Minverva Britanna 34

British Library, MS Harl. 6855. Art 13, created in 1604, derived from the second part of King James I’s Basilikon Doron:

Latin Motto: From evil [can come] even good

Epigram: Treacherous viper, you who have killed by a single bite, you will be ground up so that your entrails may provide healthful medicines. I myself will say that good laws have arisen as a consequence of viper-like behaviour, which, since it is made into medicine, is therefore useful

Sources: Basilikon Doron: Lib. 2. page 27...I remit ye making of laws to your own discretion, as yee shall find the necessary of new-rising corruptions to require them, for ex malis moribus

Derived: Ovid Metamorphoses. 10 fab. 8

Dedication: There exists no dedication to Bacon in this edition

British Library, MS Royal, 12A, LXVI, created in 1610, derived from the third and final part of King James I’s Basilikon Doron

Latin Motto: He who is strict is truly secure

Epigram: The spear of Romulus, which first gave [divine] signs at imperial triumphs, is green with its straggling foliage. It will betoken a harsh rule and a strict monarch whom the bountiful age of the achieved peace blesses.

Sources: Basilikon Doron: Lib 2. page 29...A just severity to be used at the first. Therefore be yee contrary, at your first entry to your Kingdom. To that quinquennium Neronis with his tender hearted wish Vellem nescirem literas

Derived: Ovid, Metamorphoses. 15

Dedication: There exists no dedication to Bacon in this edition