Soon after this, on Monday before St. Bartholomew’s day, 1469, John Mowbray, duke of Norfolk, laid pretensions to it; and sent sir John Heveningham,
Soon after this, on Monday before St. Bartholomew’s day, 1469, John Mowbray, duke of Norfolk, laid pretensions to it; and sent sir John Heveningham, a cousin of sir John FastolfFs, to require John Paston, esq. governor of it, being a castle well fortified, in the absence of his eldest brother sir John Paston, to deliver it up to him; maintaining that the said duke had purchased the said castle of William Yelverton (that cursed Norfolk justice, as Worcester styles him), whereas sir John had ordered it not to be sold, but to be a college for priests, and an hospital for poor men. The said John Paston refusing to surrender it, the duke came before it with 3000 armed men, and with guns, culverines, and other artillery, and laid siege to it immediately. The siege continued five weeks and three days.
achelor of arts degree, and then went to Paris. From thence he travelled to Munich in Bavaria, where duke William allowed him a handsome salary to prosecute his studies,
,
an English Jesuit, was born in 1554, at Foston in Leicestershire, and entered a student in Merton college, in 1568,
under the tuition of John Potts, whom Wood calls a noted
philosopher. In 1570, Potts, who was a concealed papist,
being detected, conducted his young pupil, whose parents
were of that persuasion, to the Jesuits’ college at Louvain.
In this seminary he continued till he had taken a bachelor
of arts degree, and then went to Paris. From thence he
travelled to Munich in Bavaria, where duke William allowed him a handsome salary to prosecute his studies, and
Ivhere he took the degree of M. A. In 1575 he proceeded
to Rome, and became a member of the English Jesuits’
college, of which he was soon after appointed divinityreader. He was much distinguished and favoured by several princes, and particularly by pope Gregory XIII. who,
as a token of his affection and confidence, gave him a seal
which empowered him to grant a pass to any of his countrymen travelling through the catholic dominions. In 1581
he was appointed president of the Jesuits’ college at Posna
in Poland, in which country he spent the remainder of his
life. He died at Ulna, in the province of Lithuania, Feb.
18, 1591, much regretted by his fraternity, amongst whom
he had the character of a prudent, learned, and ^pious divine. His works are: 1. “.De Christi in terris ecclesia,
”
Posna, 1584, 4to. 2. “Contra Antonium Sadeelem Calv:nistam, libri III.
” 3. “Theses de variis fidei eontroversiis,
”
Posna, Doctrina catholica de Sanctorum
Invocatione, &c.
” ibid. Apologia Libri
sui de Invocatione, &c. contra Danielem Tossanum,
” Colon.
Coenae Lutherana? et Calvinistee oppu<rnatio,
” Posna, Apologia Thesium de CcBUtt
Lutherana, &o.
” ibid. Oratio de causis
Haeresis, &c.
” 9. “Tractatus de Controversiis inter ordinem Eccles. et Secularem in Polonia,
”
ging to a conclusion, a treaty of peace between the court and the protestants. While that prince was duke of Anjou, and was elected king of Poland, he attended him as
, lord of Pibrac, by which name he is
much better known, was born at Toulouse in 1528, and
distinguished himself at the bar in that city. He perfected
his knowledge of jurisprudence in Italy, and then returned
to be advanced to honours in his own country. In 1560 he
was deputed by his native city to the states-general held
at Orleans, and there presented to the king its petition of
grievances, which he had himself drawn up. By Charles
IX. he was sent as one of his ambassadors to the council of
Trent, where he eloquently supported the interests of the
crown, and the liberties of the Gallican church. In 1565
the chancellor de PHopital, appointed him advocate-general in the parliament of Paris, where he revived the influence of reason and eloquence. In 1570, he was, made
a counsellor of state, and two years afterwards, probably
constrained by his superiors, wrote his defence of the massacre of St. Bartholomew, published in 4to, and entitled
“Ornatissimi cujusdam viri, de rebus Gallicis, epistola, et
ad hanc de iisdem rebus responsio
” but this barbarous
measure was too repugnant to the mildness of Pibrac’s character to be approved by him. For this, after the accession of Henry III. he made the best amends in his power,
by proposing and bringing to a conclusion, a treaty of
peace between the court and the protestants. While that
prince was duke of Anjou, and was elected king of Poland, he attended him as minister in that country; but
when the succession to the crown of France, on the death
of his brother, tempted Henry to quit that kingdom
clandestinely, Pibrac was in danger of falling a sacrifice to
the resentment of the people. He afterwards tried in vain
to preserve that crown to his master. His services were
rewarded by being created one of the chief presidents of
the courts of law. He died in 1584, at the age of fifty-six.
The story of his falling in love with Margaret wife of
Henry IV. is supposed to be chiefly owing to the vanity of
that lady, who wished to have the credit of such a conquest. Pibrac published, besides his letter on the massacre, which was in Latin, pleadings and speeches, “Les
plaisirs de la vie rustique,
” Paris, Quatrains,
” or moral
stanzas of four lines, which were first published in 1574.
The last edition we know of, is that of 1746. They have
been extravagantly admired, and translated into almost all
languages, even Greek, Turkish, Arabic, and Persian.
They were rendered into English by Sylvester, the translator of du Bartas, in a manner not likely to give an advantageous notion of the original, which, though now antiquated, stiil preserves graces that recommend it to readers
of taste. Pibrac was a classical scholar; and to the taste
he drew from that source, his “Quatrains
” owe much of
their excellence. The subjects of some of them he took
from the book of Proverbs, which he used to say contained
all the good sense in the world.
ne arts; and her hotel uas the rendezvous of all who were most distinguished for literary taste. The duke de la Rochefuucault, Huetius, Mennge, La Fontaine, Segrais,
, a French lady, daughter of Aymar de la
Vergne, marechal-de-camp, and governor of
Havre-deGrace, bat more distinguished by her wit and literary productions than by her family, was married to the count de
Fayette in 1655, and died in lt'i.93. She cultivated letters
and the fine arts; and her hotel uas the rendezvous of all
who were most distinguished for literary taste. The duke
de la Rochefuucault, Huetius, Mennge, La Fontaine, Segrais, were those she saw most frequently. The last, when
obliged to quit the house of Mad. de Montpensier, found
an honourable retreat with her. The author of “The Memoirs of madame de Maintenon,
” has not spoken favourably of this lady, nor represented her manners to be such
as from her connections we should suppose. But madame
de Sevigne, who had better opportunities of knowing her,
and is more to be relied on than the author of the memoirs,
has painted her very differently. This lady says, in a letter to her daughter, “Mad. la Fayette is a very amiable
and a very estimable woman; and whom yon will love
when you shall have time to be with her, and to enjoy the
benefit of her sense and wit; the better you luiow her, the
more you will like her.
”
,” in 12mo. He also left some translations: viz. “An Account of what passed in Spain, when the count duke of Olivares fell under the king’s displeasure,” translated out
His chief works are, 1. “Entretiens sur les Vies et sur
les Ouvrages des plus excellens Peintres anciens et modernes:
” Les Principes
de l'Architecture, de la Sculpture, et de la Peinture, avec
un dictionaire des termes propres de ces artes,
” De l'origi.ne de la Peinture, avec plusieurs
pieces detachers,
” Several Descriptions, as
that of Versailles, of Entertainments given by the king,
and of several Pictures,
” collected into one vol. in 12mo.,
5 “The Conferences of the royal academy of painting,
”
in one vol. 4to. 6. “The Description of the Abbey de la
Trappe,
” in 12mo. He also left some translations: viz.
“An Account of what passed in Spain, when the count
duke of Olivares fell under the king’s displeasure,
” translated out of Italian “The Castle of the Soul,
” written
by St. Teresa, translated from the Spanish “The Life of
pope Pius V.
” translated from the Italian.
mmended him to the notice and esteem of the emperor, of the electors of Saxony and Brandenburgh, the duke of Florence, and other princes. He also wrote many papers in
, a licentiate in theology, and professor of poetry at Leipsic, was born at Zwickau in 1638,
and distinguished from his infancy for uncommon talents.
In his thirteenth year he wrote a poem on “The Passion,
”
which was much applauded. He was educated under the
celebrated Daumius, who prided himself on the great proficiency of his pupil, and when Feller went to Leipsic, recommended him to the principal literati of that city, who
found him deserving of every encouragement. Thomasius,
one of them, engaged him as tutor to his children, and
enhanced the favour by giving him free access to his curious and valuable library. In 1660 Feller took his master’s
degree, and with such display of talents, that he was soon
after made professor of poetry, and in 1676 was appointed
librarian to the university. On this last preferment, he
employed much of his time in arranging the library, published a catalogue of the Mss. in 1686, 12mo, and procured that the library should be open one day in every
week for the use of the public. His Latin poetry, which
he wrote with great facility, recommended him to the notice and esteem of the emperor, of the electors of Saxony
and Brandenburgh, the duke of Florence, and other princes.
He also wrote many papers in the “Acta Lipsiensia,
”
and the freedom of some of his criticisms in one or two instances involved him in a controversy with James Gronovius, Eggelingen, Patin, and others. He was unfortunately
killed by a fall from a window, which he had approached
in his sleep, being as this would imply, a somnambulist.
This happened April 4, 1691. Besides the works already
mentioned, he published, 1. “Cygni quasimodo geniti,
sanctae vitae virorum celebrium Cygnese (Zwickau) natorum.
” 2. “Supplementum ad Rappolti commentarium in Horatium.
” 3. “Flores philosophici ex Virgilio
collecti,
” Leipsic, Notae in Lotichicii
eclogatn de origine domus Saxonicae et Palatinae.
”
of this assistance. After extending his acquaintance among learned men in various parts, in 1706 the duke of Weimar appointed him his secretary, and he appears to have
, the son of the preceding, was born at Leipsic, Dec. 26, 1673, and imbibed a similar taste with his father for the belles lettres, bibliography, and general literature. In 1688 he received his degree
of doctor in philosophy, and two years after set out on what
may be called his literary travels. He remained some
time with Kirchmaier at Wittemberg, and with Bayer at
Fribourg, whose library he carefully inspected. Going
thence to Zwickau, the senate of that city appointed him
to make a catalogue of the library of Daumius, which had
come into their possession by the death of that scholar.
Feller was very agreeably employed on this task, when the
news of the death of his father obliged him to pay a visit
to Leipsic, but as soon as he had settled his family affairs,
he returned to Zwickau, and completed the catalogue. He
then went again to Leipsic, and studied law, but in 1696
set out a second time on his travels, and at Wolfenbuttel,
became acquainted with Leibnitz, who conceiving a friendship for him, detained him here for three years, and assisted him in all his literary undertakings, especially his
history of the house of Brunswick, for which Feller was
enabled to collect a number of very curious documents of
the middle ages. At Francfort, we find him assisting Ludolf
in his historical works, but Ludolf is thought to have
availed himself too little of this assistance. After extending his acquaintance among learned men in various parts,
in 1706 the duke of Weimar appointed him his secretary,
and he appears to have died in his service Feb. 15, 1726.
His principal works were, 1. “Monumenta varia inedita,
variisque linguis conscripta, nunc singulis trimestribus prodeuntia; e museo Joach. F. Felleri secretarii Wimariensis,
”
Jena,
ation, returning to England in 1709. Soon after his return he was appointed domestic chaplain to the duke of Rutland, at Belvoir castle, and sustained that relation to
, a learned divine, was born Feb. 3,
1679, in the parish of St. Martin’s-in-the-fields,
Westminster, and was educated first at Cheneys in Buckinghamshire, then at Westminster school under Dr. Busby, and
lastly at the Charter-house under Dr. Walker, to whom he
was a private pupil. At a proper age he was admitted of
Edmund hall, Oxford, of which Dr. Mill, the celebrated
critic, was at that time principal, and his tutor was Mr.
Thomas Mills, afterwards bishop of Waterford in Ireland.
In June 1702, he took his master’s degree, and in December following was ordained deacon, in the royal chapel at
Whitehall, by Dr. Lloyd, bishop of Worcester. In June
1704 he was admitted to priest’s orders by Dr. Compton,
bishop of London. In 1705-6, he first appeared as an
author, in a piece entitled “Remarks on the Colebrook
Letter/' a subject the nature of which we have not been
able to discover. In 1708 he had the care of the English
church at Amsterdam, but did not long continue in that
situation, returning to England in 1709. Soon after his
return he was appointed domestic chaplain to the duke of
Rutland, at Belvoir castle, and sustained that relation to
three successive dukes, for which noble house he always
preserved the warmest gratitude and affection. In the
same year (July 11, 1709) Mr. Felton was admitted to the
degree of B. D. being then a member of Queen’s college.
Having been employed as tutor to John lord Roos, afterwards third duke of Rutland, he wrote for that young nobleman’s use, his
” Dissertation on reading the Classics,
and forming a just style," 1711, 12mo. A fourth edition
of this was published in 1730, but the best is that of 1757.
It was the most popular, and best known of all Dr. Felton’s
works, although in the present improved state of criticism,
it may appear with less advantage.
In 1711, Mr. Felton was presented by the second duke of Rutland to the rectory of Whitewell in Derbyshire; and July
In 1711, Mr. Felton was presented by the second duke
of Rutland to the rectory of Whitewell in Derbyshire;
and July 4, 1712, he preceded to the degree of doctor in
divinity. On the death of Dr. Pearson, in 1722, he was
admitted, by the provost and fellows of Queen’s college,
principal of Edmund hall. In 1725, he printed a sermon
which he had preached before the university, and which
went through three editions, and excited no common attention, entitled “The Resurrection of the same numerical body, and its re-union to the same soul; against Mr.
Locke’s notion of personality and identity.
” His next
publication, in The Common People taught to defend
their Communion with the Church of England, against the
attempts and insinuations of Popish emissaries. In a dialogue between a Popish priest, and a plain countryman.
”
In 1728 and 1729, Dr. Felton was employed in preaching
eight sermons, at lady Moyer’s lecture, at St. Paul’s,
which were published in 1732, under the title of “The
Christian Faith asserted against Deists, Arians, and Sociirians.
” The sermons, when printed, were greatly augmented, and a large preface was given concerning the light
and the law of nature, and the expediency and necessity
of revelation. This elaborate work was dedicated to Dr.
Gibson, bishop of London. In the title he is by some
mistake called late principal of Edmund hall, a situation
which he never resigned. In 1736 the duke of Rutland,
being chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster, gave him the
rectory of Berwick in Elmet, Yorkshire, which he did not
long live to enjoy. In 1739 he was seized with a rheumatic disorder; from which, however, he was so far recovered, after a confinement of nearly three months, that he
thought himself able to officiate, in his church at Berwick,
on Christmas-day, where he preached his last sermon, and
with his usual fervour and affection. But having caught
cold, which was followed by a defluxion, attended with a
violent fever, he died March 1, 1739-40. During the
whole of his disorder, he behaved with a resignation and
piety becoming a Christian. He was interred in the chancel of the church of Berwick. He left behind him, intended for the press, a set of sermons on the creation, fall,
and redemption of man; the sacrifices of Cain and Abel,
and the rejection and punishment of Cain, which were
published by his son, the rev. William Felton, in 1748,
with a preface containing a sketch of his father’s life and
character. This work was the result of great attention.
The sermons were first composed about 1730, and preached
in the parish church of Whitwell in that and the following
year. In 1733 he enlarged them, and delivered them again
in the same church; and in 1736 when removed to Berwick, he transcribed and preached them at that place.
But though he had applied much labour to the subject of
the resurrection, he did not think that his discourses on
that head, or any other of his university sermons, were fit
for re-publication.
oom of Pelisson deceased. In this situation, he was in favour with all. His pupils, particularly the duke of Burgundy, improved rapidly under his care. The divines admired
Having finished his mission, he returned to Paris, and
was presented to the king: but lived two years afterwards
without going to court, being again entirely occupied in
the instruction of the new female converts. That he might
forward this good work by writings as well as lectures, he
published, in 1688, a little treatise, entitled “Education
de Filles;
” which the author of the Bibliotheque Universelle, calls the best and most useful book written upon the
subject, in the French language. In 1688, he published a
work “Concerning the functions of the Pastors of the
Church;
” writtenchiefly against the protestants, with a
view of shewing, that the first promoters of the reformation had no lawful call, and therefore were not true pastors. In 1689, he was made tutor to the dukes of Burgundy, Anjou, and Berri; and in 1693, was chosen member of the French academy, in the room of Pelisson deceased. In this situation, he was in favour with all. His
pupils, particularly the duke of Burgundy, improved rapidly under his care. The divines admired the sublimity
of his talents; the courtiers the brilliancy of his wit. The
duke, to the end of his life, felt the warmest regard for his
illustrious preceptor. At the same time, Fenelon preserved the disinterestedness of an hermit, and never received or asked any thing either for himself or friends. At
last the king gave him the abbey of St. Valery, and, some
months after, the archbishopric of Cambray, to which he
was consecrated by Bossuet bishop of Meaux, in 1695.
for the duchess of Burgundy; and that there was no way of preventing him, who had been tutor to the duke her husband, and who had acquitted himself perfectly well in
But a storm now arose against him, which obliged him
to leave the court for ever; and was occasioned by his
book, entitled “An Explication of the Maxims of the
Saints concerning the interior life.
” This book was published in Peccavit excessu amoris divini, sed vos peceastis defectu amoris proximi.
” Some of Fenelon’s friends
have pretended, that there was in this affair more courtpolicy than zeal for religion. They have observed, that
this storm was raised against him at a time when the king
thought of choosing an almoner for the duchess of Burgundy; and that there was no way of preventing him, who
had been tutor to the duke her husband, and who had
acquitted himself perfectly well in the functions of that
post, from being made her almoner, but by raising suspicions of heresy against him. They think themselves
sufficiently justified in this opinion, by Bossuet’s being
made almoner after Fenelon was disgraced and removed.
Be this as it will, he submitted patiently to the pope’s
determination, and read his sentence, with his own recantation, publicly in his diocese of Cambray, where he led a
most exemplary life, acquitting himself punctually in all
the duties of his station. Yet he was not so much taken
up with them, nor so deeply engaged in his contemplative
devotion, but he found time to enter into the controversy with the Jansenists. He laboured not only to confute them by his writings, but also to oppress them, by
procuring a bull from Rome against a book which the cardinal de Noailles, their chief support, had approved:
namely, father Quesnel’s “Reflections upon the New Testament.
” The Jesuits, who were resolved to humble that
prelate, had formed a great party against him, and prevailed with the archbishop of Cambray to assist them in
the affair. He accordingly engaged himself: wrote many
pieces against the Jansenists, the chief of which is the
“Four Pastoral Letters,
” printed in
respect, which was paid even by the enemies of his country; for in the last war with Louis XIV. the duke of Marlborough expressly ordered the lands of Fenelon to be
Fenelon passed the last years of his life in his diocese, in a manner worthy of a good archbishop, a man of letters, and a Christian philosopher. The amiableness of his manners and character obtained for him a respect, which was paid even by the enemies of his country; for in the last war with Louis XIV. the duke of Marlborough expressly ordered the lands of Fenelon to be spared. He died in January 1715, at the age of sixty-three.
d in 1697. These were, 1. “Dialogues of the Dead,” in two volumes, 12mo, composed for the use of the duke of Burgundy, and intended in general to cure him of some fault,
Fenelon published several works besides his “'Telemachus,
” and the “Explanation of the Maxims of the
Saints,
” already mentioned, which first appeared in Dialogues of the Dead,
” in two volumes,
12mo, composed for the use of the duke of Burgundy, and
intended in general to cure him of some fault, or teach
him some virtue. They were produced as the occasions
arose, and not laboured, 2. “Dialogues on Eloquence in
general, and that of the. Pulpit in particular,
” 12mo, published in 1718, after his death. He there discusses the
question, whether it is better to preach by memory, or
extemporaneously with more or less preparation. The
rules of eloquence are also delivered in a neat and easy
manner. 3. “Abridgment of the Lives of the ancient
Philosophers,
” 12 mo, written for the duke of Burgundy,
of which an excellent translation, with notes, was lately
published by the rev. John Cormack, 1808, 2 vols. 12mo.
4. “A Treatise on the Education of Daughters,
” 12mo,
an excellent work. 5. “Philosophical Works, or a demonstration of the Existence of God, by proofs drawn from
Nature,
” 12mo; the best edition is of Paris, Letters on different subjects of Religion and Metaphysics,
” Spiritual Works,
” 4 vols. 12mo.
7. “Sermons,
” printed in against Jansenism. 9.
” Direction for the
Conscience of a king,“composed for the duke of Burgundy; a small tract, but much esteemed, published in
1748, and re-published in 1774. There is a splendid
French edition of his works in 9 vols. 4to, Paris, 1787
1792; and one of his
” OEuvres choices,“1799, 6 vols.
12mo. In 1&07 appeared at Paris a new volume of his
” Sermons choisies," 12mo, which is said to do credit to
his established reputation.
equalled any artist of Paris in painting. It is said that he foretold the death of Charles the Rash, duke of Burgundy, and in 1445, was the admiration of all the learned
, a learned Spaniard, considered as a prodigy in the fifteenth century, may be termed
the Crichton of Spain, whom he resembled in the marvellous and universal knowledge attributed to him. He was
well skilled in languages and the sciences; understood the
Bible, the works of Nicholas Lyranus, St. Thomas, St.
Bonaventura, Alexander Ales, and Scotus; with those of
Aristotle, Hippocrates, Galen, Avicenna, and several law
authors. He was also a brave soldier, played on several
instruments, was admired for his singing and dancing, and
equalled any artist of Paris in painting. It is said that he
foretold the death of Charles the Rash, duke of Burgundy,
and in 1445, was the admiration of all the learned at Paris.
