James had been ruling without a parliament.

At length the necessities of the government caused the king to summon a parliament, and the struggle began which was to have a fatal issue twenty-five years later.

Parliament met, began to assert popular rights, and to examine into the conduct of ministers and high officials; and among those who could ill bear such scrutiny, Bacon was prominent.
HIS FALL .-- The charges against him were varied and numerous, and easy of proof.

He had received bribes; he had given false judgments for money; he had perverted justice to secure the smiles of Buckingham, the favorite; and when a commission was appointed to examine these charges he was convicted.

With abject humility, he acknowledged his guilt, and implored the pity of his judges.