against King Charles I. who, in order to blast the reputation of that prince, the undoubted author of Eikon Basilike, stole a prayer out of Sir Philip Sidney's Arcadia, and obliged the printer of the King's book, under severe penalties and threatenings, to subjoin it to his Majesty's performance, and then made a hideous outcry against his own action, merely to create a jealousy, as was observed just now, that if his Majesty was not the author of the prayers in that Treatise, he was far less the author of the Treatise itself, which thing is believed by thousands to this day, solely on the credit of Milton's affirmation, when he was the architect of the imposture himself. Now, if that action, when committed by Milton, is without malignity, why should it be deemed so criminal in me? And if it is culpable in me, as I deny not, it is also equally culpable in Milton, or more so, as he was the first transgressor, and as I only transcribed his worthy pattern, to give people a just idea of the nature of the action Milton was guilty of against the King, which they would never have been so sensible of, had I not acted so by him; as it is natural for people to be more affected where they are interested themselves, than when they are not concerned, and with present things more than things long since passed, and out of their reach. The fairness of which proceeding against Mil. ton ton (though I pretend not thereby to exculpate myself) is sufficiently justified by the approved maxim of the poet, Sua quisque exempla debet æquo animo pati.” For, allow me to tell you, it will not be Toland's opinion or testimony that will invalidate the evidence, which, I believe, would be admitted as competent in any court of judicature in the kingdom, whereas all the world knows what kind of a man Toland was. Now, if this be the case, as you very well know it is, do you think I deserved so much to be reproached as I have been, only for acting by Milton as he acted by the King, and that with an express view to paint forth the horridness of the action, though at the expense of my character for a time, till the true design was unravelled? And on this topic I intended first to have defended myself, where I must have alleged your authority, as from you alone I derived the information, had I not reflected, that his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, my Lord Chancellor, and several other great men, gave me a permission to make a new edition of some authors, whom it is certain in the opinion of some, and probably in the opinion of others, as the judgments of men are various, that Milton consulted in composing his poem, and to inscribe them to their illustrious names; but upon this express condition, that I was not to pursue his steps any farther, with respect to his imitation of these authors, but leave every reader to judge for himself, as also to forbear from all further acrimony against this great writer. Now, do you think it just or reasonable that I should be so severely reflected upon for fulfilling my engagement given to these great men, by deriving the whole blame upon myself, rather than by disclosing Milton's vile forgery against the King, to become the author of any public disturb ance, by sowing the seed of jealousy between the friends and enemies of Milton, both which, you know, are numerous; and consequently administering fuel to inflame the animosity of contending parties? I declare, therefore, sincerely, that had not Milton acted so by the King, as I am convinced in my conscience he did, and for which we have indisputable evidence given us, I would have submitted to any punishment sooner than either to have offered such violence to truth, or put such an imposition on Milton or the public. For what is the vast reputation that Milton enjoys as a poet, to me? as I have no intention or ambition, far less ability, to rival him in that glory. My My quarrel, therefore, with Milton, should not have been for taking assistance in composing his poem, which was absolutely necessary, nay, highly commendable, but for using unfair practices to accomplish his political purposes, which was highly criminal and unjust. As for the interpolations, I hope I have it in my power to replace them twenty-fold, which I am resolved shortly to do, to the conviction, I trust, of all persons of judgment, candour, and learning-others, it is impossible. Thus have I told you sincerely, the true motive which induced me to interpolate a few lines into some authors, quoted by me in my late Essay on Milton, which has made as great a noise almost as if I had denied the divinity of our Saviour, ridiculed his miracles, or declared open war against Heaven and earth: and yet not more than about twenty or thirty lines, at most, of Milton, were affected by them, which I hope I have in my power amply to replace. So, after this honest confession of the truth, if you will be pleased to pardon my offence (occasioned rather by an imprudent zeal to vindicate the character of two great and good men, when unjustly attacked, than from any malicious design of imposing upon the public), also to favour me with your best advice at this critical juncture, now that matters are on the mending hand, and as his Grace has been pleased to set a good example to others, I promise always to retain a grateful sense of your civility and friendship, and to requite it to the utmost of my power. I send you a copy of my Apology, addressed, to his Grace, which has been attended with such good success; so ample is his Grace's placability and clemency! Your liberality, I hope, will be displayed with equal readiness to one, who is Your much obliged, And most obedient, humble servant, WILLIAM LAUDER. I cannot forbear transcribing these lines from Ramsay: Adcumulare bonis inopes, succurrere lapsis, Vale, et fac similiter. THE CRIPPLE OF BETHESDA. BY THE REV. ALEXANDER MONTGOMERY. MR. Montgomery was born in the town of Enniskillen, in the north of Ireland; a town long famed in the annals of that country, as |