Commentaries on Ptolemy’s Almagest, and on the Apocalypse, are ascribed to him, and a treatise “De Artificio
omnis scibilis,
” and other works.
end of his life, notwithstanding the tempting offers he received from several seats of learning. The duke of Parma, in particular, pressed him to take the professorship
, a physician of Messagna, in the territory of Otranto, where he was born, October, or according to Niceron, Nov. 2, 1569, cultivated the study of the Latin and Greek poets at an early age, and wrote elegant verses in both these languages. In 1583 he went to Naples with the intention of going through the courses of philosophy and medicine; but in 1591, all strangers were compelled to leave the place. Ferdinand, returning to his own country, taught geometry and philosophy until 1594) when the viceroy’s edict being revoked, he returned to Naples, pursued a course of medical studies, and receired the degree of doctor in medicine and philosophy. He then repaired to his native place, where he settled himself in practice, and remained to the end of his life, notwithstanding the tempting offers he received from several seats of learning. The duke of Parma, in particular, pressed him to take the professorship of medicine in the university of his city; and the same invitation, was given from the university of Padua. In 1605, he was chosen syndic-general of his country, and acquitted himself with great credit in that office. He died Dec. 6, 1638, in the sixty-ninth year of his age.
y should be in weight worth a penny of the same metal. It is also to be noticed that the fall of the duke of Somerset, then lord protector, to whom he was chaplain, seems
His character, as we have already intimated, has been differently represented, bishop Godwin asserting that his ruin was owing to his own rigid, rough behaviour; but Fox seems clearly of opinion that the first prosecution against him was unnecessary and malicious, and that the second was commenced because he was a protestant. It is certain that many of the fifty-six articles which he was put to answer in the reign of Edward VI. were to the last degree frivolous, and showed themselves to be the offspring of a revengeful mind; such as riding a Scotch pad, with a bridle with white studs and snaffle, white Scotch stirrups, and white spurs wearing a hat instead of a cap whistling to his child laying the blame of the scarcity of herrings to the covetousness of fishers, who in time of plenty, took so many that they destroyed the breeders; and lastly wishing, that at the alteration of the coin, whatever metal it was made of, the penny should be in weight worth a penny of the same metal. It is also to be noticed that the fall of the duke of Somerset, then lord protector, to whom he was chaplain, seems to have exposed him to the resentment of his enemies.
gular kindness for him, as appeared afterwards at a very critical juncture; for when the unfortunate duke of Somerset lay under sentence of death, the people murmuring
Afterwards he became the king’s menial servant, whom
he attended in war as well as in peace, and served both
with his pen and his sword, and rose so much in favour
with Henry, as to receive from that monarch a very considerable grant in his native county, out of the king’s private estate. This was in 1535, yet he managed so ill,
that some years after, when member of parliament for
Plymouth, which he was elected in 1542, he had the misfortune, during the session, to be taken in execution by a
sheriff’s officer, and carried to the compter. This, however, being represented to the house of commons, occasioned such a disturbance there, as not only produced his
discharge, but a settled rule with respect to privilege. Yet
Mr. Hatsell, in his “Collection of cases of Privileges of
Parliament,
” seems to be of opinion that the measures
which were adopted, and the doctrine which was then first
laid down with respect to the extent of the privileges of
the house of commons, were more owing to Ferrars’s being
a servant of the king, than that he was a member of the
house of commons. He continued afterwards in high favour with Henry all his reign, who fully approved what the
house of commons had done; and Ferrars seems to have
stood upon good terms with the protector Somerset, in
that of king Edward; since he attended him as a commis^
sioner of the carriage of the army into Scotland, in 1548.
Edward also had a singular kindness for him, as appeared
afterwards at a very critical juncture; for when the unfortunate duke of Somerset lay under sentence of death, the
people murmuring on the one hand, and the king uneasy
and melancholy on the other, it was thought expedient to
do something to quiet and amuse the people, and if possible to entertain and divert the sovereign. In order to
this, at the entrance of Christmas holidays, George Ferrars, esq. was proclaimed Lord Of Misrule, that is, a
prince of sports and pastimes. This office, which required
no common talents, he discharged for twelve days together
at Greenwich, with great magnificence and address, and
entirely to the king’s satisfaction. In this character, attended by the politest part of the court, he made an excursion to London, where he was very honourably received
by officers created for that purpose, splendidly entertained
by the lord mayor, and when he took leave, had a handsome present made him in token of respect.
hem to serve the Prince’s affections.' 7 2. “The Tragedy, or unlawful murder of Thomas of Woodstock, duke of Gloucester.' 13.” Tragedy of king Richard II.“4.” The Story
But although he made so great a figure in the diversions
of a court, he preserved at the same time his credit with
all the learned world, and was no idle spectator of political
affairs. This appears from the history of the reign of Mary,
which though inserted in the chronicle, and published under the name of Richard Grafton, was actually written by
Ferrars as Stow expressly tells us. Our author was an
historian, a lawyer, and a politician, even in his poetry
as appears from pieces of his, inserted in the celebrated
work entitled * The Mirror for Magistrates,“&c. The
first edition of this work was published in 1559, by William Baldwin, who prefixed an epistle before the second
part of it, wherein he signifies, that it had been intended
to reprint
” The Fall of Princes,“by Boccace, as translated into English by Lidgate the monk; but that, upon
communicating his design to seven of his friends, all of
them sons of the Muses, they dissuaded him from that, and
proposed to look over the English Chronicles, and to pick
out and dress up in a poetic habit such stories as might
tend to edification. To this collection Ferrars contributed
the following pieces: 1.
” The Fall of Robert Tresilian,
Chief Justice of England, and other his fellows, for misconstruing the Laws, and expounding them to serve the
Prince’s affections.' 7 2. “The Tragedy, or unlawful murder of Thomas of Woodstock, duke of Gloucester.' 13.
” Tragedy of king Richard II.“4.
” The Story of dame
Eleanor Cobham, dutchess of Gloucester,“much altered
and augmented in the second edition of 1587, in which are
added, to the four already mentioned, 5.
” The Story of
Humphrey Plantagenet, duke of Gloucester, protector of
England.“6.
” The Tragedy of Edmund duke of Somerset." A farther account will be given of this work when
we come to the article Sackville.
VII. had a great esteem for him; and his three successors were no less favourable to him. The great duke sent for him to Florence, and assigned him a large pension to
, a skilful painter, was descended of a good family, and born at Rome in 1634, where, being in. easy circumstances, he pursued his inclination and taste for painting. He was a faithful imitator of Peter da Cortona, whose favourite disciple he was, and to whom he came so near in his ideas, his invention, and his manner of painting, that his cielings particularly are often mistaken, for Cortona’s. Generally, however, Mr. Fuseli says, Ferri has less grace of design, less ease in his actions and draperies, and less compass of mind; but he has more solidity and carefulness of finish than his master. Though he set great prices on his works, he was in continual employ. Pope Alexander VII. had a great esteem for him; and his three successors were no less favourable to him. The great duke sent for him to Florence, and assigned him a large pension to finish the works which Cortona had left imperfect. He entered so well into the spirit of them, and acquitted himself so worthily, that the whole work seems to be of the same hand. The great duke nominated him chief of the school of Florence, in which rank he continued for a long time. Ferri returned to Rome, where he appeared a great architect as well as a good painter. Several palaces and grand altars, as St. John of the Florentines, and that of the Chiesa Nuova, were raised from his designs. He diverted himself more with drawing than painting. He was much importuned for devices, figures for breviaries, and titles of books: several of which have been engraved by Spierre and Bloemart. The pope employed him in making cartoons for the Vatican; and few men have worked in more different ways. The cupola of St. Agnes, in the palace of Navona, was his last work. The chagrin he felt in seeing the angels of Bacici, a Genoese painter, which were directly under it, the force of whose colouring made his appear too weak, is said to have been the cause of his death. One day he told Lazaro Baldi, his companion, that his cupola appeared very different on the scaffold from what it did from below, and that the angels of Bacici gave him great pain; and, falling sick soon after, he died in 1689, at the age of fifty-five.
he derived his colouring, and the boldness of his characters. Cardinal Ferdinand Gonzaga, afterwards duke of Mantua, discovering the merit of Fetti, retained him at his
, an eminent painter, was born at Rome in 1589, and educated under Lodovico Civoli, a famous Florentine painter. As soon as he quitted the school of Civoli, he went to Mantua; where the paintings of Julio Romano afforded him the means of becoming a great painter, and from them he derived his colouring, and the boldness of his characters. Cardinal Ferdinand Gonzaga, afterwards duke of Mantua, discovering the merit of Fetti, retained him at his court, furnished him with means of continuing his studies, and at last employed him in adorning his palace. Few painters, according to a modern connoisseur, have possessed a greater freedom of pencil, a more harmonious style of colouring, or a greater knowledge of expression than Fetti. If he painted a head of character, he entered into the detail of it with such spirit, that it produced an astonishing relief; and that too without the least hardness, so judiciously are the tints varied. It is the same* with his large composition* the light and shade are ingeniously balanced the figures are grouped with so much art, and the general disposition is so well observed, that they produce the most striking and harmonious effects. His pictures are scarce, and mucb Bought alter. He painted very little for churches. Goingto Venice, he abandoned himself to disorderly courses, which put an end to his life in its very prime, in 1624, when he was only in his thirty-fifth year. The duke of Mantua regretted him exceedingly, and sent for his lather and sister, whom he took care of afterwards. The sister, who painted well, became a nun, and exercised her talent in the convent, which she adorned with several of her works. Other religious houses in Mantua, were also decorated with her paintings.
rp, though that honour is usually given to the learned Arias Montanus. Le Fevre was secretary to the duke d'Alengon, brother of king Henry 111. and composed several works
, Or Giudo Fabricius Boderianus, was born of a noble family in the
territory of Boderie, in Lower Normandy, in 1541. He
acquired great knowledge in the Oriental languages, and
had, with his brother Nicholas, the principal part in the
edition of the Polyglott of Antwerp, though that honour is
usually given to the learned Arias Montanus. Le Fevre
was secretary to the duke d'Alengon, brother of king
Henry 111. and composed several works in French, verse
and prose, but in a style so vulgar and confused, that none
of them are read. He died 1598. Nicholas le Fevre de
la Boderie, his brother, was also very ingenious; he died
after 1605. Anthony le Fevre de la Boderie, another
brother, distinguished himself in the reigns of Henry IV.
and Louis XIII. by his skill in negociations, and his embassies to Rome, the Low Countries, and England, where
he was loaded with presents. He discovered the marechal
de Biron’s correspondence at Brussels, and rendered important services to Henry IV. He died 1615, aged sixty,
and left “Traitc de la Noblesse, traduit de Tltalien de
Jean-Baptiste Nenna,
” printed Letters
on Negociations
” were published Catholicon.
” He married the sister of the marquis de
Feuquieres, governor of Verdun, by whom he had two
daughters; one died very young, the other married M.
Arnauld d'Andilli 1613, who by her obtained the estate of
Pomponne, and la Briotte.
tive to the Lord’s Supper.” 8. “A Letter in answer to one from a Freethinker, occasioned by the late duke of Buckingham’s epitaph: wherein certain passages in it that
The great encouragement which the life of Wolsey obtained, prompted Fiddes to undertake the lives of sir Thomas More and bishop Fisher: but when he had gone through
a great part of this work, he lost his manuscript. He
published, 6. “A general treatise of Morality, formed upon
the principles of Natural Reason only; with a preface in
answer to two essays lately published in the Fable of the
Bees, and some incidental remarks upon an Inquiry concerning Virtue, by the right honourable Anthony earl of
Shaftesbury,
” Search
into the Nature of Society;
” and afterwards vindicates Dr.
Kadcliffe from the aspersions of the same author, on account of his benefactions to the university of Oxford. 7.
“A Preparative to the Lord’s Supper.
” 8. “A Letter in
answer to one from a Freethinker, occasioned by the late
duke of Buckingham’s epitaph: wherein certain passages
in it that have been thought exceptionable are vindicated,
and the doctrine of the soul’s immortality asserted. To
which is prefixed, a version of the epitaph, agreeably to the
explication given of it in the Answer;
” in
earl, and grandson to William, who was first raised to the peerage. Edmund Fielding served under the duke of Maryborough, and towards the close of king George the First’s
, beyond all comparison the first
novel-writer of this country, was born at Sharpham Park
in Somersetshire, April 22, 1707. His father, Edmund
Fielding, esq. was the third son of John Fielding, D. D.
canon of Salisbury, who was the fifth son of George earl
of Desmond, and brother to William third earl of Denbigh, nephew to Basil the second earl, and grandson to
William, who was first raised to the peerage. Edmund
Fielding served under the duke of Maryborough, and towards the close of king George the First’s reign, or the
accession of George II. was promoted to the rank of a
lieutenant-general. His mother was daughter to the first
judge Gould, and aunt to sir Henry Gould, lately one of
the judges of the common pleas. This lady, besides Henry,
who seems to have been the eldest, had four daughters,
and another son named Edmund, who was an officer in the
sea-service. Afterwards, in consequence of his father’s
second marriage, Fielding had six half-brothers, George,
James, Charles, John, William, and Basil. Of these nothing memorable is recorded, except of John, who will be
the subject of a subsequent article as will also Sarah, the
sister of Henry Fielding. His father died in 1740.
Henry Fielding received the first rudiments of his education at home, under the care of the rev. Mr. Oliver, for
whom he seems to have had no great regard, as he is said
to have designed a portrait of him in the very humorous
yet unfavourable character of parson Tralliber, in his “Joseph Andrews.
” From this situation he was removed to
Eton school, where he had an opportunity of cultivating a
very early intimacy and friendship with several young men
who afterwards became conspicuous personages in the
kingdom, such as lord Lyttelton, Mr. Fox, Mr. Pitt, sir
Charles Hanbury Williams, &c. who ever through life retained a warm regard for him. But these were not the
only advantages he reaped at that great seminary of education; for, by an assiduous application to study, and the
possession of strong and peculiar talents, he became, before he left that school, uncommonly versed in Greek
authors, and a master of the Latin classics. Thus accomplished, at about eighteen years of age he left Eton, and
went to Leyden, where he studied under the most celebrated civilians for about two years, when, the remittances
from England not coming so regularly as at first, he was
obliged to return to London.
sons of distinguished rank and character, particularly the late dukes of Richmond and Roxburgh, John duke of Argyle, the first lord Lyttelton, &c. the last-named of which
General Fielding’s family being very greatly increased
by his second marriage, it became impossible for him to
make such appointments for this his eldest son as he could
have wished; his allowance was therefore either very ill paid
or entirely neglected. This unhappy situation soon produced all the ill consequences which could arise from poverty and dissipation. Possessed of a strong constitution,
a lively imagination, and a disposition naturally but little
formed for Œconomy, Henry Fielding found himself his
own master, in a place where the temptations to every
expensive pleasure are numerous, and the means of gratifying them easily attainable. From this unfortunately
pleasing situation sprang the source of every misfortune or
uneasiness that Fielding afterwards felt through life. He
very soon found that his finances were by no means proportioned to the brisk career of dissipation into which he
had launched; yet, as disagreeable impressions never continued long upon his mind, but only rouzed him to struggle through his difficulties with the greater spirit, he flattered himself that he should find resources in his wit and
invention, and acccordingly commenced writer for the
stage in 1727, at which time he had not more than attained the completion of his twentieth year.
His first dramatic attempt was a piece called “Love in
several Masques,
” which, though it immediatetysucceeded
the long and crowded run of the “Provoked Husband,
”
met with a favourable reception, as did likewise his second play, “The Temple Beau,
” which came out in the
following year. He did not, however, meet with equal
success in all his dramatic works, for he has even printed,
in the title-page of one of his farces, “as it was damned
at the theatre-royal Drury-lane;
” and he himself informs
us, in the general preface to his miscellanies, that for the
“Wedding-Day,
” though acted six nights, his profits from
the house did not exceed fifty pounds. Nor did a much
better fate attend some of his earlier productions, so that,
though it was his lot always to write from necessity, he
would, probably, notwithstanding his writings, have laboured continually under that necessity, had not the severity of the public, and the malice of his enemies, met
with a noble alleviation from the patronage of several persons of distinguished rank and character, particularly the
late dukes of Richmond and Roxburgh, John duke of
Argyle, the first lord Lyttelton, &c. the last-named of
which noblemen, not only by his friendship softened the
rigour of our author’s misfortunes while he lived, but also
by his generous ardour has vindicated his character, and
done justice to his memory, after death.
following works: 1. “An account of the Origin and Effects of a Police, set on foot by his grace the duke of Newcastle, in the year 1753, upon a Plan presented to his
, was half brother, as abovementioned, to Henry Fielding, and his successor in the
office of justice for Westminster, in which, though blind
from his youth, he acted with great sagacity and activity
for many years. He received the honour of knighthood
for his services in October, 1761, and died at Brompton in
September 1780. He published at various times, the following works: 1. “An account of the Origin and Effects
of a Police, set on foot by his grace the duke of Newcastle,
in the year 1753, upon a Plan presented to his grace by
the late Henry Fielding, esq. To which is added, a Plan
for preserving those deserted Girls in this Town who become Prostitutes from Necessity. 1768.
” This was a small
tract in 8vo. 2. “Extracts from such of the Penal Laws
as particularly relate to the Peace and good Order of the
Metropolis,
” The
Universal Mentor; containing, Essays on the most important Subjects in Life; composed of Observations, Sentiments, and Examples of Virtue, selected from the approved Ethic Writers, Biographers, and Historians, both
ancient and modern,
” A
Charge to the Grand Jury of Westminster,
” Another Charge to the Grand Jury
on a similar occasion,
” A brief Description of the Cities of London and Westminster, &c. To
which are added, some Cautions against the Tricks of
Sharpers,
” &c. Cautions,
”
and the use of his name was perhaps a bookseller’s trick.
It is most to the honour of sir John Fielding’s memory,
that he was a distinguished promoter of the Magdalen hospital, the Asylum, and the Marine Society.
bout the end of that year. After seven years of residence, he was appointed physician to Maximilian, duke and afterwards elector of Bavaria; but this he resigned at the
, a physician of eminence, was born at Antwerp, March 28, 1567. His father,
who was a physician at Antwerp, and who died at Dort in
1585, was the author of a treatise entitled “Commentarius de flatibus humanum corpus infestantibus,
” Antwerp,
De Cauteriis libri quinque,
”
Louvaine, Libri Chirurgici XII., de praecipuis
Artis Chirurgicre controversiis,
” Francfort, 1602, which
passed through many editions. 3. “De viribus Imaginationis Tractatus,
” Louvaine, De Cometa
anni 1618,
” Antwerp, De vi formatrice foetus liber, in quo ostenditur animam rationalem
infundi tertia die,
” ibid. De formatrice foetus
adversus Ludovicum du Gardin, &c.
” Louvaine, Pro sua de anijnatione fcetds tertia die opinione Apologia, adversus Antonium Ponce Santa Cruz, Regis Hispaniarmn Medicum
Cubicularem, &c.
” Louvaine, Semiotice, sive
de signis medicis Tractatus,
” Leyden,
al years spent in his closet, with no other employment than poetry and the belles-lettres, the grand duke appointed him senator. He died September 27, 1707, aged sixty-five.
, a celebrated Italian poet, was
born December 30, 1642, of a noble family at Florence.
He studied philosophy, law, and divinity five years at
Pisa, and took a doctor of law’s degree there. He then
returned to Florence, where, after several years spent in
his closet, with no other employment than poetry and the
belles-lettres, the grand duke appointed him senator. He
died September 27, 1707, aged sixty-five. Filicaia was
member or the academies della Crusca, and degli Arcadi.
His poems are much admired for their delicacy and noble
sentiments. They have been published together by Scipio
Filicaia, his son, under the title of “Poesie Toscane di
Vincenzo da Filicaia,
” &c.
ch he made the Decree in the cause between the honourable Charles Howard, esq. plaintiff, Henry late duke of Norfolk, Henry lord Mowbray his son, Henry marquis of Dorchester,
Under his name are published, 1. Several speeches and
discourses in the trial of the judges of Charles I. in the
book entitled “An exact and most impartial account of
the Indictment, Arraignment, Trial, and Judgment (according to law) of twenty-nine regicides, &c. 1660,
” 4to,
Speeches to both Houses of Parliament,
7th Jan. 1673; 13th of April and 13th of Oct. 1675; 15th
of Feb. 1676; 6th of March, 1678; and 30th of April,
1679.
” These were spoken while he was lord keeper and
chancellor. 3. “Speech at the Sentence of William Viscount Stafford, 7th Dec. 1680,
” printed in one sheet, folio;
and in the Trial of the said Viscount, p. 212. 4. “Answers by his Majesty’s command, upon several Addresses
presented to his majesty at Hampton Court, the 19th of
May, 1681,
” in one sheet, in folio. 5. “His Arguments;
upon which he made the Decree in the cause between the
honourable Charles Howard, esq. plaintiff, Henry late duke
of Norfolk, Henry lord Mowbray his son, Henry marquis
of Dorchester, and Richard Marriott, esq. defendants;
wherein the several ways and methods of limiting a trust of
term for years are fully debated, 1615,
” folio, 6, “An
Argument on the claim of the Crown to pardon on Impeachment,
” folio. He also left behind him, written with
his own hand, “Chancery Reports,
” ms. in folio, and notes
on Coke’s Institute.
following, spoke with much vigour in the house of commons against the bill for the exclusion of the duke of York, declaring “that the kings of England do not rule by
, second earl of Nottingham, son of
the preceding, by his lady Elizabeth, daughter of Mr.
Daniel Hervey, merchant in London, was born about 1647,
and educated at Christ church, Oxford; but entered early
into public life, and served in several parliaments in the
Teign of Charles II. for the city of Lichfield, and for the
borough of Newton in the county of Southampton, In.
1679 he was constituted first commissioner of the Admiralty, and sworn of the privy-council; and in the latter
end of the year following, spoke with much vigour in the
house of commons against the bill for the exclusion of the
duke of York, declaring “that the kings of England do
not rule by virtue of any statute-law,
” as had been suggested by some persons on the other side of the question,
“since their right was by so ancient a prescription, that
it might justly be said to be from God alone and such as
no power on earth ought to dispute.
”
e of the privy-council who signed the order, dated at Whitehall, Feb. 6, 1684-5, for proclaiming the duke of York king of England. In that reign he was one of the chief
On the decease of his father in 1682, he succeeded him
in his titles and estate; and on the death of Charles II.
was one of the privy-council who signed the order, dated
at Whitehall, Feb. 6, 1684-5, for proclaiming the duke of
York king of England. In that reign he was one of the
chief opposers of the abrogation of the test act, which he
considered as the strongest fence of the protestant religion.
