prisoners. When that unfortunate favourite, together with the earl of
Southampton, was brought to trial, lord Buckhurst was constituted on
that occasion Lord High Steward of England, and passing sentence on
the earl of Essex, his Lordship in a very eloquent speech desired him
to implore the Queen's mercy. After this, it being thought necessary
for the safety of the nation, that some of the leading conspirators
should suffer death, his Lordship advised her Majesty to pardon the
rest. Upon this he had a special commission granted him, together with
secretary Cecil, and the earl of Nottingham, Lord High Admiral, to
call before them all such as were concerned in the conspiracy with the
earls of Essex and Southampton, and to treat and compound with such
offenders for the redemption and composition of their lands. After the
death of Queen Elizabeth, his lordship was concerned in taking the
necessary measures for the security of the kingdom, the administration
being devolved on him and other counsellors, who unanimously
proclaimed King James, and signed a letter March 28, 1603 to the lord
Eure, and the rest of the commissioners, for the treaty of Breme,
notifying her majesty's decease, and the recognition and proclamation
of King James of Scotland: who had such a sense of lord Buckhurst's
services, and superior abilities, that before his arrival in England,
he ordered the renewal of his patent, as Lord High Treasurer for life.
On the 13th of March next ensuing, he was created earl of Dorset,
and constituted one of the commissioners for executing the office
of Earl-Marshal of England, and for reforming sundry abuses in the
College of Arms.

In the year 1608, this great man died suddenly at the Council-Table,
Whitehall, after a bustling life devoted to the public weal; and the
26th of May following, his remains were deposited with great solemnity
in Westminster Abbey, his funeral sermon being preached by Dr. Abbot,