astronomers with respect to physical facts. The result, however, has certainly not as yet been to produce a science of government, or of political society bearing any resemblance to the science of astronomy. In regard to the difficulties attending the pursuit of historical truth, there are some facts in connection with English history which place the matter in a strong light. And as we can hardly be supposed to possess equal facilities for research into the archives of foreign nations, the difficulties encountered with respect to English history may be assumed to increase rather than to diminish when we turn our researches to the history of other countries. As regards the works styled Histories,' Bacon's History of King Henry VII.' contains but this one reference in these words: "The original of this proclamation remaineth with Sir Robert Cotton, from whose manuscripts I have had much light for the furnishing of this work.'1 Consequently, the facts set forth in that history must rest upon Bacon's character for veracity, which hardly stands so high as his character for command over facts;' in other words, for the power of moulding facts to suit his purpose as an advocate. With regard to the manuscript materials in the public archives, while it is true that of late years the public authorities have afforded facilities for the use of those materials by persons engaged in historical inquiries, and also that there has been a considerable degree of activity in the publication of Calendars of the papers in the State Paper Office, it appears to be forgotten that, in almost all the darkest questions, precisely those papers which constitute 1 Montagu's edition of Bacon's Works, vol. iii. p. 318, note. |