Upon the trial of the seven bishops, he was present in court
with several other noblemen; and his brother Heneage,
afterwards earl of Aylesford, was of the counsel for those
prelates. He was likewise one of the patriots, who, from
a true zeal for their religion and their country, often met
to concert such advices and advertisements as might be
fit for the prince of Orange to know, that he might govern
himself by them. When, however, it was secretly proposed to him to invite that prince into England, he felt a
conscientious hesitation on the subject, and informed the
friends of that measure that he could not personally adopt
it, yet would preserve the secret with which they had intrusted him. Upon the prince’s landing in the West, he
was one of those lords who made a last attempt on the obstinacy of the king, by presenting a petition to his majesty, advising him to call a parliament regular and free in
all respects, to which he was even for adding, “that the
peers who had joined the prince might sit in that free parliament;
” but this by the other lords was thought unnecessary. He was afterwards one of the commissioners sent by^
his majesty to treat with the prince. When afterwards the
convention was opened, he was the principal manager of
the debates in favour of a regent, against those who were
for setting up another king; supporting his opinion by
many arguments drawn from the English history, and adding a recent instance in Portugal, "where Don Pedro had
only the title of regent conferred upon him, while his deposed brother lived. However, he owned it to be a principle grounded on the law and history of England, that
obedience and allegiance were due to the king for the time
being, even in opposition to one, with whom the right was
thought still to remain. He likewise told bishop Burnet,
that though he could not argue nor vote, but according to
the notions which he had formed concerning our laws and
constitution, he should not be sorry to see his own side
out-voted; and that though he could not agree to the
making of a king, as things stood, yet if he found one
made, he would be more faithful to him than those who
made him could be, according to their principles.
arl of Winchelsea; which Heneage was, in his father’s life-time, gentleman of the bed-chamber to the duke of York, and afterwards, upon the death of his nephew Charles,
, a lady of
considerable poetical talents, was the daughter of fcir William Kingsmill, of Sidmonton, in the county of Southampton, but the time of her birth is not mentioned. She was
maid of honour to the duchess of York, second wife of
James II.; and afterwards married to Heneage, second son
of Heneage earl of Winchelsea; which Heneage was, in
his father’s life-time, gentleman of the bed-chamber to
the duke of York, and afterwards, upon the death of his
nephew Charles, succeeded to the title of earl of Winchelsea. One of the most considerable of this lady’s
poems was that “upon the Spleen,
” printed in “A new
jniscellany of original Poems on several occasion’s,
” pub
lished by Mr. Charles Gildon in A
collection of her poems, was printed in 1713, 8vo; containing likewise a, tragedy called
” Aristomenes;" never
acted; and many still continue unpublished, a few of
which may be seen in the General Dictionary, which Dr.
Birch inserted there by permission of the countess of Hertford, in whose possession they were. Her ladyship obtained the good will of Pope, who addressed some verses
to her which drew forth an elegant replication, printed in
Gibber’s Lives. She died August 5, 1720, without issue
as did the earl her husband, Sept. 30, 1726.
s, Fisher opposed it in a very warm speech, at which some lords were pleased, others displeased. The duke of Norfolk, addressing himself to him, said, “My lord of Rochester,
In the parliament which met Nov. 1529, a motion being
made for suppressing the lesser monasteries, Fisher opposed it in a very warm speech, at which some lords were
pleased, others displeased. The duke of Norfolk, addressing himself to him, said, “My lord of Rochester, many
of these words might have been well spared; but it is
often seen that the greatest clerks are not always the wisest
men.-
” To which the bishop replied, “My lord, I do not
remember any fools in my time, that ever proved great
clerks.
” Complaint was made by the commons of this
speech to the king, who contented himself with gently
rebuking Fisher, and bidding him “use his words more
temperately.
” In 1530 he escaped two very great clangers, first that of being poisoned, and then of being shot
in his house at Lambeth-marsh; upon which he retired to
Rochester. One Rouse, coming into his kitchen, took occasion, in the cook’s absence, to throw poison into gruel
which was prepared for his dinner. He could eat nothing
that day, and so escaped; but of seventeen persons who
eat of it, two died, and the rest never perfectly recovered
their health. Upon this occasion, an act was made declaring poisoning to be high treason, and adjudging the
offender to be boiled to death; which punishment was soon
after inflicted upon Rouse in Smithfield. The other danger proceeded from a cannon bullet, which, being shot
from the other side of the Thames, pierced through his
house, and came very near his study, where he used to
spend most of his time.
wich, which was held in the king’s presence in 1622, at three different times, at the request of the duke of Buckingham, on account of his duchess being a Roman catholic.
, an English Jesuit of the seventeenth
century, whose true name was Piercy, was born in Yorkshire, and admitted in the English college at Rome,
whence he removed to Louvaine, and became a Jesuit in
1594. Afterwards he was sent on a mission to England,
and laboured several years in endeavouring to make proselytes, until he was imprisoned and banished. Those of
his order then made him professor of divinity at Louvaine,
and vice-provincial of the English Jesuits. Returning thence
to England, he made a considerable figure in the reigns of
James I. and Charles I. in various controversies and conferences with some noted divines of the church of England.
His most remarkable conference was with Dr. Francis
White, dean of Carlisle, and afterwards bishop of Norwich, which was held in the king’s presence in 1622, at
three different times, at the request of the duke of Buckingham, on account of his duchess being a Roman catholic.
At the conclusion of these conferences, king James desired
Fisher to return an answer to nine points, proposed by his
majesty, which Fisher did in writing, except an article
concerning the supremacy, about which he desired to he
excused. He had conferences also with Laud, Featley,
and othrrs. He was alive in 1641, but how long afterwards we do not find. He published 1. “A Treatise of
Faith,
” Lond. A Defence of the preceding against Wooton and White,
” St.
Omers, A Challenge to Protestants; to shew
the succession of their pastors, from Christ down,
” ibid.
An Answer to nine points of Controversy proposed by king James I. with the censure of Mr. White’s
reply,
” The Romish Fisher caught in his own net,
” by Dr.
Featley, Lond. A Conference between bishop Laud
and Fisher,
” ibid. Reply to the relation, of the conference between Laud and Fisher,
” by an
anonymous author, Reply to Fisher’s
answer to some questions propounded by king James,
”
Orthodox faith and the
way to the church explained,
” by the same, Fisher’s folly unfolded,
” &c. by George Walker, Catalogus protestantium before Luther,
” by George
Webb, An answer to Mr. Fisher the Jesuit,
&c. in a dialogue,
” by Henry Rogers, The
Protestant church existent, and by whom their faith professed in all ages,
” by the same, A
Dialogue about this question, Where was your church before Luther?
” by C. W.
ction of Philip II.; but, upon the defeat of the armada, in 1588, he left Spain, and accompanied the duke of Feria to Milan. This duke had formerly been in England with
, grandson of sir Anthony, and a very ingenious and learned man, was born in the county of Stafford, in 1552; and sent to either Exeter or Lincoln-college, in Oxford, in 1568. But having been bred a catholic, the college was uneasy to him; and though he would now and then hear a sermon, which was permitted him by an old Roman priest, who lived privately in Oxford, and to whom he recurred for instruction in matters of religion, yet he would seldom go to prayers, for which he was often admonished by the sub -rector of the house. At length, seeming to be wearied with the heresy of the times, as he called it, he receded without a degree to his patrimony: where also refusing to go to his parish church, he was imprisoned about 1572; but being soon set at liberty, he became still more zealous in his religion, maintaining publicly, that catholics ought not to go to protestant churches; for which, being like to suffer, he withdrew, and lived obscurely with his wife and family. In 1580, when the Jesuits Campian and Parsons came into England, he went to London, found them out, was exceedingly attached to them, and supplied them liberally: by which, bringing himself into dangers and difficulties, he went a voluntary exile into France, in 1582, where he solicited the cause of Mary queen of Scots, but in yam. After the death of that princess, and of his own wife, he left France, and went to Madrid, in order to implore the protection of Philip II.; but, upon the defeat of the armada, in 1588, he left Spain, and accompanied the duke of Feria to Milan. This duke had formerly been in England with king Philip, had married an English lady, and was justly esteemed a great patron of the English in Spain. Fitzherbert continued at Milan some time, and thence went to Rome; where, taking a lodging near the English college, he attended prayers as regularly as the residents there, and spent the rest of his time in writing books. He entered into the society of Jesus in 1614, and received priest’s orders much about the same time; after which he speedily removed into Flanders, to preside over the mission there, and continued at Brussels about two years. His great parts, extensive and polite learning, together with the high esteem that he had gained by his prudent behaviour at Brussels, procured him the government, with the title of rector, of the P^nglish college at Rome. This office he exercised for twenty-two years, vrith unblemished credit, during which time he is said to have been often named for a cardinal’s hat. He died there, Aug. 27, 1G40, in his eighty-eighth year, and was interred in the chapel belonging to the English college.
, duke of Berwick, natural son of James II. when duke of York, and
, duke of Berwick, natural son of James II. when duke of York, and of Arabella Churchill, sister to the great duke of Marl borough, was born at Moulins in 1670, when his mother was on her return from the medicinal waters of Bourbon. He was bred to arms in the French service, and in 1686, at the age of fifteen, was wounded at the siege of Buda; he signalized himself also in 1687, at the battle of Mohatz, where the duke of Lorraine defeated the Turks. In 1688, after'his father’s abdication, he was sent to command for him in Ireland, and was distinguished, both at the siege of Londonderry, in 1690, and at the battle of the Boyne, where he had a horse killed under him. In 1703 he commanded the troops that Louis XIV. sent to Spain to support the claim of Philip V. In a single campaign he made himself master of several fortified places. On his return to France he was employed to reduce the rebels in the Cevennes. He then besieged Nice, and took it in 170. For his services in this campaign he was raised the next year to the dignity of mareschal of France; after which he greatly signalized himself in Spain against the Portuguese and others. In 1707 he gained the celebrated battle of Almanza, against the English under lord Galloway, and the Portuguese under Das-Minas, who had above 5000 men killed on the field. This victory fixed the crown on the head of Philip V. who was studious to prove his gratitude to the general to whom he was indebted for it. In 1714 he took Barcelona, being then generalissimo of the armies of Spain. When the war between France and Germany broke out in 1733, he again went out at the head of the French army; but in 1734 he was killed by a cannon-bail before Philipsburg, which he was besieging. It was the fortune of the house of Churchill, says Montesquieu, speaking of the dukes of Marlborough and Berwick, to produce two heroes, one of whom was destined lo shake, and the other to support, the two greatest monarchies^ jf Europe. The character of Fitzjames was in some degree dry and severe, but full of integrity, sincerity, and true greatness. He was unaffectedly religious; and, though frugal in his personal expences, generally in debt, from the expences brought upon him by his situation, and the patronage he gave to fugitives from England, who had supported the cause of his father. The French are lavish in his Braise, and certainly not without reason. His character has been well and advantageously drawn by the great Montesquieu; and there are memoirs of him written by himself, with a continuation to his death by the English editor, Mr. Hooke, a doctor of the Sorbonne, and son of the Roman historian. They were published in 2 vols. 8vo, in 1779.
1, 9. grant of the manor of Navesby in Northamptonshire, part of the possessions of Edward Stafford, duke of Buckingham, then lately attainted. At that time he was ambassador
, an eminent naval commander, and earl of Southampton, in the sixteenth century, was the second son of sir Thomas Fitzvviliiam, of Aldwarke, in Yorkshire, knt. by Lucia, his wife, daughter and co-heir to John Neville, marquis Montacute. In 151O he was made one of the esquires for the body of king Henry VIII. which office was renewed to him for life ia 1512. The year following he was one of the chief commanders in the fleet sent out against France, to clear the sea of French ships before Henry and his allies attacked France by land; and he was seriously wounded by an arrow in attempting to destroy the French fleet at Brest. Shortly after he attended king Henry at the siege of Tournay, where his bravery procured him the honour of knighthood. In 1620 he was vice-admiral of England, and em^ ployed in guarding the channel at the time the emperor Charles V. came to England. He so ingratiated himself with his royal master that he obtained from him, in 1521, 9. grant of the manor of Navesby in Northamptonshire, part of the possessions of Edward Stafford, duke of Buckingham, then lately attainted. At that time he was ambassador in France; but, upon a rupture between that kingdom and England, he was recalled, Jan. 1521-2, and ordered to sea with a strong fleet of twenty-eight sail, to secure our merchants, and take what French ships he could. Shortly after he assisted at the taking of Morlaix, in Bretagne; and with sir William Sandes and sir Maufice Berkeley, went and burnt Marguison, which was newly built and fortified, and many villages. In 1523, the king of France, preparing to send John duke of Albany, regent of Scotland, into that kingdom in order to invade England from that quarter, sir William was made admiral, and dispatched with a strong fleet to intercept him. Having missed him, he landed on the French coast at Treport, in Normandy, and burnt the suburbs of that town and several ships in the harbour, though there were but 700 English opposed to 6000 French. The year following, being captain of Guisnes, in Picardy, he greatly annoyed Boulogne, and other places adjacent. Before the end of that year he was made treasurer of the king’s household; and in October sent to France with Dr. John Taylor, a civilian, to see the lady regent (whose son, Francis I. was then prisoner in Spain) swear to observe the articles of a treaty newly concluded between the two crowns. In 1529 he was one of those who subscribed the articles exhibited in parliament against cardinal Wolsey. At the grand interview between the ki:igs of England and France, in 1532, he attended his master Henry V11I. to Boulogne, the place of interview between many other persons of the highest quality. In May 1535, he was sent with the duke of Norfolk, the of Ely, and Dr. Fox, to treat with the French king’s commissioners about a league between the crowns of England and France; one of the articles of which was, that the duke of Angonleme, third son to the king of France, should marry Elizabeth, second daughter of king Henry. Shortly after, he was made knight of the garter, and chancellor of the duchy of Lancaster; and in 1536 constituted admiral of England, Wales, Ireland, Normandy, Gascony, and Aquitaine. On Oct. 18, 1537, he was advanced to the title of earl of Southampton, and made lord privy-seal Oct. 27,1539. In April following, some disputes having arisen between England and France, he, with John lord Russel, lately made high admiral, were sent over to Calais with a few troops of horse, and returned quickly after executing their orders. He was also employed as captain of the Foreward in the expedition to Scotland, in October 1542, but died in his way thither, at Newcastle, so much esteemed, that, in honour of his memory, his standard was borne in the vanguard in all that expedition. By his will bearing date Sept. 10, of the same year, he ordered his body to be buried in the church of Midhurst, in Sussex. He left no issue by Mabel his wife, daughter to Henry lord Clifford, and sister to Henry first earl of Cumberland. Of his personal character it is only recorded that there was not a serviceable man under his command whose name he knew not; not a week passed but he paid his ships; not a prize but his seamen shared in as well as himself; and it was his opinion, that none fought well but those who did it for a fortune, which may be admitted, in some measure, if we consider that fortune and honours in the naval and military services are generally joined.
ntpellier; his fame extended to the metropolis, and he was invited to the office of physician to the duke of Orleans. His age was now, however, advanced; and the fear
, an eminent physician of Montpellier, the son of Nicholas Fizes, professor of mathematics
in that university, was born in 1690, and at first educated
by his father, who hoped that he would succeed him in the
mathematical chair; but his disposition being more to the
study of medicine, his father sent him to complete his
medical education at Paris, under the tuition of Du Verney, Lemery, and the two messrs. De Jussieu. On his
return to Montpellier, he employed himself in observing
diseases in the hospital de la Charite, and in public teaching. On the death of his father, he was appointed joint
professor of mathematics with M. de Clapiers, and soon
became his sole successor. In 1732, the medical professorship in the university being vacant by the resignation of
M. Deidier, Fizes was elected his successor. He fulfilled
the duties of this chair with great propriety, but was more
highly distinguished as a practitioner. He appreciated at
once the character of the most complicated disease; and
was above all admired for the accuracy of his prognostics.
These qualifications placed him at the head of his profession at Montpellier; his fame extended to the metropolis,
and he was invited to the office of physician to the duke of
Orleans. His age was now, however, advanced; and the
fear of the jealousy which this high appointment might
produce among his brethren, led him to make some efforts
to be permitted to decline this honour. He removed to
Paris, nevertheless; but, unused to the intrigues and railJeries and cabals of a court, he was unhappy in his situation; his health began to fail, and he was induced to request permission to resign his office, and returned to
Montpellier, after residing fourteen months at Paris, honoured with the protection of the prince, and the friendship
of M. Senac, Astruc, Bordeu, &c. He was accused of a
little misanthropy on this occasion; but he was an enemy
to adulation and selfishness, and seemed to revolt from
very species of artificial politeness. He resumed the
functions of his professorship at Montpellier but for a short
period; for he was carried off by a malignant fever in the
course of three days, and died on August 14, 1765, aged
about seventy-five years. His works were principally
essays on different points of theory and practice. 1. “De
Hominis Liene sano,
” Montpellier^ De naturali Secretione Bilis in Jecore,
” ibid.' Specimen
de Suppuratione in Partibus mollibus,
” ibid. Partium Corporis himiani Solidarum Conspectus Anatomico-Mechanicus,
” ibid. De Cataracta
”
6. “Universae Physiologiae Conspectus,
” ibid. De Tumoribus in Genere,
” ibid. Tractatus
de Febribus,
” ibid.
suffulta prresidiis.” This work, a 4to volume, containing about 600 pages, he" dedicated to the then duke of York, afterwards king James II. of England. The author commences
, an Irish
gentleman of learning, who had a considerable knowledge
in the history and antiquities of his country, was born in.
1650, at Moycullin, co. Galway, the ancient estate of his
family, which became forfeited by the rebellion in 1641,
when he was only eleven years old. He published at
London, 1685, a book under the singular and mystic title
of “Ogygia, or Rerum Hibernicarum Chronologia,
” containing chronological memoirs upon the antiquities of the
kingdom of Ireland; compiled, as he observes, “ex pervetustis monumentis fideliter inter se collatis eruta, atque
e sacris et profanis litteris primarum orbis gentium, tarn
genealogicis, quam chronologicis suffulta prresidiis.
” This
work, a 4to volume, containing about 600 pages, he" dedicated to the then duke of York, afterwards king James II.
of England. The author commences his history from the deluge, continues it to the year of Christ 42 8, and has divided it
into three parts. The first describes the island, its various
names, inhabitants, extent, kings, the manner of their annual
election, &c. The second is a kind of chronological parallel
of the Irish affairs, with the events that happened during the
same period in other countries. The third is a more ample
detail of particular transactions in the same kingdom. To
this is added a professedly exact chronological table of all
the Christian kings who have ruled over Ireland, from
A. D. 482 till A. D. 1022; and a brief relation of the most
prominent historic features of the island till the time of
Charles II. in 1685. To this succeeds a chronological
poem, which forms a summary of Irish history to the same
period. At the end is a very curious catalogue of the
Scottish kings, Irish, who have reigned in the British isles.
In his genealogical remarks on the regal house of the
Stewarts, the author attempts to prove they were originally an Irish family. It is surprising that neither the author nor his work has been noticed by Macpherson or
Whitaker in their controversy respecting the peopling of
Hibernia, and the origin of the Caledonians; although
he is particularly noticed by O'Hallaran in his History of
Ireland.
s, and soon acquired a reputation which recommended him to the court of Florence, to which the grand duke invited him, and there employed him in several works, the execution
, a painter of
historical subjects, was born at Liege in 1614, and began
his studies in Flanders, but at the age of twenty-four he went
into Italy to cultivate his talents by a view of the works of
the renowned painters of that country. At Rome, he
copied the best works of the great masters, and soon acquired a reputation which recommended him to the court
of Florence, to which the grand duke invited him, and
there employed him in several works, the execution of
which acquired for him the esteem of that prince, and the
applause of the public. In returning from hence homewards, after an absence of nine years, he went to Paris,
where some of his best works were executed. In 1647 he
returned to Liege, where he was received with great
warmth, and by his subsequent works confirmed the high,
opinion which his countrymen had conceived of his merit.
He then visited Paris again, was admitted a member of
the academy of painting, and appointed professor. Returning home, he became rich enough to build a house at
St. Remi, which cost 50,000 florins. He also embraced
the clerical profession, and although he knew nothing of
Latin, was made a canon of St. Paul, by a dispensation
from the pope. But in the midst of wealth, possessed of
public and private esteem, and of every other circumstance that could render life comfortable, he was seized
with an unaccountable melancholy and dejection of spirits,
which incessantly oppressed him, till it occasioned his
death in 1675; and many persons believed his disorder to
have been occasioned by poison administered to him by
the celebrated marchioness de Brinvilliers, with whom he
had formed an unfortunate connexion, but for this there
appears no proof, and his death seems more reasonably
attributed to his disordered mind. He appears indeed to
have given way to that selfish jealousy which some have
reckoned a system of approaching derangement. When
one of his scholars, Carlier, had begun to give extraordinary proofs of excellence in his art, Flameel did every
thing he could to discourage him, and actually transferred
him to a grinder of colours. Carlier, however, conscious
of his abilities, secretly painted “the Martyrdom of St.
Denis,
” which was placed in the church dedicated to that
saint; and Flameel had no sooner seen it, than he threw
his pencil into the fire, and never painted more.
aking more. Sir Jonas highly valued this barometer; and mentioning it as a curiosity to the king and duke of York, he was ordered to exhibit it the next day, which he
In 1673-4, he wrote an Ephemeris, to shew the falsity of astrology, and the ignorance of those that pretended to it; and gave a table of the moon’s rising and setting carefully calculated, together with the eclipses and appulses of the moon and planets to the fixed stars. This fell into the hands of sir Jonas Moore, for whom he made a table of the moon’s true southings for that year; from which, and Philips’s theory of the tides, the high waters being made, he found that they shewed the times of the turn of the tides very nearly, whereas the common seaman’s coarse rules would err sometimes two or three, hours. In 1674, passing through London in the way to Cambridge, sir Jonas Moore informed him, that a true account of the tides would be highly acceptable to the king; upon which he composed a small ephemeris for his majesty’s use. Sir Jonas had heard him often discourse of the barometer, and the certainty of judging of the weather by it, from a long series of observations he had made upon it; and now requested of him to construct for him one of these glasses, which he did, and left him materials for making more. Sir Jonas highly valued this barometer; and mentioning it as a curiosity to the king and duke of York, he was ordered to exhibit it the next day, which he did, together with Fiamsteed’s directions for judging of the weather from its rising or falling. Sir Jonas was a great friend to our author had shewn the king and duke his telescopes and micrometer before and, whenever he acquainted them with any thing which he had gathered from Flamsteed’s discourse, he told them frankly from whom he had it, and recommended him to the nobility and gentry about the court.
d amendments, was published by himself, with his portrait before them, in 1682, and dedicated to the duke of Ormond. The first poem in this collection is, “On the Death
, an English poet, was born in
Aldersgate-street, London, about 1633; and educated at
Winchester school. He went from thence to New college, in Oxford; but leaving the university without a degree, he removed to the Inner Temple, where in due time
he became a barrister. Jt does not appear that he ever
followed the profession of the law; but, having a turn for
the fine arts, he indulged his inclination, and made some
proficiency, both as a poet and a painter. He speaks of
himself as a painter, in a poem called “The Review,
” and
it appears from thence, that he drew in miniature. The
third edition of his poems, with additions and amendments, was published by himself, with his portrait before
them, in 1682, and dedicated to the duke of Ormond.
