PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION. DURING the four months that have elapsed since the publication of my little book comparing Bacon and Shakspere, I have continued my studies at the British Museum and elsewhere, so as to be able somewhat to correct its errors and expand its materials in a second edition. The enormous mass of matter at our disposal makes it impossible to do this either thoroughly or fully. What I have aimed at is, first, to suggest the lines of greatest distinction in Life, Character, and Writing, without attempting to exhaust them (except in the one new illustration), so that all may be tempted to read for themselves and "see if these things be so." All may or ought to be possessors of the works of Shakspere and Bacon, and should be able to read them at home. Second, to put before all, in a concise form, the most important information to be derived from antecedent, contemporary, and later literature, as only those who live near some great treasure-house of books like the British Museum are able to do, by seeing and comparing them together. I have seen the originals of all I quote, except four or five, in which case I quote my authority. Third, to show from these the weaknesses of the Baconian theory. Some few have thought my work in vain. It certainly has not been so in regard to my own education, at least. In regard to my subjects, I can only say that most men would rather be tried in open court on a clear charge than to have rumours gather around them affecting the multitude. To allow statements to appear unanswered seems, at best, too like accepting the Scotch verdict of "not proven." This argues only weakness in the arguments of the accusers, and not innocence on the part of the accused; the accusation haunts men's minds long after, and may, at any time, be revived. But a clear case, openly tried, arguments fairly sifted on both sides, can result in a unanimous verdict, boldly given, of "not guilty," whereby the accused is freed from all the consequence and reproach of the accusation, and men forget it. If I am trespassing on the sphere of Senior Counsel I regret it; but I trust my action will not prejudice the case. I have done the best I could under the circumstances. My desire is that the motto Shakspere chose to bear through life, his works should also bear as his "Non sans droict." CHARLOTTE CARMICHAEL STOPES. KENWYN, NORWOOD, LONDON, December 1888. |