"The Story of Civilization", Vol VII, "The Age of Reason Begins", "All was won save honor.  In the pursuit of place Bacon had repeatedly sacrificed principle.  As attourny general he used his influence to secure judicial verdicts desired by the King.  As Keeper of the Seal he defended and protected the most oppressive monopolies, apparently to keep the good will of Buckingham.  As judge he accepted substantial presents from persons suing in his court.  All this was in the loose custom of the age: public officials were poorly paid, and they recompensed themselves with 'gifts' from those whom they aided.  James confessed, "If I were... to punish those who take bribes, I should soon not have a subject left"; and James himself took bribes.Sir Francis Bacon, who is described accurately in the above paragraph will be praised here, as a great and good man.  Let us quote him on his removal from office for corruption, "I was the justest judge that was in England these fifty years.  But it was the justest censure in Pa