The first poem in this collection is, “On the Death of the
right honourable Thomas earl of Ossory,
” and had been
published separately the year before. Soon after, it was
read by the duke of Ormond his father, who was so extremely pleased with it, that he sent Flatman a mourning
ring, with a diamond in it worth 100l. He published also
in 1685, two Pindaric odes; one on the death of prince
Rupert, the other on the death of Charles II.
ted his feelings as well as exercised his talents, for it was in honour of his well-tried friend the duke of Montausier, who died in 1690. In 1679 he published his history
, the celebrated bishop of Nismes,
distinguished equally for elegant learning, abilities, and
exemplary piety, was born June 10, 1632, at Perne, near
Avignon, in Provence, and educated in the study of literature and virtue under his uncle Hercules AudifiTret.
After the death of this relation, who was principal of the
congregation styled De la Doctrine Chretienne, he appeared at Paris, about 1659, where he was soon distinguished as a man of genius, and an able preacher. A description of a carousal, in Latin verse, which, notwithstanding the difficulty of a subject unknown to the ancients, was
pure and classical, first attracted the public admiration.
It was published in 1669, in folio, and entitled “Cursus
Regius,
” and has since been included in his miscellaneous
works. His funeral orations completed the fame which
his sermons had begun. He had pronounced one at Narbonne, in 1659, when professor of rhetoric there, on the
bishop of that city, but this is not extant. The first of
those that are published, was delivered in 1672, at the
funeral of madam de Montausier, whose husband had become his patron and friend. He soon rose to be the rival
of Bossuet in this species of eloquence. His oration on
mareschal Turenne, pronounced in 1676, is esteemed the
most perfect of these productions; it excited at once the
liveliest regret for the deceased hero, and the highest admiration of the orator. The last oration in the collection
must have agitated his feelings as well as exercised his
talents, for it was in honour of his well-tried friend the
duke of Montausier, who died in 1690. In 1679 he published his history of the emperor Theodosius the Great, the
ouly part that was ever executed, of a plan to instruct the
dauphin, by writing for him the lives of the greatest Christian princes. The king, after having testified his regard
for him by giving him the abbey of S. iSeverin, and the office
of almoner in ordinary to the dauphin, promoted him in
1685 to the see of Lavaur, saying to him at the same time,
< Be not surprised that I so Jong delayed to reward your
merit; I was afraid of losing the pleasure of hearing your
discourses.“Two years after, he was made bishop of
Nismes. In his diocese he was no less remarkable for the
mildness and indulgence by which he drew hack several
protestants to his church, than for his general charity, and
attention to the necessities of the unfortunate of all descriptions. At the time of a famine, in 1709, his charity was
unbounded, and was extended to persons of all persuasions;
and his modesty was at all times equal to his benevolence.
Numbers were relieved by him, without knowing the source
of their good fortune. His father had been a tallowchandler; but Flechier had too much real greatness of
mind to conceal the humbleness of his origin: and, being
once insolently reproached on that subject, he had the
spirit to reply,
” I fancy, sir, from your sentiments, if
you had been so born, you would, have made candles still.“It is said that he had a presentiment of his death by means
of a dream; in consequence of which, he employed an
artist to design a monument for him, wishing to have one
that was modest and plain, not such as vanity or gratitude
might think it necessary to erect. He urged the artist to
execute this design before his death, which happened Feb.
16, 1710.
” He died,“says d'Alembert,
” lamented by
the catholics, regretted by the protestants, having always
exhibited to his brethren an excellent model of zeal and
charity, simplicity and eloquence."
hem was acted. His comedy, called “Damoiselles a la mode,” was printed in 1667, and addressed to the duke and duchess of Newcastle; the author had designed it for the
, an English poet and dramatic
writer in the reign of Charles II. whose productions, although not without some proportion of merit, would not
have preserved his name so long as the satire of Dryden,
entitled “Mac Flecnoe,
” is said to have been originally a
Jesuit, and to have had connections with some persons of
high distinction in London, who were of the Roman catholic persuasion. What was the cause of Dryden’s aversion
is not determined. Some have said that when the revolution was completed, Dryden, having some time before
turned papist, became disqualified for holding his place of
poet-laurcat. It was accordingly taken from him, and
conferred on Flecknoe, a man to whom Dryden is said to
have had already a confirmed aversion; and this produced
the famous satire, called from him Mac Flecknoe, one of
the most spirited and amusing of Dryden' s poems; and,
in some degree, the model of the Dunciad. That this is a
spirited poem is as certain, as that all the preceding account from Cihber and his copiers is ridiculous. Shadwell
was the successor of Dryden, as laureat, and in this poem
is ridiculed as the poetical son of Flecknoe. However con.temptibly Dryden treated Flecknoe, the latter at one time
wrote an epigram in his praise, which, with his religion,
might have conciliated both Dryden and Pope. Perhaps
Dryden, says a modern critic, was offended at his invectives against the obscenity of the stage, knowing how much
he had contributed to it. Be this as it may, Flecknoe himself wrote some plays, but not more than one of them was
acted. His comedy, called “Damoiselles a la mode,
” was
printed in For the acting this comedy,
those who have the government of the stage have their
humours, and would.be in treated and I have mine, and
won't intreat them and were all dramatic writers of my
mind, tljeyshould wear their old plays thread-bare, ere
they should have any new,till they better understood
their own interest, and how todistinguish between good
*nd bad.
”
y his interest as well as his duty, that he would have declared himself publicly, if the king or the duke of York had landed; and that although that engagement failed,
Upon his brother-in-law Richard Cromwell’s succeeding
to the title of protector, he signed the order for his proclamation; but soon discovered his enmity to that succession,
being disappointed of the protectorship, which he had expected, and determined that no single person should be
his superior. He joined therefore with the discontented
officers of the army in deposing Richard, after he had persuaded him to dissolve his parliament; and invited the
members of the long parliament, who had continued sitting
till April 20, 1653, when they were dissolved by Oliver
Cromwell, to return to the exercise of their trust. Upon
their meeting in May 1659, he was chosen one of the council of state, and the next month made lieutenant general
of the forces; which post he held till Oct. 12 following,
when he was appointed one of the commissioners to govern
all the forces; and on the 17th of that month was nominated by the general council of state, commander in chief
of all the forces. But in December 1659, finding that his
interest declined in the army, who were now zealous to
have the parliament sit again in honour, freedom, and
safety, and that this, concurring with the general temper
of the nation, would evidently restore the king, he was
advised by Whitelocke to send immediately some person of
trust to his majesty at Breda, with offers of restoring him
to his rights, and by that means anticipate Monk, who
had undoubtedly the same design. Fleetwood in return
asked Whiteiocke, whether he was willing to undertake
that employment; who consenting, it was agreed that he
should prepare himself for the journey that evening or the^
next morning, while the general and his friends should
draw up instructions for him. But sir Henry Vane, general Disbrowe, and col. Berry, coming in at that critical
moment, diverted Fleetwood from this resolution; who
alledged, that those gentlemen had reminded him of his
promise, not to attempt any such affair without general
Lambert’s consent; while Whitelocke, on the other hand,
represented to him that Lambert was at too great a distance to give his assent to a business which must be
immediately acted, and was of the utmost importance
to himself and his friends. He appears, indeed, before
that time, to have entertained some design of espousing
the king’s interests, if he had had resolution to execute it;
for lord Mordaunt, in a letter to the king, dated from
Calais, October 11, 1659, asserts, that Fleetwood then 1
looked upon his majesty’s restoration as so clearly his interest as well as his duty, that he would have declared himself publicly, if the king or the duke of York had landed;
and that although that engagement failed, he was still
ready to come in to his majesty, whensoever he should attempt in person. Sir Edward Hyde likewise, in a letter to
the marquis of Ormonde from Brussels of the same date,
rves, that the general made then great professions of
being converted, and of his resolution to serve the king upon
the first opportunity. But the same noble writer, in his
“History of the Rebellion,
” represents Fleetwood as “a
weak man, though very popular with all the praying part
of the army, whom Lambert knew well how to govern, as
Cromwell had done Fairfax, and then in like manner to
lay him aside;
” and that amidst tbo several desertions of
the soldiers from the interests of their officers to the parliament in December 1659, he remained still in consultation with the “committee of safety;
” and when intelligence was brought of any murmur among the soldiers,
by which a revolt might ensue, and he was desired to go
among them to confirm them, he would fall upon his
knees to his prayers, and could hardly be prevailed with
to go to them. Besides, when he was among them, ancj
in the middle of any discourse, he would invite them all
to prayers, and put himself upon his Icnees before them.
And when some of his friends importuned him to appear
more vigorous in the charge he possessed, without which
they must be all destroyed, they could get no other answer
from him than that “God had spit in his face, and would
not hear him.
” So that it became no great wonder why
Lambert had preferred him to the office of general, and
been content with the second command for himself.
ve them, by publishing, 8. “Four Sermons; viz. On the Death of queen Mary, 1694; on the Death of the duke of Gloucester, 1700; on the Death of king William, 1701; on
Notwithstanding his difference with the ministry, when
a fast was appointed to be kept, Jan. 16, 1711-12, he was
chosen by the house of lords to preach before them; but,
by some means or other getting intelligence that he had
censured the peace, they contrived to have the house adjourned beyond that day. This put it indeed out of his
power to deliver his sentiments from the pulpit; yet he
put the people in possession of them, by sending them
from the press. Though without a name, from the spirit
and language it was easily known whose sermon it was. It
gave offence to some ministers of state, who now only
waited for an opportunity to be revenged; and this opportunity the bishop soon gave them, by publishing, 8. “Four
Sermons; viz. On the Death of queen Mary, 1694; on
the Death of the duke of Gloucester, 1700; on the Death
of king William, 1701; on the Queen’s accession to the
throne, 1702. With a preface,
” The
Judgment of the Church of England in the case of LayBaptism, and of Dissenter’s Baptism; by which it appears
that she hath not, by any public act of hers, made or declared Lay-Baptism to be invalid. The second edition.
With an additional letter from Dr. John Cosin, afterwards
bishop of Durham, to Mr. Cordel, who scrupled to communicate with the French Protestants upon some of the
modern pretences,
” 8vo. This piece was occasioned by
the controversy about Lay-Baptism, which was then au
object of public notkv.
In 1713, he published without his name, 10. “The Life
and Miracles of St. Wenefrede, together with her Litanies,
with some historical observations made thereon.
” In the
preface, he declares the motives which induced him to
bestow so much pains upon this life of St. Wenefrede; and
these were, that the concourse of people to the well which
goes by her name was very great that the papists made
use of this to influence weak minds that they had lately
reprinted a large life of this saint in English; that these
considerations might justly affect any protestant divine,
and th,at for certain reasons they affected him in particular.
Upon the demise of the queen, and the Hanover succession, this prelate had as much reason to expect that his
zeal and services should be rewarded, as any of his rank
and function: but he did not make any display of his merit,
either to the king or his ministers. However, upon the
death of Moore, bishop of Ely, in 1714, Tenison, then
archbishop of Canterbury, strenuously recommended Fleetwood to the vacant see; and he was accordingly, without
the least application from himself directly or indirectly,
nominated to it.
try for his apprehension. He returned to the continent, and in 1685 engaged in the enterprise of the duke of Monmouth. He landed in the west of England, but was obliged
, an eminent Scotch politician,
and ranked among the patriots of that country, was the son
of sir Robert Fletcher of Saltown, in Scotland, and was
born in 16S3. Being left fatherless while he was a child,
he was placed under the tuition of Dr. Gilbert Bunu-t,
then rector of Saltown, from whom he is supposed to have
imbibed some of those political principles which he afterwards carried to a high degree of enthusiasm. He then
spent some years of his youth in foreign travel, and first
appeared as a public character in the station of a commissioner for East Lothian in the Scotch parliament, but his
opposition to the arbitrary measures of the court, rendered
it necessary to withdraw to Holland; and upon being cited
to appear by a summons from the lords of the council,
which it was known he could not obey, he was outlawed,
and his estate confiscated. In 1683 he came over to England to assist, with his friend Mr. Baillie of Jerviswood, in
the consultations held among the friends of liberty in
England and Scotland, to concert measures for their common security; and by his prudence and address he avoided
giving any pretext to the ministry for his apprehension.
He returned to the continent, and in 1685 engaged in the
enterprise of the duke of Monmouth. He landed in the
west of England, but was obliged to quit the country again
on account of a dispute which he had with a man who insulted him, and whom he shot dead, his temper being at
all times most irascible. From England he went to Spain,
and afterwards passed into Hungary, where he engaged in
the war with the Turks, and distinguished himself by his
valour and skill. The interest which he took in the fate
of his country soon brought him back to join in the conferences which were held among the Scotch refugees in
Holland, for the purpose of effecting a revolution; and
upon that event taking place, he returned to Scotland, and
resumed the possession of his estate. He was a member
of the convention for the settlement of the new government in Scotland, and in all his political conduct he shewed
himself the zealous asserter of the liberties of the people,
without any regard to party distinction, and free from all
views of his own interest. In 1698 he printed “A Discourse of Government with relation to Militias.
” Also
“Two Discourses concerning the Affairs of Scotland.
” In
one of these he suggests a plan for providing for the poor
by domestic slavery, a most preposterous plan to be proposed by a friend to liberty. When a bill was brought into
the parliament of Scotland for a supply to the crowq, in
1703, he moved that, previously to this, or to any other
business, the house should consider what acts were necessary to secure their religion and liberties in case of the
queen’s death, and he proposed various limitations of the
prerogative, which were received in the “Act of Security,
”
passed through his exertions into a law, but rendered ineffectual by the subsequent union, to which he was a determined enemy. He died at London in 1716. His publications, and some of his speeches, were collected in one
volume octavo, entitled, “The Political Works of Andrew
Fletcher, Ksquire,
” and his Life was lately published by
the earl of Burhan, with a very high panegyric on his political virtues. Another very high character of him may be
seen in our authority.
” The Life of La Mere d'Arbouse,“who reformed the convent of Val-de-Grace, 12mo. 9. ”Portrait of the duke of Burgundy,“1714, 12mo. 10.” Treatise on Public Law,“a posthumous
His works were numerous, and all excellent in their
kinds. He wrote, I. “Mceurs des Israelites,
” “Manners
of the Israelites,
” a masterly picture of the lives of holy
men under the first covenant, which has been published in
English. This was followed by, 2. “Mceurs des Chretiens,
” “Manners of Christians,
” since united with the
other in a single volume; and as excellent an introduction
to ecclesiastical, as the other is to sacred history. 3. “Ecclesiastical History,
” in 13 vols. 4to, or 20 vols. 12mo,
containing an account of the Christian church from the
earliest times to the council of Constance in 1414, a very
elaborate and valuable work, but written in a negligent
style, mixed with Greek and Latin idioms. The most
valuable part (for the facts may be met with elsewhere) is
the preliminary dissertations, which contain the result of
profound meditation, on the most important subjects connected with church history. These have been printed separately in one volume, 12mo. 4. “Institution of Ecclesiastical Law,
” 2 vols. 12mo, a work, to which it has
been chiefly objected that it is too concise. 5. te Historical Catechism,“one vol. 12mo, an excellent introduction
for children 5 with a preliminary discourse fit to rank with
those in the ecclesiastical history. 6.
” A Treatise on the
choice and method of Studies.“7.
” Duties of Masters
and Servants.“8.
” The Life of La Mere d'Arbouse,“who reformed the convent of Val-de-Grace, 12mo. 9.
”Portrait of the duke of Burgundy,“1714, 12mo. 10.
” Treatise on Public Law,“a posthumous work, in 2 vols.
12mo, important and excellent in its matter, but not completed by the la^t touches of the author. An edition of
his works, except the ecclesiastical history, was published
at Ntsmes, in 1781, in 5 vols. 8vo. There was another
learned Fleury, who published the Delphin edition of
Apuleius, in two volumes, quarto, under the name of
” Julian us Floridus," his real name being Julian Fleury. He
began Ausomus also, but it was not completed. He died
Sept. 13, 1725.
to his near kinsman Voltaire for his education, who afterwards placed him in the rank of page to the duke de Penthievre. The duke soon distinguished his talents, bestowed
His father sent him to his near kinsman Voltaire for his
education, who afterwards placed him in the rank of page
to the duke de Penthievre. The duke soon distinguished
his talents, bestowed many favours on him, and although,
he at one time gave him a commission in the army, on observing the success of his first publication, the duke determined that he should confine himself to literature, and
furnished him with a library. His first production was his
“Gaiathee,
” which appeared in Theatre,
” containing
“Les deux Billets,
” “Le bon Menage,
” “Le bon Pere,
”
<? La bonne Mere,“and
” Le bon Fils.“Notwithstanding
the success of these, the duke so reproved him for writing
on profane subjects, that he chose his next subject
” Ruth"
from the sacred history, which completely reconciled him
to his patron, and was followed hy a succession of dramas
and novels which placed him in the first rank of popularity
as a sentimental writer.
The duke of Orleai6 sending de Vendome again into Italy in 1706, Folard
The duke of Orleai6 sending de Vendome again into
Italy in 1706, Folard had orders to throw himself into Modena, to defend it against prince Eugene; where he acquitted himself with his usual skill, but was very near being
assassinated. The description which he has given of the
conduct and character of the governor of this town, may be found
in his “Treatise of the Defence of Places,
” and deserves to be
read. He received a dangerous wound on the thigh at the
battle of Blenheim, or Malplaquet, and was some time
after made prisoner by prince Eugene. Being exchanged
in 1711, he was made governor of Bourbourg. In 1714,
he went to Malta, to assist in defending that island against
the Turks. Upon his return to France, he embarked for
Sweden, having a passionate desire to see Charles XII.
He acquired the esteem and confidence of that celebrated
monarch, who sent him to France to negociate the reestablishment of Jarnes II. upon the throne of England;
but, that project being dropped, he returned to Sweden,
followed Charles XII. in his expedition to Norway, and
served under him at the siege of Frederickshall, where that
prince was killed, Dec. 11, 1718. Folard then returned
to France, and made his last campaign in 1719, under the
duke of Berwick, in quality of colonel. From that time
he applied himself intensely to the study of the art military, as far as it could be studied at home; and built his
theories upon the foundation of his experience and observations. He contracted an intimacy with count Saxe, who,
he then declared, would one day prove a very great general. He was chosen a fellow of the royal society at
London, in 1749; and in 1751, made a journey to Avignon, where he died in 1752, aged eighty-three years.
He was the author of several works, the principal of which
are, 1. “Commentaries upon Polybius,
” in 6 vols. 4to.
2. “A Book of new Discoveries in War.
” 3. “A Treatise
concerning the Defence of Places, &c.
” in French. Those
who would know more of this eminent soldier, may consult a French work entitled, “Memoires pour servir a
THistoire de M. de Chevalier de Folard. Ratisbone, 1753,
”
12mo. As a man of letters, he drew his knowledge from
ancient authors, which as a military man he explains with
great clearness. The form of his writings is not so pleasing
as the matter. The abundance of his ideas led him into
too great a profusion of words. His style is negligent, his
reflections detached, and his digressions either useless, or
too long; but he was undoubtedly a man of genius.
On the death of Algernon, duke of Somerset, president of the society of antiquaries, in Feb.
On the death of Algernon, duke of Somerset, president of the society of antiquaries, in Feb. 1750, Mr. Folkes, then one of the vice-presidents, was immediately chosen to succeed his grace in that office, in which he was continued by the charter of incorporation of that society, Nov. 2, 1751. But he was soon disabled from presiding in person, either in that or the royal society, being seized on Sept. 26th of the same year, with a palsy, which deprived him of the use of his left side. In this unhappy situation he languished nearly three years, till a second stroke put an end to his life, June 28, 1754, and was buried near his father and mother at Hillington church, under a black marble slab, with no inscription but his name and the date, pursuant to the express direction of his last will. By his wife, Lucretia Bradshaw, an actress on the stage before he married her, he left issue two daughters.
amidst the acclamations of the astonished populace of Rome, on Sept. 10, 1586, the same day that the duke of Luxembourg, ambassador from Henry IV. made his entry into
, an eminent Italian architect,
but perhaps more justly celebrated for his knowledge of
mechanics, was born at Mili, on the lake of Lugano, in
1543, and came to Rome in his twentieth year, to study
architecture. Sixtus V. to whom his merits were known
when he was cardinal Montalti, was no sooner raised to
the tiara, than he made him his architect. Among other
great designs for ornamenting the city of Rome, this pontiff had conceived the project of digging out and re-erecting
the famous obelisk, formed of one entire piece of granite,
originally from Egypt, which had formerly decorated the
circus of Nero, but was now partly buried near the wall
of the sacristy of St. Peter’s. For this purpose he called
together the ablest artists, engineers, and mathematicians,
to consider of the means by which this vast relic of Roman
grandeur, which was thirty-six feet high, and weighed
above a million of pounds, could be removed, and placed
on its pedestal in the front of the piazza of St. Peter’s.
