THE FIRST EARL OF SALISBURY 155
influence waned, the bitterness between the two factions increased.
Matters were brought to a pitch in 1594, by the efforts of Essex to obtain the office of Attorney- General for Francis Bacon, to which the Queen would not consent. The Cecils evidently thought that Bacon, an untried man, had no chance of receiving so high a post, for which Coke, a man with a great reputation and nine years Bacon's senior, had far higher claims. They therefore considered it injudicious to apply for it. Essex, with his usual impetuosity and indiscretion, spoilt whatever chance Bacon might have had by urging his claims on the Queen in season and out of season. On one occasion Sir Robert expressed his surprise that he " should go about to spend his strength in so unlikely or impossible a matter," and added, " If at least your lordship had spoken of the Solicitorship that might be of easier digestion to her Majesty." " Digest me no digesting," burst out the Earl, " for the Attorneyship is that I must have for Francis Bacon ; and in that will I spend all my uttermost credit, friendship and authority against whom- soever." The Attorney-Generalship was not filled up for a year (April, 1594), but when it was finally decided in favour of Coke, the Cecils both backed Bacon warmly for the Solicitorship. In reply to a letter in which Bacon asks him to use his influence, and that of his father in his favour, Sir Robert says, " I protest I suffer with you in mind that you are thus yet gravelled ; but
�� �
