nothing more nor less than the Biliteral cipher invented by Francis Bacon and described in Book VI. of his "Advancement of Learning." II. That the discovery by Mrs. Elizabeth Wells Gallup that this well-known cipher is applicable to a large circle of medieval literature, is a genuine discovery of the highest historical importance. 12. That there are indications that the system of concealing secret information by means of ciphers prevailed largely not only in England but throughout Europe, and that in sixteenth and seventeenth century literature there is in all probability an El Dorado of information awaiting disentombment. These are heterodox and subversive conclusions, and it is difficult to condense into reasonable limit the evidence which has led me to adopt them. Some of my witnesses may be badly informed, others misled or perhaps irrelevant, but to the best of my belief their testimony is honest, and I ask that their statements may be heard, and temperately considered, before being condemned. The present volume does not claim to be more than an introduction to many of the subjects touched upon, but it will be found to embody not a few of the leading facts and the most recent discoveries upon a subject which, inasmuch as it concerns "Shakespeare," is of quite unparalleled interest. It is a deplorable truism that we English people know nothing, or next to nothing, of one who is perhaps our noblest countryman: FRANCIS BACON, instead of being rightly revered or even respected, is to the majority but little more than a dishonoured name. It is even more deplorable that as day by day new writers come forward with fresh facts, their evidence is unheeded or cried down. Where others have failed to obtain a hearing I cannot expect to succeed; nevertheless the following pages have been written in the possible hope that they may perhaps awaken public interest and bring home to men's business and bosoms the tragedy of a superlatively great man's life. It "It will avail nothing to assail me. I am not at issue, and you cannot pound the life out of a fact with your fists. A truth has the indestructability of matter. is part of God; the threads of continuity tie it to the throne of the Everlasting." Honor Oak, H. B. 6. Papermark from "Sermons on the Epistle to the 7. Papermark from "The Advancement of Learn- 8. Papermark from "The Advancement of Learn- 9. Papermark from "Le Théatre de M. de la Fosse." II. Papermark from "Epistolæ Petri Morini." Paris, Oxford, 1640 Papermark from "The Advancement of Learn- Sermons on the Epistle to 38 38 5. Papermark from "Annotations upon the Holy 4. Papermark from "Annotations upon the Holy 3. Papermark from "The Advancement of Learn- LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS Fig. 1. Papermark from "The Advancement of Learn Papermark from "The Advancement of Learn- TO FACE PAGE |