The machinery employed by the Egyptians in preparing
this obelisk, or of conveying il to Rome, were so forgotten,
that even tradition preserved no probable conjecture; but
the ingenuity of Fontana was completely successful. He
first produced before the pope a model of the machinery
to be employed, and demonstrated the practicability of
the operation; and having made all the necessary erections,
the obelisk was raised and safely transported to the piazza,
about 150 yards distance, and placed on its pedestal amidst
the acclamations of the astonished populace of Rome, on
Sept. 10, 1586, the same day that the duke of Luxembourg, ambassador from Henry IV. made his entry into
the city. It is said that Fontana undertook this work with
the alternative of losing his head if it did not succeed, and
that he had provided horses at every gate at Rome, to aid
his escape, in case of any accident. Be this as it may,
the pope revyarded him munificently. He created him a
knight of the golden spur, gave him titles of nobility, and
caused medals to be struck to his honour. To all this he
added a pension of 2000 crowns, with reversion to his
heirs; 3000 crowns as a gift, and all the materials employed on the undertaking, the value of which was computed at 20,000 crowns. Besides the erection of this
obelisk, on which Fontana’s fame chiefly rests, he constructed three others, and built for the pope a superb palace near St. John of Lateran, and the library of the Vatican, and repaired some of the ancient monuments of art
in Rome. His forte, indeed, was rather in mechanics than
in original architecture, in which last he is said to have
committed many mistakes; and either this, or the envy
which his great enterprize created, is supposed to have
raised him enemies, who at length persuaded pope Clement
VIII. to dismiss him from his office of pontifical architect.
In 1592, however, he was invited to Naples by the viceroy, the count Miranda, who made him royal architect
and chief engineer. In that city he built the royal palace
and some other considerable edifices, and died there in
1607. He published an account of the removal of the
obelisk, entitled “Delia transportatione dell' Obelisco
Vaticano e delle fabriche Sixto V.
” Rome,
which is more tender or more lively. He rendered services without the smallest ostentation. When the duke of Orleans proposed to him to be made perpetual president of
Perhaps no other man of letters ever enjoyed so universal
an esteem as Fontenelle, which advantage he owed not
only to his works, but to the prudence of his conduct, and
the sweetness of his manners. His conversation was lively
though placid, and his politeness was equal to his wit.
Though he was superior to most other men, he did not
make them feel it; but bore with their defects, and conversed as an equal. “Men,
” he said, “are foolish and
wicked; but such as they are, I must live among them;
and this I settled with myself very early in life.
” He was
accused of want of feeling: and certainly he had not all
the warmth which some require in a friend; but his friendship had more constancy and equality than that has in general which is more tender or more lively. He rendered
services without the smallest ostentation. When the duke
of Orleans proposed to him to be made perpetual president
of the academy of sciences, his -reply was, “Take not
from me, my lord, the delight of living with my equals.
”
He was ready always to listen as well as to talk; but when
be had delivered his opinion, he studiously avoided dispute, pretending that his lungs were not equal to it.
Though poor originally, he became rich for a literary man,
by the royal bounty, and by an oeconomy free from all
tincture of avarice. He was sparing only to himself; to
others he was ready at all times to give or leur, and frequently to persons unknown to him. One of his maxims
was, “that a man should be sparing in superfluities to himself, that he may supply necessaries to others;
” a sublime and truly Christian saying, which with the rest of his
excellent character, may discharge us from the necessity
of entering into the dispute concerning his religious faith;
which, probably, has been by some estimated too low, because he was superior to many of the superstitious opinions
thought essential to it in his time.
Feb. 1766, when at lord Mexborough’s in the country, he broke his leg by a tall from his horse, the duke of York being also there: and it is generally supposed, that
From 1752 to 1761, he continued to perform at one of
the theatres every season, as fancy or interest directed his
choice, generally for a stated number of nights; and, on
these engagements, he usually brought out a new piece.
He proceeded thus, till a very pressing embarrassment in
his affairs compelled him to perform “The Minor,
” at the
May-market, in the summer of
r for his observations on the true principles of financial administration in his eulogy of Suny. The duke de Choiseuil being appointed prime minister, he endeavoured
, an eminent political and financial writer of France,
was born at Mans, Oct. 2, 1722. His father, Francis,
Louis Veron Duverger, was a merchant of that city. Having finished his education at the college of Beauvais, i,Ek
Paris, he left it in the sixteenth year of his age, to followthe tarn my trade, which had long been carried on by his
family; his great grandfather having established at Mans a,
manufactory of tammies, which, from that circumstance, in
Spain were called Verones. In 1741 he was sent by his
father to Spain and Italy, whence he returned to Mans in
1743. His grandfather by the mother’s side, having soon
after retired from business, he was thereby enabled to trade
on his own account; but declining, from motives of delicacy, to carry on at Mans the same trade as his father, he
Avent to Nantes, where his uncle was established as a shipowner, to obtain a knowledge of the mercantile concerns
and transactions of that city. Having spent several years
at Nantes, and collected much valuable information on
maritime and colonial trade, he entered in 1752 upon a
speculation, which induced him to go to Paris. Confined
to a small circle of friends and acquaintance, he lived there
in great privacy, yet presented to government several memoirs, which experiencing a very cool reception, he resolved to write in future, not for administration, but the
public. He published accordingly in 1753, his “ThtJorie et pratique du Commerce et de la Marine,
” a free
translation from the Spanish of Dr. Geron. de Votariz,
which was soon followed by the “Considerations sur les
Finances d'Espagne relativement a eel les de France,
” a
work in which he displayed such intimate acquaintance
with the Spanish system of finance, that the Spanish ambassador at the court of Versailles proposed him to marshal
cle Noailles, as consul-general of Spain; but the former
being soon after recalled by his court, the appointment did
not take place. About the same time he published, in
1754, his “Essai sur la partie politique du commerce de
terre et de mer, de Pagriculture et des finances,
” which
within three weeks passed through two editions; the third
edition was published in 1766, and the fourth in 1796,
considerably improved and enlarged. From his profound
knowledge in matters relative to money and coinage, he
was appointed in 1755, to examine into the enormous
abuses which had crept into the administration <yf the
French mint. He immediately proposed a new coinage,
but his plan was not carried into execution until 1771; he
was, however, in the meanwhile, appointed inspectorgeneral of the mint, a new office expressly established for
him.
Having obtained free admittance to the library of the
family of Noailles, rich in manuscripts relative to the administration of the finances of France, he conceived the
idea of composing his “Recherches et considerations sur
les finances de France depuis 1595 jusqu'a 1721,
” printed
at Basle, Lettre d'un
Banquier a son correspondent cle province;
” chiefly intended to give a favourable account of the minister’s operation. In 1760 he pointed out to the Duke de Choiseuil
the perilous situation of France, and suggested the plan of
a treaty of peace, calculated to tempt the ambition of
Great Britain, and at the same time to save resources for
France. This plan met with so much applause, that Don
de Fuentes, at that lime Spanish ambassador at Paris, who
was admitted to the conferences, offered an armed neutrality on the part of his court to tacilitate its execution.
Forbonnois was charged to draw up the necessary acts and
plans, and to elucidate a great variety of points respecting
the fisheries, the means of enlarging them, the sacrifices
to be made to England, &c. nay, he was offered the appointment of plenipotentiary to conclude the treaty; but
having executed his charge, and demanded a conference,
he received no answer. Being entrusted with the secrets
of the state, he began to entertain strong apprehensions
for his personal safety, and took refuge in a glass-manufactory in the mountains of Burgundy, in which he was
concerned. He returned, however, afterwards to Paris,
and in order to render both the minister and the financiers
perfectly easy on his account, he purchased the place of a
counsellor or member of the parliament of Metz.
ds to which that title was attached. He was successively secretary to the marquis de Crequi, and the duke d'Aumont. When the former of these noblemen was slain at the
, nephew of the former, and
also the son of a goldsmith, was born at Paris in 1658.
He became lord of Aubigny by purchasing the lands to
which that title was attached. He was successively secretary to the marquis de Crequi, and the duke d'Aumont.
When the former of these noblemen was slain at the battle
of Luzara, La Fosse was employed to carry his heart to
Paris, and celebrated the death of the young hero in verses
which are still extant. He was so much a master of Italian
as to write skilfully in that language both in prose and
verse, but his chief fame as a poet was atchieved in his
own language, in which he wrote several tragedies, and
many other poems. His ft Polixene, Manlius, and Theseus,“published in his
” Theatre,“2 vols. 12mo, maintained their station in the French theatre till the revolution; and all his dramas are said to abound with passages
which would not disgrace the finest tragic writers of France.
His versification was highly finished, and he said that the
expression cost him more than the thoughts. His
” Manlius," the best of his pieces, has been pronounced in many
respects worthy of Corneille; yet even in France, we are
told, he is less known than he deserves. He was intimate
with the poet J. Baptiste Rousseau, and lived the life of a
philosopher, preferring letters to fortune, and friendship
to every thing. He died Nov. 2, 1708, at the age of
fifty. His modesty was equal to his genius; and when any
of his pieces were less successful than others, he professed
constantly that he never appealed from the judgment of
the public.
ttled in his native town. Here he contracted an intimacy with Algernon, earl of Hertford, afterwards duke of Somerset, which continued many years, and until the death
, an eminent lawyer, was born
at Marlborough in Wiltshire, Dec. 16, 1689. His father
Michael, and his grandfather John, were attornies in that
place. After attending the free-school there, Mr. Foster
was matriculated at Oxford May 7, 1705, and studied
about two years at Exeter college, but like many eminent
men in the profession of the law, left it without taking a
degree. On May 23, 1707, he was admitted into the society of the Middle Temple, and in due time was called to
the bar, but not having much success as an advocate,
he retired into the country, and settled in his native town.
Here he contracted an intimacy with Algernon, earl of
Hertford, afterwards duke of Somerset, which continued
many years, and until the death of the noble duke, who
by his will appointed his friend executor in trust with his
son-in-law Hugh, earl (afterwards duke) of Northumberland. In 1725 he married Martha, the eldest daughter of
James Lyde, esq. of Stantonwick in Somersetshire; and
in a few years afterwards he removed to Bristol, where he
exercised his profession with great reputation and considerable success; and in August 1735 he was chosen rer
corder of the city, which office he retained many years.
Soon after accepting this office in Easter term, 1736, he
took on him the degree of serjeant at law. In 1720 he
had published “A Letter of Advice to protestant Dissenters,
” in which he is said to discover the most liberal and
enlarged views; and in 1735 he published a pamphlet
which engaged the public attention very much, entitled
“An Examination of the scheme of Church power laid
down in the Codex juris ecclesiastici Anglicani, &c.
” In
this he controverted the system of church power vested in
the clergy, and which forms the ground-work of bishop
Gibson’s “Codex.
” Several answers, however, were published to Mr. Foster’s pamphlet, the principal one by Dr.
Andrews, a civilian. Mr. Foster seems to have promised
a continuation, in reply to him and others, but did not
pursue the subject. In the postscript, however, to the
third edition of his pamphlet, he adverts to “the personal
severity,
” with which Dr. Andrews had treated him; and
adds, “It is not in my nature to make any return of that
kind. I forgive him with all my heart. If, upon poor
reflection, he can forgive himself, I pity him.
”
o Versailles to plan the campaign of 1748, was created a peer of France. He had enjoyed the title of duke of Gisors, from 1742. Afterthe peace in 1743, his influence
, count of
Belle-Isle, more known by the name of marechal Bellisle,
grandson of the preceding, was born in 1684. Politics and
history attracted his attention from his very infancy, to
which studies he afterwards added that of mathematics.
He had hardly finished his education when Louis XIV. gave
him a regiment of dragoons. He signalized himself at the
siege of Lisle, received other steps of promotion, and at
the peace returned to court, where the king entirely forgot
the faults of the grandfather in the merits of his descendant.
When war again broke out, after the death of Louis XIV.
he proceeded to distinguish himself, but a change of
ministry put a check to his career. He shared the disgrace of the minister Le Blanc, was for a time im-prisoned
in the Bastile, and then banished to his own estate. In
this retreat he composed a complete justification of himself, was recalled to court, and from that time experienced
only favour, fortune, and promotion. In the war of 1733,
he obtained a principal command in Flanders, distinguished
himself before Philipsburg, and commanded during the
rest of the campaign in Germany. In 1735 he was decorated with the order of the Holy Ghost, and was the confidential adviser of the minister, cardinal Fleury. About
this time, taking advantage of an interval of peace, he
wrote memoirs of all the countries in which he had served:
but on the death of the emperor Charles VI. in 1740, he
urged the cardinal to declare war. Ambition prompted
this advice, and his ambition was not long without gratification. In 1741, he was created marechal of France. The
witlings attacked him on his elevation, but he despised
their efforts: “These rhymers,
” said he, “would gain
their ends, should I do them the honour to be angry.
” At
the election of the emperor in 1742, marechal Bellisle was
plenipotentiary of France at the diet of Francfort, where
his magnificence was no less extraordinary than the extent
of his influence in the diet. He appeared rather as a principal elector than an ambassador, and secured the election
of Charles VII. Soon after, by the desertion of the Prussians and Saxons, the marechal found himself shut up in
Prague, and with great difficulty effected a retreat. He
was obliged to march his army over the ice, and three
thousand troops left in Prague were compelled to surrender,
though with honour. On his return to Francfort, Charles
VII. presented him with the order of the golden fleece,
having already declared him a prince of the empire. In
December 1743, as he was going again into Germany, he
was taken prisoner at Elbingerode, a small town encircled
by the territory of Hanover, and was carried into England,
where he remained till August 1744. He then served
against the Austrians in Provence; and, returning to Versailles to plan the campaign of 1748, was created a peer
of France. He had enjoyed the title of duke of Gisors,
from 1742. Afterthe peace in 1743, his influence at
court continued to increase, and in 1757 he became prime
minister; but in this situation he lived only four years;
falling a victim, it is said, to his application to business,
his sorrow for the misfortunes of France, and his anxious
cares to extricate her from them. This patriotic character
coincides with other anecdotes related of him. Having
lost his brother, whom he tenderly loved, at a very critical
period of public affairs, he suppressed his private grief as
soon as possible, saying, “I have no brother; but I have
a country, let me exert myself to save her.
” He died in
January, 1761, at the age of 77.
he Hebrew and Syriac languages to others. After. that, he undertook the education of the sons of the duke d'Antin, who were committed to his care, and studied in the
He afterwards was employed in reading lectures: he explained the Greek fathers to some, and the Hebrew and Syriac languages to others. After. that, he undertook the education of the sons of the duke d'Antin, who were committed to his care, and studied in the college of Harcourt. He was at the same time received an advocate; but the law not being suited to his taste, he returned to his former studies. He then contracted an acquaintance with the abbé Bignon, at whose instigation he applied himself to the Chinese tongue, and succeeded beyond his expectations, for he had a prodigious memory, and a particular turn for languages. He now became very famous. He held conferences at his own house, once or twice a week, upon subjects of literature; at which foreigners, as well as French, were admitted and assisted. Hence he became known to the count de Toledo, who was infinitely pleased with his conversation, and made him great offers, if he would go into Spain; but Fourmont refused. In 1715 he succeeded M. Galland to the Arabic chair in the royal college. The same year he was admitted a member of the academy of inscriptions; of the royal society at London in 1738; and of that of Berlin in 1741. He was often consulted by the duke of Orleans, who had a particular esteem for him, and made him one of his secretaries. He died at Paris in 1743.
phew, the celebrated earl of Surrey. Upon the commitment of this amiable nobleman and his father the duke of Norfolk to the Tower, these children were sent to be educated
Mr. Fox, for some time after his going to the university, was attached to the popish religion, in which he had been brought up, but afterwards applied himself to divinity, with somewhat more fervency than circumspection; and discovered himself in favour of the reformation then going on, before he was known to those who maintained the cause, or those who were of ability to protect the maintainers of it. In order to judge of the controversies which then divided the church, his first care was to search diligently into the ancient and modern history of it; to learn its beginning, by what arts it flourished, and by what errors it began to decline; to consider the causes of those controversies and dissensions which had arisen in the churd), and to weigh attentively of what moment and consequence they were to religion. To this end he applied himself with such zeal and industry, that before he was thirty years of age, he had read over all the Greek and Latin fathers, the schoolmen, the councils, &c. and had also acquired a competent skill in the Hebrew language. But from this strict application by day and by night while at Oxford, from forsaking his friends for the most solitary retirement, which he enjoyed in Magdalen grove, from the great and visible distractions of his mind, and above all, from absenting himself from the public worship, arose suspicions of his alienation from the church; in which his enemies being soon confirmed, he was accused and condemned of heresy, expelled his college, and thought to have been favourably dealt with, that he escaped with his life. This was in 1545. Wood represents this affair somewhat differently he says in one place, that Fox resigned his fellowbliip to avoid expulsion, and in another that he was " in a manner obliged to resign his fellowship/ 1 The stigma, however, appears to have been the same, for his relations were greatly displeased at him, and afraid to countenance or protect one condemned for a capital offence; and his father-in-law basely took advantage of it to withhold his paternal estate from him, thinking probably that he, who stood in danger of the law himself, would with difficulty find relief from it. Being thus forsaken by his friends, he was reduced to great distress; when he was taken into the house of sir Thomas Lucy of Warwickshire, to be tutor to his children. Here he married a citizen’s daughter of Coventry, and continued in sir Thomas’s family, till his children were grown up; after which he spent some time with his wife’s father at Coventry. He removed to London a few years before king Henry’s death; where having neither employment nor preferment, he was again driven to great necessities and distress, but was reIjeved, according to his son’s account, in a very remarkable manner. He was sitting one day, he says, in St. Paul’s church, almost spent with long fasting, his countenance wan and pale, and his eyes hollow, when there came to him a person, whom he never remembered to have seen before, who, sitting down by him, accosted him very familiarly, and put into his hands an untold sum of money; bidding him to be of good cheer, to be careful of himself, and to use all means to prolong his life, for that in a few days new hopes were at band, and new means of subsistence. Fox tried all methods to find out the person by whom he was so seasonably relieved, but in vain; the prediction, however, was fulfilled, for within three days he was taken into the service of the duchess of Richmond, to be tutor to the children of her nephew, the celebrated earl of Surrey. Upon the commitment of this amiable nobleman and his father the duke of Norfolk to the Tower, these children were sent to be educated under the care and inspection of their unnatural aunt the duchess of Richmond.
nry’s reign, the five years reign of Edward, and part of Mary’s; being at this time protected by the duke of Norfolk, and Wood says he was restored to his fellowship
In this family he lived, at Ryegate in Surrey, during the
latter part of Henry’s reign, the five years reign of Edward,
and part of Mary’s; being at this time protected by the
duke of Norfolk, and Wood says he was restored to his
fellowship of Magdalen college, under Edward VI. Gardiner, bishop of Winchester, was, however, now determined to have him seized, and laid many snares and stratagems for that purpose. The bishop was very intimate
with the duke of Norfolk, often visited him, and frequently
desired to see this tutor. The duke evaded the request,
one while alleging his absence, another that he was indisposed, still pretending reasons to put him off. At
length it happened, that Fox, not knowing the bishop to
be within the house, entered the room, where the duke
and he were in discourse; and seeing the bishop, with a
shew of bashfulness, withdrew himself. The bishop asking
who he was, the duke answered, his physician, who was
somewhat uncourtly, being newly come from the university. “I like his countenance and aspect very well,
” replied the bishop, “and upon occasion will make use of
himf.
” The duke, perceiving from hence that danger was
at hand, thought it time for Fox to retire, and accordingly
furnished him with the means to go abroad. He found,
before he could put to sea, that Gardiner had issued out a
warrant for apprehending him, and was causing the most
diligent search to be made for him; nevertheless, he at
length escaped, with his wife then big with child; got
over to Newport Haven, travelled to Antwerp and Francfort, where he was involved in the troubles excited by Dr.
Cox and his party; and the first settlers being driven from
that place, he removed from thence to Basil, where numbers of English subjects resorted in those times of persecution. In this city he maintained himself and family, by
correcting the press for Oporinus, a celebrated printer;
and it was here, that he laid the plan of his famous work,
“The History of the Acts and Monuments of the Church.
”
He had published at Strasburgh, in Commentarii Rerum in Ecclesia gestarum, maximarumque per
totam Europam persecution um a Wiclavi temporibus ad
hanc usque aetatem descriptarum,
” in one book: to which
he added five more books, all printed together at Basil,
1559, in folio.
eturned to his native country, where he found a very faithful friend in his former pupil, now fourth duke of Norfolk; who maintained him at his house, and settled a pension
After queen Mary’s death, which bishop Aylrner says
Fox foretold at Basil the day before it happened, and Elizabeth was settled on the throne, and the protestant religion established, Fox returned to his native country, where
he found a very faithful friend in his former pupil, now
fourth duke of Norfolk; who maintained him at his house,
and settled a pension on him, which was afterwards confirmed by his son. In 1572, when this unhappy duke of
Norfolk was beheaded for his treasonable connection with
Mary queen of Scotland, Mr. Fox and dean Nowell attended him upon the scaffold. Cecil also obtained for Fox,
in 1563, of the queen a prebend in the church of Salisbury, though Fox himself would have declined accepting
it; and though he had many powerful friends, as Walsingham, sir Francis Drake, sir Thomas Gresham, the bishops
Grindal, Pilkington, Aylmer, &c. who would have raised
him to considerable preferments, he declined them: being
always unwilling to subscribe the canons, and disliking
some ceremonies of the church. When archbishop Parker
summoned the London clergy to Lambeth, and inquired of
them whether they would yield conformity to the ecclesiastical habits, and testify the same by their subscriptions,
the old man produced the New Testament in Greek, “To
this’ (says he) will I subscribe.
” And when a subscription
to the canons was required of him, he refused it, saying,
“I have nothing in the church save a prebend at Salisbury
and much good may it do you, if you will take it away
from me.
” Such respect, however, did the bishops,
most of them formerly his fellow exiles, bear to his age,
parts, and labours, that he continued in it to his death.
