1483. The great lord Bacon died, aged 66. He fell from distinguished
station to low estate, by having cultivated high wisdom at the expense
of every day wisdom. “Lord Bacon,” says Rushworth, “was eminent over all
the christian world for his many excellent writings. He was no admirer
of money, yet he had the unhappiness to be defiled therewith. He
treasured up nothing for himself, yet died in debt.” His connivance at
the bribery of his servants made them his master and wrought his ruin.
The gifts of suitors in the chancery rendered him suspected, but his
decrees were so equitable that no one was ever reversed for its
injustice.
Let him who lacking wisdom desires to know, and who willing to be taught
will patiently learn, make himself master of “Bacon’s Essays.” It is a
book more admired than read, and more read than understood, because of
higher thought than most readers dare to compass. He who has achieved
the “Essays” has a master-key to Bacon’s other works, and consequently
every department of English literature.
1747. Lord Lovat was executed on Tower-hill, for high treason, at the
age of 90. He was a depraved, bad man; and the coolness with which he
wrought his profligate purposes, throughout an abandoned life, he
carried to the scaffold.
1807. John Opie, the artist, died. He was born in Cornwall in 1761;
self-taught in his youth he attained to high rank as an English
historical painter, and at his death was professor of painting at the
Royal Academy.
* * * * *