BROUGHTON. 225 to bestoW my long studies in Hebrew and Greek writers, upon some clearing of the Bible's translation. They judged rightly that it must be amended ; but in what points, I think it not good largely to tell in words till it be per- formed in work ; that it be less, disgraced which we now use. All of knowledge and conscience will grant, that. much better it may be. This motion hails been made long, ago ; and her majesty sent word and message to Sir Francis Walsingham, that it must be considered. His highness meant to take opportunity, but other weighty affairs suffered him not. All this while my prayer and charge have been spent in preparation that way. And, furthermore, I thought good myself to make motion to such as I held worthiest and fittest to be contributors to the charge, finding 'by experience that public motions take further time of delay than the whole work requireth : and your lordship I held one of the worthiest to be a contributor, for the main- tenance of some six ofus, the longest students in the tongues, to join together; as well not to alter any thing Which may stand still, (as in Moses and all the stories needeth not much amendment,) as to omit nothing which carrieth open untruth against the story and religion, or darkness dis- annulling the writer. Inwhich kind, Job and the prophets may be brought to speak far better unto us; and all may have short notes of large use, with maps of geography and tables of chronology. To this, if it please your lord- ship to be a ready helper, your example will stir others to a more needful concern than was the amendment of the temple in King Josiah's time. " Your lordship's to command, " HUGH BROUGHTON." In the above generous proposal, Mr. Broughton had to encounter insurmountable difficulties ; andhowever desirous the treasurer might be to promote soexcellent and laudable an undertaking, the worthy design utterly failed.. Not long after he addressed another letter to this celebrated statesmanof which the following is a copy :4. " TO the Right HOnourable my Lord Treasurer. " My duty remembered toyour lordship. I have two petitions at once to your honour ; but such as neither, I trow, need greatly trouble you. I have been requested by. others, for myself, to make motion for the archbishopric of Timm (not worth abOve 200) in Ireland. By reason VOL. * Baker's MS. Collec. vol. iv. p. 84.
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