But though Fox was a non-conformist, he was a very moderate one, and highly disapproved of the intemperance
of the rigid puritans. He expresses himself to the following effect in a Latin letter, written on the expulsion of his
son by the puritans from 'Magdalen-college, on the groundless imputation of his having turned papist; in which are
the following passages. “I confess it has always been my
great care, if I could not be serviceable to many persons,
yet not knowingly to injure any one, and least of all those
of Magdalen college. I cannot therefore but the more
wonder at the turbulent genius, which inspires those factious puritans, so that violating the laws of gratitude, despising my letters and prayers, disregarding the intercession of the president himself (Dr. Humphreys), without any
previous admonition, or assigning any cause, they have
exercised so great tyranny against me and my son; were I
one, who like them would be violently outrageous against
bishops and. archbishops, or join myself with them, that is,
would become mad, as they are, I had not met with this
severe treatment. Now because, quite different from them,
I have chosen the side of modesty and public tranquillity;
hence the hatred, they have a long time conceived against
me, is at last grown to this degree of bitterness. As this
is the case, 1 do not so much ask you what you will do on
my account, as what is to be thought of for your sakes:
you who are prelates of the church again and again consider. As to myself, though the taking away the fellowship from my son is a great affliction to me, yet because
this is only a private concern, I bear it with more moderation: I am much more concerned upon account of the
church, which is public. I perceive a certain race of men
rising up, who, if they should increase and gather strength
in this kingdom, I am sorry to say what disturbance I foresee
must follow from it. Your prudence is not ignorant how
much the Christian religion formerly suffered by the dissimulation and hypocrisy of the monks. At present in
these men I know not what sort of new monks seems to
revive; so much more pernicious than the former, as with
more subtle artifices of deceiving, under pretence of perfection, like stage-players who only act a part, they conceal a more dangerous poison; who while they require
every thing to be formed according to their own `strict
discipline' and conscience, will not desist until they have
brought all things into Jewish bondage.
” Conformably to
these sentiments, he expresses himself on many other occasions, in which he had no private interest, and the two
succeeding reigns proved that he had not judged rashly of
the violent tempers and designs of some of the puritans.
Those, however, who detest their proceedings against the
son of a man who had done so much for the reformation,
will be pleased to hear that he was restored to his fellowship a second time, by the queen’s mandate.
4, the death of Mr. Pelham produced a vacancy in the treasury, which was filled up by his broker the duke of Newcastle, who, though a nobleman of high honour, unblemished
, Lord Holland, the first nobleman of
that title, was the second and youngest son of the second
marriage, of sir Stephen Fox, and brother of Stephen
first earl of Ilchester. He was born in 1705, and was
chosen one of the members for Hendon, in Wiltshire, on
a vacancy, in March 1735, to that parliament which met
Jan. 23, 1734; and being constituted surveyor-general of
his majesty’s board of works, a writ was ordered June 17,
1737, and he was re-elected. In the next parliament,
summoned to meet June 25, 1741, he served for Windsor; and in 1743, being constituted one of the commissioners of the treasury, in the administration formed by
the Pelhams, a writ was issued Dec. 21st of that year, for
a new election, and he was re-chosen. In 1746, on the
restoration of the old cabinet, after the short administration
of earl Granville, he was appointed secretary at war, and
sworn one his majesty’s most honourable privy-council.
On tbis occasion, and until he was advanced to the peerage, he continued to represent Windsor in parliament.
In 1754, the death of Mr. Pelham produced a vacancy in
the treasury, which was filled up by his broker the duke
of Newcastle, who, though a nobleman of high honour,
unblemished integrity, and considerable abilities, yet was
of too jealous and unstable a temper to manage the house
of commons with equal address and activity, and to guide
the reins of government without a coadjutor at so arduous
a conjuncture. The seals of chancellor of the exchequer
and secretary of state, vacant by the death of Mr. Pelham, and by the promotion of the duke of Newcastle, became therefore the objects of contention. The persons
who now aspired to the management of the house of commons, were Mr. Fox and Mr. Pitt (afterwards earl of Chatham) whose parliamentary abilities had for some time
divided the suffrages of the nation; who had so long fosterod reciprocal jealousy, and who now became public
rivals for power. Both these rival statesmen were younger
brothers, nearly of the same age; both were educated at
Eton, both distinguished for classical knowledge, both
commenced their parliamentary career at the same period,
and both raised themselves to eminence by their superior
talents, yet no two characters were ever more contrasted.
Mr. Fox inherited a strong and vigorous constitution, was
profuse and dissipated in his youth, and after squandering
his private patrimony, went abroad to extricate himself
from his embarrassment*. On his return he obtained a
seat in parliament, and warmly attached himself to sir
Robert Walpole, whom he idolized; and to whose patronage he was indebted for the place of surveyor-general
of the board of works. His marriage in 1744 with lady
Caroline Lennox, daughter of the duke of Richmond,
though at first displeasiug to the family, yet finally
strengthened his political connections. He was equally a
man of pleasure and business, formed for social and convivial
intercourse; of an unruffled temper, and frank disposition.
No statesman acquired more adherents, not merely from
political motives, but swayed by his agreeable manners,
and attached to him by personal friendship, which he fully
merited by his zeal in promoting their interests. He is
justly characterized, even by Lord Chesterfield, “as having
no fixed principles of religion or morality, and as too unwary in ridiculing and exposing them.
” As a parliamentary orator, he was occasionally hesitating and perplexed;
but, when warmed with his subject, he spoke with an animation and rapidity which appeared more striking from
his former hesitation. His speeches were not crowded
with flowers of rhetoric, or distinguished by brilliancy of
diction; but were replete with sterling sense and sound
argument. He was quick in reply, keen in repartee, and
skilful in discerning the temper of the house. He wrote
without effort or affectation; his public dispatches were
manly and perspicuous, and his private letters easy and
animated. Though of an ambitious spirit, he regarded
money as a principal object, and power only as a secondary concern. He was an excellent husband, a most indulgent father, a kind master, a courteous neighbour, and
one whose charities demonstrated that he possessed in
abundance the milk of human kindness. Such is said to
have been the character of lord Holland, which is here introduced as a prelude to some account of his more illustrious son. It may therefore suffice to add, that in 1756
he resigned the office of secretary at war to Mr. Pitt, and
in the following year was appointed paymaster of the forces,
which he retained until the commencement of the present
reign; his conduct in this office was attended with some
degree of obloquy; in one instance, at least, grossly
overcharged. For having accumulated a considerable fortune by the perquisites of office, and the interest of money
in hand, he was styled in one of the addresses of the city
of London, “the defaulter of unaccounted millions.
” On
May 6, 1762, his lady was created baroness Holland; and
on April 16, 1763, he himself was created a peer by the
title of lord Holland, baron Holland, of Foxley, in the
county of Wilts. In the latter part of his life he amused
himself by building, at a vast expence, a fantastic villa at
Kingsgate, near Margate, His lordship was also a lord
of the privy-council, and clerk of the Pells, in Ireland,
granted him for his own life and that of his two sons.
Lord Holland died at Holland-house, near Kensington,
July 1, 1774, in the sixty-ninth year of his age, leaving
three sons, Stephen, his successor; Charles James, the
subject of the next article; and Henry Edward, a general
in the army. Stephen, second lord Holland, survived his
father but a few months, dying Dec. 26, 1774, and was
succeeded by Henry Richard, the present peer.
of the treasury. The candidates were, lord Sbelburne, afterwards marquis of Lansdowne, and the Jgrte duke of Portland; the former, supposed to have the ear of the King,
At the general election in 1780, Mr. Fox became candidate for the city of Westminster, in which, after a violent contest, he succeeded, though opposed, as we are
told, by the formidable interest of the Newcastle family,
and by the whole influence of the crown. Being now the
representative of a great city, it is added, “he appeared
in parliament in a more dignified capacity, and acquired a
considerable increase of consequence to his political character. In himself he was still the same: he now necessarily lived and acted in the bosom of his constituents; his
easiness of access, his pleasant social spirit, his friendly
disposition and conciliating manners, which appeared in,
all he said, and the good temper which predominated in
all he did, were qualities that rendered him the friend
and acquaintance, as well as the representative, of those
who sent him into parliament; his superior talents, and
their powerful and frequent application to popular purposes, made him best known among political men, and
gave him a just claim to the title so long applied to him,
of * The man of the people.'
” Notwithstanding all this,
it might not be difficult to prove that Mr. Fox was upon
the whole no great gainer by representing a city in which
the arts of popularity, even when most honestly practised,
are no security for its continuance; and indeed the time
was not far distant when he had to experience the fatal
effects of preferring a seat, which the purest virtues only
can neither obtain nor preserve, and in contesting which,
corruption on one side must be opposed by corruption on
the other.
The subjects of debate in the new parliament affording
the opposition opportunities for the display of their eloquence, they now became formidable by an increase of
numbers. Ministers were assailed in the house by arguments which they could neither repel nor contradict, and
from without they were overwhelmed by the clamours of
that same people to whom the war was at first so acceptable; till at length lord North and his adherents were
obliged to resign, and it was thought, as such vengeance
had been repeatedly threatened both by Mr. Fox and Mr.
Burke, that they would have been made responsible for
all the mischiefs and bloodshed that had occurred during
their calamitous administration. The Rockingham party,
however, who came into power in the spring 1782, and
whose resentments the* attainment of that object seems to
have sofiened, contented themselves with the defeat of
their opponents. Mr. Fox obtained the office of secretary
of state for foreign affairs, and the marquis of Rockingham was nominated the first lord of the treasury. Still the
expectation of the nation was raised to the highest pitch;
with this party, they hoped to see an end to national calamity, and the interests of the country supported and
maintained in all quarters of the globe. Much indeed
was performed by them considering the shortness of their
administration. Though they had succeeded to an empty
exchequer, and a general and most calamitous war, yet
they resolved to free the people from some of their numerous grievances. Contractors were excluded by act of
parliament from the house of commons; custom and excise officers were disqualified from voting at elections; all
the proceedings with respect to the Middlesex election
were rescinded; while a reform bill abolished a number of
useless offices. A more generous policy was adopted in
regard to Ireland; a general peace was meditated, and
America, which could not be restored, was at least to
he conciliated. In the midst of these promising appearances, the marquis of Hockingham, who was the support
of the new administration, suddenly died, an event which
distracted and divided his party. The council board was
instantly torn in pieces by political schisms, originating id
a dispute respecting the person who should succeed as 6rsfc
lord of the treasury. The candidates were, lord Sbelburne, afterwards marquis of Lansdowne, and the Jgrte
duke of Portland; the former, supposed to have the ear of
the King, and a majority in the cabinet, was immediately
entrusted with the reins of government, and Mr. Fox retired in disgust, declaring that “he had determined never
to connive at plans in private, which he could not publicly
avow.
” What these plans were, we know not, but he now
resumed his station in opposition, and joined the very man
whose conduct he had for a series of years deprecated as
the most destructive to the interests of his coqntry, and
most baneful to the happiness of mankind; while his former colleague, the earl of Shelburne, was busied in concluding a peace with France, Spain, Holland, and the
United States of America. But as this nobleman, though
by no means deficient in political wisdom, had omitted to
take those steps which preceding ministers had ever adopted
to secure safety, a confederacy was formed against him by
the union of the friends of Mr. Fox and lord North, known
by the name of “The Coalition,
” which proved in the
event as impolitic, as it was odious to the great mass of
the people. Never indeed in this reign has any measure
caused a more general expression of popular disgust; and
although it answered the temporary purpose of those who
adopted it, by enabling them to supplant their rivals, and
to seize upon their places, their success was ephemeral;
they had, it is true, a majority in the house of commons,
but the people at large were decidedly hostile to an union
which appeared to them to be bottomed on ambition only,
and destitute of any common public principle. It was asserted, with too much appearance of truth, that they
agreed in no one great measure calculated for the benefit
of the country, and the nation seemed to unite against
them as one man. Their conduct in the cabinet led the
sovereign to use a watchful and even jealous eye upon
their acts; and the famous India bill proved the rock on
/which they finally split, and on account of which they forfeited their place Mr. Fox had now to contend for the
government of the empire with William Pitt, a stripling
scarcely arrived at the age of manhood, but who nevertheless succeeded to the post of premier, and maintained that
situation with a career as brilliant as that of his opponent,
for more than twenty years.
but were taken from the public papers. But “A Sketch of the Character of the late most noble Francis duke of Bedford, as delivered in his introductory speech to a motion
It does not appear that the parliamentary speeches,
printed separately as his, of which there are many, were
ever revised by him, but were taken from the public papers. But “A Sketch of the Character of the late most
noble Francis duke of Bedford, as delivered in his introductory speech to a motion for a new writ for Tavistock,
on the 16th of March, 1802,
” was printed by his authority,
and from his own manuscript copy; and it is said, that he
observed on that occasion, “that he had never before attempted to make a copy of any speech which he had delivered in public.
” After that he wrote an epitaph on the
late bishop of Downe, which is engraved on his tomb in.
the chapel of St. Jatnes, in the Hampstead road. “There
are,
” says lord Holland, “several, specimens of his composition in verse, in different languages; but the lines on.
Mrs. Crewe, and those on Mrs. Fox, on his birth-day, are,
as far as I recollect, all that have been printed.
” An ode
to Poverty, and an epigram upon Gibbon, though very
generally attributed to him, are certainly not his com,-'
positions.
ation informs us, that Frachetta was prompted to write this book from a conversation he had with the duke of Sessa; in which the latter observed, among other particulars,
, an eminent political writer,
was a native of Rovigno in Italy, and spent several years
at Rome, where he was greatly esteemed by Sessa, ambassador of Philip II. king of Spain. He was employed in
civil as well as military affairs, and acquitted himself always
with great applause; yet he had like to have been ruined,
and to have even lost his Hfe, by his enemies. This
obliged him to withdraw to Naples; and still having friends
to protect his innocence, he proved it at length to the
court of Spain, who ordered count de Benevento, viceroy
of Naples, to employ him, and Frachetta lived in a very
honourable manner at Naples, where a handsome pension
was allowed him. He gained great reputation by his political works, the most considerable of which is that entitled
“II Seininario de Governi di Stato, et di Guerra.
” In
this work he has collected, under an hundred and ten
chapters, about eight thousand military and state maxims,
extracted from the best authors; and has added to each
chapter a discourse, which serves as a commentary to it.
This work was printed twice, at least, by the author, reprinted at Venice in 1647, and at Genoa in 1648, 4to;
and there was added to it, “II Principe,
” by the same
writer, which was published in 1597. The dedication
informs us, that Frachetta was prompted to write this book
from a conversation he had with the duke of Sessa; in
which the latter observed, among other particulars, that
he thought it as important as it was a difficult task, to inform princes truly pf such transactions as happen in their
dominions. His other compositions are, “Discorso della
Ragione di Stato: Discorso della Ragione di Guerra:
Esposizione di tutta l'Opera di Lucrezio.
” He died at
Naples in the beginning of the seventeenth century, but
at what age is unknown.
at fifteen years of age determined on being a painter, when he was patronised by Gindobaldo Fettro, duke of Urbino. He did not, however, so completely devote his time
, commonly called Francesco Dal Borgo A San Sepolcro, a painter of considerable renown, was born at Borgo in Umbria, in 1372.
In his youth he studied the mathematics; but at fifteen
years of age determined on being a painter, when he was
patronised by Gindobaldo Fettro, duke of Urbino. He
did not, however, so completely devote his time to painting as to neglect his former studies, but wrote several
essays on geometry and perspective, which were long preserved in the duke’s^ library at Urbino. He afterwards
painted in Pesara, Ancona, and Ferrara; but few of his
works remain at either of these places. Having obtained
much reputation, he was sent for to Rome by pope Nicholas V. to paint two historical subjects in the chambers of
the Vatican, in concurrence with Bramante di Milano,
called Bramantino; but Julius II. destroyed these to make
room for Raphael’s Miracle of Bolsena, and St. Peter in
Prison. Notwithstanding this degradation of his labours,
before the superior powers of Raphael, he was very deserving of esteem, if the account which Vasari gives of him
be true, and we consider the imperfect state of the art at
the time in which he lived. He exhibited much
knowledge of anatomy, feeling of expression, and of distribution of light and shade. The principal work of Franceses
was a night scene, in which he represented an angel carrying a cross, and appearing in vision to the emperor Constantine sleeping in his tent with his chamberlain near
him, and some of his soldiers. The light which issued
from the cross and the angel illuminated the scene, and
was spread over it with the utmost discretion. Every
thing appeared to have been studied from nature, and was
executed with great propriety and truth. He also painted
a battle, which was highly commended for the spirit and
fire with which it was conducted; the strength of the expression, and the imitation of nature; particularly a groupe
of horsemen, which, Vasari says, “considering the period, cannot be too highly commended.
”
tive city, and in other parts of Italy; and particularly at Modena, he painted the grand hall of the duke’s palace so much to the satisfaction of that prince, that he
, an historical painter, born at Bologna in 1648, was at first a disciple of G. Battista Galli, and from him entered the school of Carlo Cignani, who soon discovered the talents of his pupil, and not only formed his style, but made him his relation by macrying him to his niece, and he soon became his principal assistant. He was employed in embellishing many churches and convents in his native city, and in other parts of Italy; and particularly at Modena, he painted the grand hall of the duke’s palace so much to the satisfaction of that prince, that he wished to retain him at his court by an offer of a large pension, and such honours as were due to his merit. But Franceschini preferred his freedom and ease to the greatest acquisitions of wealth, and with polite respect refused the offer. At Genoa he painted, in the great council chamber, a design that at once manifested the fertility of his invention, and the grandeur of his ideas; for most of the memorable actions of the republic were there represented with a multitude of figures nobly designed, judiciously grouped and disposed, and correctly drawn. And in the Palazzo Monti at Bologna is a small gallery painted by him, of which the colouring is exceedingly lovely, though the figures appear to want roundness. Franceschini, though of the school of Cignani, is original in the suavity of his colour, and the facility of his execution. He is fresh without being cold, and full without being crowded. As he was a machinist, and in Upper Italy what Cortona was in the Lower, symptoms of the mannerist appear in his works. He had the habit of painting his cartoons in chiaro-scuro, and, by fixing them to the spot where the fresco was to be executed, became a judge of their effect. He preserved the powers 6f his mind and pencil unaltered at a very advanced age; and when he was even seventy-eight years old, he designed and coloured his pictures with all that fire and spirit for which he had been distinguished in his best time. He died in 1729, at the age of eighty-one.
his father-in-law Louis XII. who died without a son in 1515. Francis I. was the only son of Charles duke of Orleans, constable of AngoulSroe, and born at Cognac, September
king of France, surnamed “the Great, and
the restorer of learning,
” succeeded his father-in-law
Louis XII. who died without a son in 1515. Francis I. was
the only son of Charles duke of Orleans, constable of
AngoulSroe, and born at Cognac, September 12, 1494.
Immediately after his coronation he took the title of
cluke of Milan, and put himself at the head of a powerful
army to assert his right to that duchy. The Swiss, who
defended it, opposed his enterprize, and attacked him.
near Marignana; but they were cut to pieces in a sanguinary contest, and about 15,000 left dead on the field.
The famous Trivulce, who had been engaged in eighteen
battles, called this “The battle of the Giants,
” and the
others “Children’s play.
” It was on this occasion that the
king desired to be knighted by the famous Bayard. That
rank was originally the highest that could be aspired to:
princes of the blood were not called monseigneur, nor
their wives madaine, till they had been knighted; nor
might any one claim that honour, unless he could trace
his nobility at least three generations back, both on his
father’s and mother’s side, and also bore an unblemished
character, especially for military courage and valour. The
creation of a knight was attended with few ceremonies,
except at some festivals, inwhich case a great number
were observed. This institution, which may be traced up
to the first race, contributed not a little to polish the minds
of the French, by restraining them within the bounds of a
benevolent morality. They swore to spare neither life or
fortune in defence of religion, in fighting against the infidels, and in protecting the widow, the orphan, and all
who were defenceless. By this victory at Marignana,
Francis I. became master of the Milanese, which was ceded
to him by Maximilian Sforza, who then retired into France.
Pope Leo X. alarmed by these conquests, held a conference with the king at Bologna, obtained from him the
abolition of the Pragmatic Sanction, and settled the Concordate, which was confirmed the year following in the
Latcran council. From that time the kings of France appointed to all consistorial benefices, and the pope received
one year’s income upon every change. The treaty of
N.oyon was concluded the same year between Charles V.
and Francis I. one principal article or' which was the restoration of Navarre. Charles V. on the death of Maximilian I. being elected emperor, 1519, in opposition to
Francis, the jealousy which subsisted between those two
princes broke out immediately, and kindled a long war,
which proved fatal to all Europe. The French, commanded by Andrew de Foix, conquered Navarre in 1520,
and lost it again almost directly; they drove the English
and Imperialists from Picardy; took Hesdin, Fontarabia,
and several other places; but lost Milan and Tournay in
1521. The following year, Odet de Foix, viscount of
Lautrec, was defeated at the bloody battle of Bicoque,
which was followed by the loss of Cremona, Genoa, and a
great part of Italy. Nor did their misfortunes end here.
The constable of Bourbon, persecuted by the duchess of
Angouleme, joined the emperor 1523, and, being appointed commander of his forces in 1524, defeated admiral
Bonevet’s rear at the retreat of Rebec, and retook all the
Milanese. He afterwards entered Provence with a powerful army, but was obliged to raise the siege of Marseilles,
and retired with loss. Francis I. however, went into Italy,
retook Milan, and was going to besiege Pavia; but, having
imprudently detached part of his troops to send them to
Nappies, he was defeated by the constable de Bpurbon in
a bloody battle before Pavia, February 24, 1525, after,
having two horses killed under him, and displaying prodigious valour. His greatness of mind never appeared
more conspicuously than after this unfortunate engagement. In a letter to his mother he says, “Every thing is
lost but honour.
” He was conducted as a prisoner to
Madrid, and returned the following year, after the treaty
which was concluded in that city, January 14, 1526. This
treaty, extorted by force, was not fulfilled; the emperor
had insisted on the duchy of Burgundy being ceded to
him but, when Lannoi went to demand it in his master’s
name, he was introduced to anaudience given to the deputies of Burgundy, who declared to the king, that he
had no power to give up any province of his kingdom.
Upon this the war re-commenced immediately. Francis
I. sent forces into Italy, under the command of Lautrec,
who rescued Clement VII. and at first gained great adVantages, but perished afterwards, with his army, by
sickness. The king, who had been some years a widower,
concluded the treaty of Cambray in 1529, by which he
engaged to marry Eleanor of Austria, the emperor’s sister;
and his two sons, who had been given as hostages, were
Ransomed at the king’s return for two millions in gold.
The ambition of possessing Milan, caused peace again to
be broken. Francis took Savoy in 1535, drove the emperor from Provence in 153G, entered into an alliance with
8olyman II. emperor of the Turks; took Hesdin, and seyeral other places, in 1537, and made a truce of ten years
with Charles V. at Nice, 1538, which did not, however,
Jast long. The emperor, going to punish the people of
Ghent, who had rebelled, obtained a passage through
France, by promising Francis the investiture of the duchy
of Milan for which of his children he pleased; but. after
being received in France with the highest honours in 1539,
he was no sooner arrived in Flanders than he refused to
keep his promise. This broke the truce; the war was
renewed, and carried on with various success on both sides.
