his labours!