Failed at friendship
His one major fail in his life was failing to back up his friend in court. Essex, his friend, became power hungry and tried to conquer London. He was arrested for treason. Bacon prosecuted his former friend with no hesitation. Some thought this was showing Bacon’s devotion to duty and to the queen. Others thought he was putting personal advancement above his friends. Essex was executed in 1601.
Bacon’s reputation did not save him from prosecution when in 1621 he was charged with accepting bribes as Lord Chancellor. He confessed to the crimes but Bacon attempted to excuse himself by ingenious distinctions and references to the immorality of the times. However, he was fined forty thousand pounds and sentenced to a prison term in the Tower of London. Although the sentence was soon remitted, Bacon was forced to leave Parliament and to give up his positions at court.