The king’s troops entered Italy, Roussillorr, and Luxemburg. Francis of Bourbon, comte d‘Enguien, won the
battle of Cerizoles in 154*, and took Montferrat. Francis
I. gained over to his side Barbarossa, and Gustavus Vasa,
Icing of Sweden; while, on the other hand, Henry VIII.
of England espoused the interests of Charles V. and took
Bologna, ’1544. A peace was at last concluded with he
emperor at Cressy, September 18, 1544, and with Henry
VIII. June 7, 154fi; but Francis did not long enjoy the
tranquillity which this peace procured him; he died at the
castle of Rambouillet the last day of March, 1547, aged
fifty-three. This prince possessed the most shining qualities: he was witty, mild, magnanimous, generous, and
benevolent. The revival of polite literature in Europe
was chiefly owing to his care; he patronized the learned,
founded the royal college at Paris, furnished a library at
Fountainbleau at a great expence, and built several palaces,
which he ornamented with pictures, statues, and costly
furniture. When dying, he particularly requested his son
to dimiuish the taxes which he had been obliged to levy
for defraying the expences of the war; and put it in his
power to do so, for he left 400,000 crowns of gold in his
coffers, with a quarter of his revenues which was then
due. It was this sovereign who ordered all public acts to
"be written in French. Upon the whole he appears to
have been one of the greatest ornaments of the French
throne.
tance with the literary men of that country, and wa.s very respectfully received by Cosmo III. grand duke of Tuscany. After his return to Amsterdam, the magistrates,
, a Greek and Latin poet, of much
reputation on the continent, was born at Amsterdam, Aug.
19, 1645. He received his early education under Adrian
Junius, rector of the school of Amsterdam, who had the
happy art of discovering the predominant talents of his
scholars, and of directing them to the most adrantageous
method of cultivating them. To young Francius he recommended Ovid as a model, and those who have read his
works are of opinion that he must have “given his days
and nights
” to the study of that celebrated poet. From
Amsterdam he went to Leyden, where he became a pupil
of Gronovius the elder, who soon distinguished him from
the rest of his scholars, and treated him as a friend, which
mark of esteem was also extended to him by Gronovius the
son. After this course of scholastic studies, he set out
on his travels, visiting England and France, in which last,
at Angers, he took his degree of doctor of civil and canon
Jaw. While at Paris he acquired the esteem of many
learned men, and when he proceeded afterwards to Italy,
improved his acquaintance with the literary men of that
country, and wa.s very respectfully received by Cosmo III.
grand duke of Tuscany. After his return to Amsterdam,
the magistrates, in 1674, elected him professor of rhetoric
and history, and in 1686 professor of Greek. In 1692 the
directors of the academy of Leyden made him an offer of
one of their professorships, but the magistrates of Amsterdam, fearing to lose so great an ornament to their city,
increased his salary, that he might be under no temptation
on that account to leave them. He accordingly remained
here until his death, Aug. 19, 1704, when he was exactly
fifty-nine years old. Francius particularly excelled in declamation, in which his first master, Junius, the ablest
declaimer of his time, had instructed him, and in which
he took some lessons afterwards from a famous tragic actor,
Adam Caroli, who, he used to say, was to him what
Koscius was to Cicero. His publications consist of, 1.
“Poemata,
” Amsterdam, omitted in the second, because the author
had an intention of giving a complete translation of that
celebrated collection, which, however, he never executed.
In other respects, the second edition is more ample and
correct. 2.
” Orationes,“Amst. 1692, 8vo, of which an
enlarged edition appeared in 1705, 8vo. His emulation
of the style of Cicero is said to be very obvious in these
orations. Some of them had been published separately,
particularly a piece of humour entitled
” Encomium Galli
Gallinacei.“3.
” Specimen eloquentiac exterioris ad orationem M. T. Ciceronis pro A. Licin. Archia accommoclatnm,“Amst. 1697, 12mo. 4.
” Specimen eloquentia
exterioris ad orationem Ciceronis pro M. Marcello accommodatum,“ibid. 1699, 12mo. These two last were reprinted in 1700, 8vo, with his
” Oratio de ratione declamandi.“5.
” Epistola prima ad C. Valerium Accinctum,
vero nomine Jacobum Perizonium, professorem Leyden*em,“&c. Amst. 1696, 4to. This relates to a personal
dispute between Francius and Perizonius, of very little
consequence to the public, and was answered by Perizonius. 6.
” The Homily of S. Gregoire of Nazianzen, on
charity to our neighbour,“translated from Greek into
German, Axnstt 1700, 8vo. 7.
” A discourse on the
Jubilee, Jan. 1700,“in German, ibid., 1700, 4to. 8.
” Posthums, quibus accedunt illustrium eruditorum ad eutn
Epistolse," ibid. 1706, 8vo.
then one of the magistrates of Lubeck, and afterwards entered into the service of Ernest the Pious, duke of Saxe Gotha, as counsellor of the court and of justice. His
, a learned and pious
German divine, and a great benefactor to his country,
was born at Lubeck, March 12, O. S. 1663. His father,
John Francke, was then one of the magistrates of Lubeck,
and afterwards entered into the service of Ernest the Pious,
duke of Saxe Gotha, as counsellor of the court and of
justice. His mother, Anne Gloxin, was the daughter of
one of the oldest burgomasters of Lubeck. Young Francke
had the misfortune to lose his father in 1670, when he was
between six and seven years old, and at this early age had
shown such a pious disposition, that he was intended for
the church, and with this view his mother placed him
under the instructions of a private tutor. His proficiency
in classical studies was such, th.'t at the age of fourteen
he vvas considered as well qualified to go to the university.
It was not, however, until 1679, that he went to that of
Erfurt, and from thence to Kiel, where he st-idied some
years under Kortholt and Morhoff. In 1682, he returned
to Gotha, and visited Hamburgh in his way, where he remained two months to improve his knowledge of the Hebrew language, under Esdras Edzardi. In 1684 he
went to Leipsic, and took his degree of M. A. in the
following year. During his stay l;ere, he formed a society for literary conversation among his friends, which
long subsisted under the name of “Collegium Philobiblicum,
” their favourite topic being the study of the* Holy
Scriptures. Some time after he went to Wittemberg,
where he was received with great respect by the literati
of that university, and thence to Luueburg, where he
attended the divinity lectures of the celebratd Sandhagen.
From Lunebourg he returned to Leipsic, and gave a course of
lectures on the holy scriptures, practical as well as critical,
which were frequented by above three hundred students.
This success, with a more than common earnestness and
seriousness in his method and address, occasioned some
jealousy, and created him enemies likewise at Erfurt,
whither, in 1690, he was invited to become pastor of St.
Austin. The objection to him was that of pietism, and it
increased with so much violence, that in 1691 he was deprived of his charge, and ordered to quit the city within
two days. How little he deserved this treatment, had already appeared in some of his writings, and was more manifest afterwards in his conduct and services.
he derived occasional benefit from travelling. One instance of his pious zeal is thus recorded: The duke Maurice, of Saxe-Zeitz, had embraced the Roman catholic religion,
The establishment of this great undertaking fills up many years of professor Francke’s history. The remaining events of his life are but few. He associated with himself John Anastasius Freylinghausen, in his charge as pastor, and had him and other men of character and talents as assistants in his school. The variety of his employments, however, injured his health, although he derived occasional benefit from travelling. One instance of his pious zeal is thus recorded: The duke Maurice, of Saxe-Zeitz, had embraced the Roman catholic religion, and professor Francke, at the request of the duchess, went to his court iti 1718, and in several, conferences so completely satisfied his mind, as to induce him to make a public profession of his return to the Protestant church. Francke’s death was occasioned by profuse sweats, which were checked by degrees, but followed by a retention of urine, and a paralytic attack, which proved fatal June 8, 1727. Amidst much weakness and pain, ie lectured as late as the 15th of May preceding. It would be difficult to name a man more generally regretted. Halle, Elbing, Jena, DeUxPonts, Augsbourgh, Tubingen, even Erfurt, where he was-so shamefully persecuted, Leipsio, Dresden, Wittemberg, &c. all united in expressing their sense of his worth, by culogiums written by the most eminent professors of these schools. By his wife, Anne Magdalene, the daughter of Otho Henry de Worm, a person of distinction, he left Gotthelf Augustus Francke, professor of divinity and pastor of the church of Notre- Dame, and a daughter who was married to M. Freylinghausen. In his learning, talents, eloquence, and piety, all his contemporaries seem agreed. As a public benefactor he has had few equals.
In 1711 Dr. Freind was elected a member of the royal society, and the same year attended the duke of Ormond into Flanders, as his physician. He resided mostly
In 1711 Dr. Freind was elected a member of the royal
society, and the same year attended the duke of Ormond
into Flanders, as his physician. He resided mostly after
his return, at London, and gave himself up wholly to the
cares of his profession*. In 1716 he was chosen a fellow
of the college of physicians, and the same year published
the first and third books of “Hippocrates de morbis popularibus,
” to which he added, a “Commentary upon Fevers/* divided into nine short dissertations. This very
learned work was indecently attacked by Dr. Woodward,
professor of physic in Gresham college, in his
” State of
Physic and of Diseases, with an enquiry into the causes of
the late increase of them, but more particularly of the
Small-pox, &c. 1718,“8vo and here was laid the foundation of a dispute, which was carried on with great acrimony and violence on both sides. Parties were formed
under these leaders, and several pamphlets were written.
Freind supported his opinion *' concerning the advantage
of purging in the second fever of the confluent kind of
small-pox
” (for it was on this single point that the dispute chiefly turned) in a Latin letter addressed to Dr. Mead
in 1719, and since printed among his works. He was
likewise supposed to be the author of a pamphlet, entitled
* A Letter to the learned Dr. Woodward, by Dr. By field,"
in 1719, in which Woodward is rallied with great spirit
and address; for Freind made no serious answer to Woodward’s book, but contented himself with ridiculing his antagonist under the name of a celebrated empyric. In 1717
in Ireland, where the duke of Shrew*. 1 am quite ignorant where he designs
in Ireland, where the duke of Shrew*. 1 am quite ignorant where he designs
d a sermon preached before the house of commons, Jan. 30, 1710-11, and in the same year he succeeded Duke, the poet, in the valuable living of Witney, in Oxfordshire;
, eldest brother of the preceding,
was born in 16'67, and admitted in 1680 at Westminster
school, whence he was elected to Christ Church, Oxford,
in. 1686. While a student there he wrote some good
verses on the inauguration of king William and queen
Mary, which were printed in the Oxford collection. In,
the celebrated dispute between Bentley and Boyle, Mr.
Freind was a warm partizan for the honour of his college,
but was eventually more lucky with Bentley than his brother, Dr. John. A neice of our author’s was married to
a son of Dr. Bentley, who, after that event, conceived a
better opinion of the Christ Church men, and declared
that “Freind had more good learning in him than ever he
had imagined.
” Mr. Freind proceeded M. A. June I, In 1724 he published Cicero’s
” Orator,“and in 1728 Mr. Bowyer, the celebrated
printer, was indebted to him for the Westminster verses
on the coronation of George II. In April 1729, Dr. Freind
obtained a canonry of Windsor, which in 173l i he exchanged for a prebend of Westminster, and in 1733 he
quitted Westminster school. In 1734 he was desirous of
resigning Witney to his son (afterwards dean of
Canterbury); but could not do it without the permission of bishop
Hoadly, which he had little reason to expect. On application, however, to that prelate, through queen Caroline
and lady Sundon, he received this laconic answer,
” If
Dr. Freind can ask it, I can grant it." Dr. Freind’s letters
to lady Sundon are still existing, and prove that he had as
little scruple in asking, as bishop Hoadly had in flattering
a lady, who, by her influence with queen Caroline, became for a considerable time the sole arbitress of churchpreferments. In 1744 Dr. Freind resigned his stall at
Westminster in favour of his son, and died August 9, 1751.
By Jane his wife, one of the two daughters of Dr. Samuel
Delangle, a prebendary of Westminster, he had two sons,
Charles, who died in 1736, and William, his successor at
Witney, and afterwards dean of Canterbury.
led during four years. He then took his degree of doctor, and went to the court of Philip Sigismund, duke of Brunswick Lunenburg, and bishop of Osnaburg, who had appointed
, a learned physician, was born at Nieder Wesel, in the duchy of Cleves, Oct. 30, 1581 but his relations being compelled, by the troubles of the times, to retire to Osnaburg, he began his classical studies there. He was afterwards sent to Cologne, Wesel, and Helmstadt; but his disposition being early turned to medicine, as a profession, he studied at Rostock, afterwards returned to Helmstadt to attend the lectures of Duncan Liddell and of Francis Parcovius; he likewise derived much advantage from the lectures of the celebrated Meibomius, in whose house he resided in the capacity of tutor to his son, and was soon thought fit to give private lectures to the younger students on the practice of physic. He afterwards lectured in public as professor extraordinary; and in 1604, at the age of twenty-three, he obtained the ordinary professorship in the university, which office he filled during four years. He then took his degree of doctor, and went to the court of Philip Sigismund, duke of Brunswick Lunenburg, and bishop of Osnaburg, who had appointed him his principal physician. About 1622, Ernest, duke of Holstein and earl of Schawenburg, offered him the same office, with the addition of the chief medical professorship in the university which he had lately founded at Rinteln; but his patron would not permit him. to accept it. This prince-bishop dying in 1623, his nephew, duke Frederic Ulric, gave Freitag the option of being his chief physician, or of resuming his professorship at Helmstadt. He con*tinued at Osnaburg, where the new bishop retained him as his physician, and also appointed him one of his chamberlains. He also served his successor in the same capacity, but was dismissed in 1631, on account of his refusal to become a catholic. He found protection and patronage, however, under Ernest Cassimir, count of Nassau, and. the counts of Bettheim, who procured for him the vacant professorship in the university of Groningen. He fulfilled this new appointment with great reputation, and continued to distinguish himself by the success of his practice till the decline of his life, which was accelerated by a complication of maladies. Dropsy, gout, gravel, aud fever, terminated his life Feb. 8, 1641.
o desist from this purpose, partly because his wife refused to accompany him, and partly because the duke of Wirtemberg would not consent to his going thither, or any
, a learned critical and poetical writer of Germany, was born at Baling, in Suabia, in 1547. His father being a minister and a man of letters, taught him the rudiments of learning, and then sent him to Tubingen, where he made so amazing a progress in the Greek and Latin tongues, that he is said to have written poetry in both when he was no more than thirteen years of age. He continued to improve himself in compositions of several kinds, as well prose as verse; and at twenty years old was made a professor in the university of Tubingen. Though his turn lay principally towards poetry, insomuch, that as Melchior Adam tells us, he really could make verses as, fast as he wanted them, yet he was acquainted with every part of science and learning. He used to moderate in philosophical disputes; and to read public lectures in mathematics and astronomy, before he had reached his twenty-fifth year. In 1579, his reputation being much extended, he had a mind to try his fortune abroad, and therefore prepared to go to the ancient university of Friburg, where he had promised to read lectures. But he was obliged to desist from this purpose, partly because his wife refused to accompany him, and partly because the duke of Wirtemberg would not consent to his going thither, or any where else.
in the following year, 1368," he was at different Italian courts. It was this same year, that Lionel duke of Clarence, son of the king of England, espoused Joland, daughter
He was in France, at Melun sur Seine, about April 20, 1366; perhaps private reasons might have induced him to take that road to Bourdeaux, where he was on All Saints’ day of that year, when the princess of Wales was brought to bed of a son, who was afterwards Richard II. The prince of Wales setting out a few days afterwards for the war in Spain, Froissart accompanied him to Dax, where the prince resided some time. He had expected to have attended him during the continuance of this grand expedition; but the prince would not permit him to go farther; and shortly after his arrival, sent him back to the queen his mother. Froissart could not have made any long stay in England, since in the following year, 1368," he was at different Italian courts. It was this same year, that Lionel duke of Clarence, son of the king of England, espoused Joland, daughter of Galeas II. duke of Milan. Froissart, who probably was in his suite, was present at the magnificent reeeption which Amadeus count of Savoy, surnamed the count Verd, gave him on his return: he describes the feasts on this occasion, which lasted three days; and does not forget to tell us that they danced a virelay of his composition. From the court of Savoy he returned to Milan, where the same count Amadeus gave him a good cotardie, a sort of coat, with twenty florins of gold; and from thence to Bologna and Ferrara, where he Feceived f forty ducats from the king of Cyprus, and then to Rome. Instead of the modest equipage he travelled with into Scotland, he was now like a man of importance, travelling on a handsome horse attended by a hackney.
uwj he was their rector. It is mentioned in a ms journal of the bishop of Chartres, chunceHor to the duke of Anjou, that according to letters sealed Dec. 12, 138 >, this
It was about this time that Froissart experienced a loss
which nothing could recompense, the death of
Philippa, which took place in 1369. He composed a lay
on this melancholy event, of which, however, he was not
a witness; for he says, in another place, that in 1395 it
was twenty-seven years since he had seen England. According to Vossius and Bullart he wrote the life of queen
Philippa; but this assertion is not founded on any proofs.
Independently of the employment of clerk of the chamber
to the queen of England, which Froissart had held, he had
been also of the household of Edward III. and even of that
of John, king of France. Having, however, lost his patroness, he did not return to England, but went into his
own country, where he obtained the living of Lestines. Of
all that he performed during the time he exercised this
ministry, he tells us nothing moiv than that the tavernkeepers of Lestines had live hundred francs of his money
in ike short space of liuwj he was their rector. It is mentioned in a ms journal of the bishop of Chartres, chunceHor to the duke of Anjou, that according to letters sealed
Dec. 12, 138 >, this prince caused to be seized fifty-six
quires of the Chronicle of Froissart, rector of the parish
church of Lestines, which the historian had sent to be
illuminated, and then to be forwarded to the king of England., the enemy of France. Froissart attached himself
afterwards to Winceslaus of Luxembourg, duke of Brabant, perhaps in quality of secretary. This prince had a
taste for poetry; he had made by Froissart a collection of
his songs, rondeaus, and virrlays, and Froissart adding
s-nne of his own pieces to those of the prince, formed a
soft of romance, under the title of “Meliador, or the
Kujght of the Sun;
” hut the duke did not live to see the
completion of the work, for he died in 1334.
he healing art. In 1533, the management of the university of Ingoldstadt being committed, by William duke of Bavaria, to Leonard Eccius, a celebrated lawyer, acquainted
, an eminent German physician and botanist, was born at Wembding, in Bavaria, in 1501. After a classical education at Hailbrun and Erfurt, he went in his nineteenth year to Ingoldstadt, where he pursued the study of the learned languages under Capnius and Ceporinus, two eminent professors, who had embraced the doctrines of the reformation, which they imparted to their pupil. He received the degree of master of arts in 1521, and having also studied medicine, was admitted to his doctor’s degree in 1524. He first practised at Munich, where he married, and had a large family, and in 1526 he removed to Ingoldstadt, and was made professor of medicine; but his religion occasioning some trouble, he settled at Onoltzbach about two years afterwards, under the patronage and protection of George, margrave of Bayreuth. Here he was very successful as a practitioner, and published some treatises on the healing art. In 1533, the management of the university of Ingoldstadt being committed, by William duke of Bavaria, to Leonard Eccius, a celebrated lawyer, acquainted with the merit of Fuchs, he procured his return to his former professorship; but his zeal for the reformed religion was still too prominent not to give offence, especially, we should suppose, to John Eccius (see Eccius), then a professor there, and he returned to Onoltzbach. Two years after, however, he found an honourable asylum in the university of Tubingen, which Ulric, duke of Wirtemberg, had determined to supply with protestant professors, and where he provided Fuchs with an ample salary, and every encouragement. In this place he remained until his death, May 10, 1566. He died in the arms of his wife and children, full of faith and fortitude, having in the course of his illness been observed to experience no relief from his sufferings, but while conversing with his friends on the subjects of religion and a future state, which made him forget every thing else, and he expressed himself with all his usual energy and perspicuity. He was interred, the day after his death, in a burying-ground adjoining to the town, where his first wife had been deposited but little more than three years before.
ip wag formed between these learned men. Fuchs was so famous throughout Europe, that the great Cosmo duke of Tuscany invited him, with the offer of a salary of 600 crowns,
Some botanical remarks of Fuchs, relating principally
to the Arabian writers, are found in the 2d volume of the
“Herbarium
” of Brunfelsius. But the work on which
his reputation in this study chit-fly rests, is his “Historia Plantarum,
” published at Basil in Bibliotheca Botanica,
” though indeed he there properly
stands amongst the usitatissimi with respect to h>s original
edition. By some of his writings, especially his “Cornarus furens,
” published in Historia Plantarum
” in a work entitled
“Vulpecula excoriata,
” he appears to have been vehement
in controversy, but in his general character and deportment he is said to have been dignified and amiable, with a
fine manly person, and a clear sonorous voice. His piety y
temperance, and indefatigable desire to be useful, were
alike exemplary. As a lecturer he was peculiarly admired
and followed, especially in his anatomical courses. The
famous Vesalius was present at one of his lectures, in which
he found himself criticized. He afterwards familiarly addressed the professor, saying, “why do you attack me
who never injured you?
” “Are you Vesalius
” exclaimed
Fuchs. “You see him before you,
” replied the former.
On which great mutual congratulations ensued, and a
strict friendship wag formed between these learned men.
