On Bacon - Classic Text | Alexandria
On Bacon - Ben Jonson
"On Bacon" is a profound and elegiac tribute written by the English playwright and poet Ben Jonson (1572-1637) to his contemporary, the philosopher and statesman Francis Bacon (1561-1626). This piece, appearing in Jonson's collection "Timber, or Discoveries" (published posthumously in 1641), represents one of the most insightful contemporary assessments of Bacon's character, intellect, and oratorical prowess.
The work emerged during the English Renaissance, a period of intense intellectual ferment and literary innovation. Jonson's relationship with Bacon spanned decades, with the writer possibly serving as Bacon's secretary and literary assistant. This proximity afforded Jonson unique insights into Bacon's character and working methods, lending particular authority to his observations. The text first circulated in manuscript form among London's literary circles before its eventual publication.
Jonson's portrayal presents Bacon as a figure of almost supernatural eloquence, noting that "his language...was nobly censorious when he could spare or pass by a jest." The essay skillfully balances personal observation with critical assessment, offering invaluable glimpses into Bacon's public speaking style and intellectual habits. Particularly noteworthy is Jonson's observation that Bacon's listeners often wished "he would have been less abundant, to have been more taken in his expressions."
The work's enduring significance lies in its dual value as both literary artifact and historical document. Modern scholars continue to mine the text for insights into the relationship between two of Renaissance England's most formidable intellects. The piece also serves as a masterclass in Renaissance prose style, demonstrating Jonson's ability to combine classical rhetorical techniques with penetrating personal observation. Contemporary academic interest has increasingly focused on how the text illuminates the complex networks of patronage and intellectual exchange in early modern England, while raising intriguing questions about the nature of friendship between literary figures of unequal social standing.