Fuchs was so famous throughout Europe, that the great
Cosmo duke of Tuscany invited him, with the offer of a
salary of 600 crowns, to become professor of medicine at
Pisa, which he declined. The emperor Charles V. also
bore testimony to his merit, by sending him letters with
the insignia of nobility, which honour also Fuchs for
some time declined. He was indifferent to money, as well
as to all other than literary fame. His great ambition was,
whenever he undertook in his turn the rectorship of the
university, to promote good order, industry, and improvement among the students, whom he governed with paternal
assiduity and affection. Two colleges were always under
his immediate care, one of them founded by duke Ulrie
for students of divinity alone, and more amply endowed
by his son and successor.
n for him, and advised him to go to Ludwigsbourg, which he did with letters of recommendation to the duke of Wirtemberg, who immediately took him into his service. Here
, a Swiss artist, and a man of considerable learning, was born at Zurich in 1706. After acquiring the elements of painting from a very indifferent artist, he left his country in the eighteenth year of his age, and going to Vienna, associated himself with Sedelmeier. Gran and Meitens were his principal guides, if he could be said to have any other guide than his own genius. He became well known at court, but his love of independence induced him to refuse very advantageous offers. He would not, however, have probably ever left Vienna, had not the prince of Schwarzeuburg persuaded him to go to Kadstadt, where he became the favourite of the court. Among others whose portraits he painted was the margrave of Dourlach, who had a great affection for him, and advised him to go to Ludwigsbourg, which he did with letters of recommendation to the duke of Wirtemberg, who immediately took him into his service. Here he passed his time very agreeably, making occasional excursions to paint the portraits of persons of distinction, until the war of Poland, when the entrance of the French into Germany threw every thing into confusion. The duke his patron at the same time fell sick, and was removed to Stutgard, but on Fuessli’s leaving him to go to Nuremberg, his highness presented him with a gold watch, and requested him to return when the state of public affairs was changed. At Nuremberg he had a strong desire to see the celebrated artist Kupezki, of whose manners he had imbibed an unfavourable impression, but he was agreeably disappointed, and they became friends from their first interview. After remaining six months at Nuremberg, the duke of Wirtemberg died, and there being no immediate prospect of peace, Fuessli returned to his own country, and in 1740 married. Although his wife was a very amiable woman, he used to say that marriage was incompatible with the cultivation of the fine arts: if, however, he felt himself occasionally disturbed by domestic cares, he had the happiness to communicate his art to his three sons, Rodolph, who settled at Vienna; Henry, at present so well known in England; and Caspar, who died in the vigour of life, an entomologist of fidelity, discrimination, and taste.
e to say that they had been his scholars. In 1007 he succeeded to the bishopric of Chartres, and the duke William gave him the office of treasurer of St. Hilary of Poitiers,
, bishop of Chartres, who flourished towards
the end of the tenth t and beginning of the eleventh
century, is celebrated, in the Tlomish church history, for his
learning and piety. Some authors rank him among the
chancellors of France, under the reign or‘ king Robert, but
he was only chancellor of the church of Chartres, at the
same time that he was rector of the school. He had been
himself a disciple of the learned Gerbert, who was afterwards pope Sylvester II. in the year 999. Fulbert came
from Rome to France, and taught in the schools belonging
to the church of Chartres, which were then not only attended by a great concourse of scholars, but by his means
contributed greatly to the revival of learning and religioii
in France and Germany; and most of the eminent men of
his time thought it an honour to be able to say that they
had been his scholars. In 1007 he succeeded to the bishopric of Chartres, and the duke William gave him the office
of treasurer of St. Hilary of Poitiers, the profits of which
Fulbert employed in rebuilding his cathedral church. He
was distinguished in his time for attachment to ecclesiasrtical discipline, and apostolic courage; and such was his
character and fame, that he was highly esteemed by the
princes and sovereigns of his age, by Robert, king of
France, Canute, king of England; Richard II. duke of
Normandy; William, duke of Aquitaine; and the greater
part of the contemporary noblemen and prelates. He
continued bishop of Chartres for twenty-one years and six
months, and died, according to the abbé Fleuri, in 1029;
but others, with more probability, fix that event on April
10, 1028. His works, which were printed, not very correctly, by Charles de Villiers in 1608, consist of letters,
sermons, and some lesser pieces in prose and verse. His
sermons, Dupin thinks, contain little worthy of notice;
but his letters, which amount to 134-, have ever been considered as curious memorials of the history and sentiments
of the times. They prove, however, that although Fulbert
might contribute much to the propagation of learning, he
had not advanced in liberality of sentiment before his contemporaries. There are also two other letters of our prelate in existence, the one in D’Acheri’s “Spicilegium,
”
and the other in Martenne’s “Thesaurus Anecdotorum,
”
both illustrative of his sentiments, and the sentiments of
his age.
ely at Wittemberg, 1570, fol. with various other tracts. At length being convicted of giving Albert, duke of Prussia, to whom he was chaplain, advice disadvantageous
, a celebrated Lutheran divine, was born in 1518, at Werdeti,
near Nuremberg. He adopted the doctrine of Osiander,
whose daughter he married, and particularly became a
strenuous advocate for Osiander 1 s opinions on the subject
of justification. He was a minister in Prussia, and wrote
a “Chronology,
” from Adam to
botanist, was born at Calw, in the duchy of Wirtemberg, March 12, 1732. His father, physician to the duke of Wirtemberg, and his mother, both died in his early youth.
, an eminent botanist, was born at Calw, in the duchy of Wirtemberg, March 12, 1732. His father, physician to the duke of Wirtemberg, and his mother, both died in his early youth. He was at first destined by his surviving relations for the church, and when he disliked that, the law. was recommended; but at length, from an early bias towards the study of natural history, he resorted to physic, as most congenial to his disposition, and removed to the university of Gottingen, in the 19th year of his age. Here the lectures of Halier and others instructed him in anatomy, physiology, and botany, but he studied these rather for his own information and amusement, than as a means of advancement in the practice of physic. After this he undertook a tour through Italy, France, and England, in the pursuit of knowledge in botany. On his return he took the degree of M. D. and published an inaugural dissertation on the urinary secretion, after which he devoted two years to the study of mathematics, optics, and mechanics, constructing with his own hands a telescope, as well as a common and solar microscope. In the summer of 1759 he attended a course of botanical lectures at Leyden, under the celebrated Adrian Van Royen. He had for some time acquired the use of the pencil, in which he eminently excelled, and which subsequently proved of the greatest use to him in enabling him to draw the beautiful and accurate figures of the books he published. Having bestowed great attention upon the obscurer tribes of marine animals and plants, particularly with a view to the mode of propagation of the latter, as well as of, other cryptogamic vegetables, he revisited England, and spent some time here, as well in scrutinizing the productions of our extensive and varied coasts, as in conversing with those able naturalists Ellis, Collinson, Baker, and others, who were assiduously engaged in similar pursuits. He communicated a paper to the royal society on the polype called Urtica marina, and the Actinia of Linnseus, comprehending descriptions and figures of several species, which is printed in the 52d volume of the Philosophical Transactions; and he prepared several essays on the anatomy of fishes, and other obscure matters of animal and vegetable physiology, part of which only has hitherto been made public. Soon afterwards Dr. Gsertner became a member of the royal society of London, and of the imperial academy of sciences at Petersburg. In 1768, he was instituted professor of botany and natural history at Petersburg, and about a year afterwards he began to plan and prepare materials for the great work on which his eminent reputation rests, the object of which was the illustration of fruits and seeds for the purposes above-mentioned. His situation at Petersburg, however, seems not to have suited either his health or disposition. After having performed a journey into the Ukraine, in which he collected many new or obscure plants, he resigned his professorship at the end of two years, steadily refusing the pension ordinarily attached to it, and retired in the autumn of 17 70 -to his native town, where he married. At the end of eight years he found it necessary, for the perfection of his intended work, to re-visit some of the seats of science in which he had formerly studied, in order to re-examine several botanical collections, and to converse again with persons devoted to similar inquiries with his own. Above all, he was anxious to profit by the discoveries of the distinguished voyagers Banks and Solander, who received him with open arms on his arrival at London, in 1778, and, with the liberality which ever distinguished their characters, freely laid before him all their acquisitions, and assisted him with their own observations and discoveries. A new genus was dedicated to Gaertner by his illustrious friends in their manuscripts; but this being his own sphenoclea, has been superseded by another and a finer plant. He visited Thunberg in his return through Amsterdam, that distinguished botanist and traveller being then lately arrived from Japan; nor were the acquisitions of Gartner less considerable from this quarter. He further enriched himself from the treasures at Leyden, laid open to him by his old friend Van lloyen; and arrived at home laden with spoils destined to enrich his intended publication. Here, however, his labours and his darling pursuits were interrupted by a severe disorder in his eyes, which for many months threatened total blindness; nor was it till after an intermission of four or five years that he was able to resume his studies.
the doge Prospero; there he entered into priest’s orders. From Genoa he was invited to Milan by the duke and duchess Galeazzo, but they being soon after expelled that
, an eminent musical writer,
a native of Lodi, born Jan. 14, 1451, of obscure parents,
was first intended for priest’s orders, but after studying
music for two years under John Goodenach, a carmelite,
he manifested so much genius for that science, that it was
thought expedient to make it his profession. After learning the rudiments of music at Lodi, he went to Mantua,
where he was patronized by the marquis Lodovico Gonzago; and where, during two years, he pursued his studies
with unwearied assiduity night and day, and acquired
great reputation, both in the speculative and practical
part of his profession. From this city he went to Verona,
where he read public lectures on music for two years more,
and published several works; after which he removed to
Genoa, whither he was invited by the doge Prospero;
there he entered into priest’s orders. From Genoa he
was invited to Milan by the duke and duchess Galeazzo,
but they being soon after expelled that city, he returned
to Naples, where Philip of Bologna, professor- royal, received him as his colleague; and he became so eminent
in the theory of music, that he was thought superior to
many celebrated and learned musicians, his contemporaries, with whom he now conversed and disputed. He
there published his profound <“Treatise on the Theory
of Harmony,
” Theoricum Opus Harmonicae Disciplinse,
” mentioned
above, Neapolis,
Deftnitiones Term. Musicae,
” of John Tinctor. 2. “Practica
Musicse utriusque Cantus,
” Milan, Angelicum ac Divinum
Opus Musicae Materna Lingua Scrip.
” Milan, De Harmonica Musicor. Instrumentorum,
” Milan,
ranslated into the same language the “Temple. of Fame,” and the “Messiah,” which he dedicated to the duke of Newcastle, in hopes of a pardon; he also wrote verses in
, a very extraordinary character,
of great talents, and great vices, was a Roman catholic,
of a good Family in Ireland. He was a very considerable
Latin scholar, and editor of Brindley’s beautiful edition of
the Classics. He translated Pope’s “Essay on Criticism
”
into Latin verse, and after his confinement in Newgate,
to which he was sent for filing gold, he translated into the
same language the “Temple. of Fame,
” and the “Messiah,
” which he dedicated to the duke of Newcastle, in
hopes of a pardon; he also wrote verses in English on
prince George (our present sovereign), and on Mr. Adams,
the recorder, which were published in the ordinary’s account; with a poetical address to the duchess of Queensbury, by one Conner, who was then in prison for the same
Crime. Gahagan was executed at Tyburn, Feb. 1749.
works to the exhibition in London. In 1774, he quitted Bath, and settled in London in a part of the duke of Schomberg’s house in Pail-Mall. In this situation, possessed
, an admirable English artist, was born in 1727, at Sudbury, in Suffolk, where his father was a clothier. He very early discovered a propensity to painting. Nature was his teacher, and the woods of Suffolk his academy, where he would pass in solitude his mornings, in making a sketch of an antiquated tree, a marshy brook, a few cattle, a shepherd and his flock, or any other accidental objects that were presented. From delineation he got to colouring; and after painting several landscapes from the age of ten to twelve, he quitted Sudbury, and came to London. Here he received his first instructions from Gravelot, and was then placed under the tuition of Mr. Hayman, with whom he staid but a short time. After quitting this master, he for a short time resided in Hatton-garden, and practised painting of portraits of a small size, and also pursued his favourite subject, landscape. During this residence in London, he married a young lady, who possessed an annuity of 200l.; and then retired to Ipswich, and from thence to Bath, where he settled about 1758. He now began painting portraits at the low price of five guineas, for a threequarter canvas, and was soon so successful as to be encouraged to raise his price to eight guineas. In 1761, for the first time, he sent some of his works to the exhibition in London. In 1774, he quitted Bath, and settled in London in a part of the duke of Schomberg’s house in Pail-Mall. In this situation, possessed of ample fame, and in the acquisition of a plentiful fortune, he was disturbed by a complaint in his neck, which was not much noticed upon the first attack, nor was it apprehended to be more than a swelling in the glands of the throat, which it was expected would subside in a short time, but it was soon discovered to be a cancer, which baffled the skill of the first medical professors. Finding the danger of his situation, he settled his affairs, and composed himself to meet the fatal moment, and expired Aug. 2, 1788. He was buried, according to his own request, in Kew Churchyard.
of Jupiter’s satellites, which he called the Medicean stars or planets, in honour of Cosmo II. grand duke of Tuscany, who was of that noble family. Cosmo now recalled
While he was professor at Padua, in 1609, visiting Ve>nice, then famous for the nrt of making glass, he heard of
the invention of the telescope by James Metius, in
Holland. This notice was sufficient for Galileo; his curiosity
was raised; and the result of his inquiry was a telescope
of his own, produced from this hint, without having seen
the Dutch glass. All the discoveries he made in astronomy
were the easy and natural consequences of this invention,
which opening a way, till then unknown, into the heavens,
gave that science an entirely new face. Galileo, in one
of his works, ridicules the unwillingness of the Aristotelians to allow of any discoveries not known to their master,
by introducing a speaker who attributes the telescope to
him, on account of what he says of seeing the stars from
the bottom of a deep well. “The well,
” says he, “is the
tube of the telescope, the intervening vapours answer to
the glasses.
” He began by observing the moon, and calculating the height of her mountains. He then discovered
four of Jupiter’s satellites, which he called the Medicean
stars or planets, in honour of Cosmo II. grand duke of
Tuscany, who was of that noble family. Cosmo now recalled him from Padua, re-established him at Pisa, with a
very handsome stipend, in 1610; and the same year,
having lately invited him to Florence, gave him the post
and title of his principal philosopher and mathematician.
eat master. The cause of his being so totally unknown was, his being brought into Ireland by the old duke of Ormond, and retained in his service. And as Ireland was at
, an able artist, although little known, was born in 1619, and instructed by Vandyck; and his works are a sufficient proof of the signal improvement he received from the precepts and example of that great master. The cause of his being so totally unknown was, his being brought into Ireland by the old duke of Ormond, and retained in his service. And as Ireland was at that time in a very unsettled condition, the merit and the memory of this master would have been entirely unnoticed, if some of his performances, which still subsist, had not preserved him from oblivion. There are at this time in Ireland many portraits, painted by him, of noblemen and persons of fortune, which are very little inferior to Vandyck, either for expression, colouring, or dignity; and several of his’copies after Vandyck, which were in the Ormond collection at Kilkenny, were sold for original paintings of Vandyck. Mr. Gandy died in 1689.
far from being confined to the university. He had some time before been taken into the family of the duke of Norfolk, and thence into that of Cardinal Wolsey, who made
But his views were far from being confined to the university. He had some time before been taken into the
family of the duke of Norfolk, and thence into that of
Cardinal Wolsey, who made him his secretary. This post he
now held, and it proved the foundation of his rise at court.
The cardinal having projected the treaty of alliance
with Francis I. in 1525, employed his secretary to draw
up the plan, and the king coming to his house at Morepark, in Hertfordshire, found Gardiner busy at this work.
He looked at it, liked the performance extremely well,
the performer’s conversation better, and his fertility in the
invention of expedients best of all; and from this time
Gardiner was admitted into the secret of affairs, and entirely confided in, both by the king and his first minister.
He received a public mark of that confidence in 1527,
when he was sent to Rome, in order to negociate the arduous business of Henry’s divorce from queen Katharine.
Edward Fox, provost of King’s-college, in Cambridge,
went with him on this embassy; but Gardiner was the
chief, being esteemed the best civilian in England at this
time; and having been admitted into the king’s cabinet-council for this affair, he is styled in the cardinal’s credential letters to the pope, “primary secretary of the
most secret counsels.
” He was now in such favour with
the cardinal, that, in these very letters, he called Gardiner the half of himself, “Dimidium sui,
” than whom
none was dearer to him. He wrote that Gardiner should
unlock his [the cardinal’s] breast to the pope; who, in
hearing him speak, he might think he heard the cardinal
himself. The successful issue of this embassy in obtaining
a new commission, directed to the cardinals Wolsey and
Campejus, as well as Gardiner’s address in the negociation,
may be seen in the general histories of England. We
shall only notice one particular not mentioned there, which
is his success in disposing Campejus to make a tour to
England. This requiring some extraordinary management, Gardiner took it upon himself; and having put every
thing requisite to set the affair in a proper light at home,
into the hands of his colleague Fox, dispatched him to
carry the account to the king, who joined with Anne Boleyn in applauding the ingenuity, intrepidity, and industry of the new minister.
But the loudest in his praises was the cardinal, in whose
private business Gardiner had reconciled the pope to the
endowment of his two colleges at Oxford and Ipswich,
out of the revenues of the dissolved lesser monasteries.
This added to the rest, made such an impression upon the
cardinal’s mind, that crying out, “O inestimable treasure
and jewel of this realm!
” he desired Fox to remark those
words, and insert them in his letter. There was still another instance of Gardiner’s abilities and attachment to
Wolsey, which had its share in exciting this burst of admiration. During the course of this embassy, the pope
falling dangerously ill, the cardinal set all his engines to
work, to secure the keys provisionally to himself, in case
of a new election, and the suffrages of one-third part of
the cardinals were procured for him. He dispatched orders
immediately to provide that those cardinals should be
withdrawn to a place of safety, and should there declare
him pope, though the majority should appear against him;
assuring his own party, that they should be vigorously sustained by king Henry and his allies. This scheme, however, was rendered abortive by the recovery of Clement
VII. but the pains taken in it by the cardinal’s agents,
among whom Gardiner had at least an equal share, could
not fail to be highly pleasing to him. In the event, indeed, the king had most reason to be satisfied with his minister, who gave his opinion that all solicitations at Rome
would be lost time; the pope, in his judgment, being
immoveable in the resolution to do nothing himself; though
he might not improbably be brought to confirm such a
sentence as his majesty could draw from the legates
Henry, fully persuaded in the issue of the sincerity and
judgment of this advice, recalled Gardiner, resolving to
make use of his abilities in managing the legantine
court .
pain of deprivation. Upon this the liberty he had before of walking in some open galleries, when the duke of Norfolk was not in them, was taken from him, and he was again
After his discharge he went to his diocese;and,- though
he opposed, as much as possible, the uew establishment
in its first proposal, yet now it was settled by act of parliament, he knew how to conform; which he not 'only did
himself, but took care that others should do the same.
Yet he no sooner returned to town than he received an
order, which brought him again before the council;
where, after some rough treatment, he was directed not
to stir from his house till he went to give satisfaction in a
sermon, to be preached before the king and court in zt
public audience; for the matter of which he was directed
both what, he should, and what he should not say, by sir
William Cecil. He did not refuse to preach, which was
done on St. Peter’s day but so contrarily to the purpose
required , that he was sent to the Tower the next clay,
June 3O, 1548, where he was kept close prisoner for a year.
But his affairs soon after put on a more pleasing countenance. When the protector’s fall was projected, Gardiner was deemed a necessary implement for the purpose;
his head and hand were both employed for bringing it about,
and the original draught of the articles was made by him.
Upon this change in the council he had such assurances
of his liberty, aid entertained so great hopes of it, that it
is said he provided a new suit of clothes in order to keep
that festival; but in all this he was disappointed: his first
application for a discharge was treated with contempt by
the council, who laughing said, “the bishop had a pleasant head;
” for reward of which, they gave him leave to
remain five or six weeks longer in prison, without any
notice taken to him of his message. Nor did the lords
shew any regard to his next address: and he had been
almost two years in the Tower, when the protector, restored to that high office, went with others by virtue of an
order of council, June 9, 1550, to confer with him in that
place. In this conference they proposed to release him
upon his submission for what was past, and promise of
obedience for the future, if he would also subscribe the
new settlement in religion, with the king’s complete power
and supremacy, though under age; and the abrogation of
the six articles. He consented to, and actually subscribed,
all the conditions except the first, which he refused, insisting on his innocence. The lords used him with great
kindness, and encouraged him to hope his troubles should
be quickly ended, and upon this, seeing also the protector
among them, he flattered himself with the hopes of being
released in two days, and in that confidence actually made
his farewell feast But the contempt he had at first shewn
to the council, being still avowed by his refusing to make
a submission. now, was not so readily overlooked. On the
contrary, this first visit was followed by several others of
the like tenor; which meeting with the same refusal, at
length the lords Herbert, Petre, and bishop Ridley, brought
him new articles, in which the required acknowledgement,
being made more general, runs thus: “That he had been
suspected of not approving the king’s proceedings, and
being appointed to preach, had not done it as he ought to
have done, and so deserved the king’s displeasure, for
which he was sorry;
” and the other articles being enlarged
were, “besides the king’s supremacy, the suppression of
abbies and chanteries, pilgrimages, masses, and images,
adoring the sacrament, communion in both kinds, abolishing the old books, and bringing in the new book of service,
with that for ordaining priests and bishops, the completeness of the scripture, and the use of it in the vulgar tongue,
the lawfulness of clergymen’s marriage, and for Erasmus’s
Paraphrase, that it had been on good considerations ordered to be set up in churches.
” These being read, foe
insisted first co be released from his imprisonment, and
said that he would then freely give his answer, such as he
would stand by, and suffer if he did amiss; but he vvoukl
trouble himself with no more articles while he was detained
in prison, since he desired not to be delivered out of his
imprisonment in the way of mercy, but of justice. On
July ly, he was brought before the council, who having
told him that they sat by a special commission to judge
him, asked whether he would subscribe these last articles
or no? which he answering in the negative, his bishopric
was sequestered, and he required to conform in three
months on pain of deprivation. Upon this the liberty he
had before of walking in some open galleries, when the
duke of Norfolk was not in them, was taken from him, and
he was again shut up in his chamber. At the expiration of
the limited time, the bishop still keeping his resolution,
was deprived for disobedience and contempt, by a court of
delegates, in which Cranmer presided, after a trial which
lasted from Dec. 15 to Feb. 14 following, in twenty-four
sessions. He appealed from the delegates to the king; but
no notice was taken of it, the court being known to be
final and unappealable.
her solemn entry into the Tower, when Gardiner, in the name of himself and his fellow-prisoners, the duke of Norfolk, duchess of Somerset, lord Courtney, and others of
In the course of the proceedings, Gardiner always behaved himself contemptuously toward the judges, and particularly called them sacramentarians and heretics; on which account he was ordered to be removed to a meaner lodging in the Tower; to be attended by one servant only, of the lieutenant’s appointment to have his books and papers taken from him to be denied pen, ink, or paper; and nobody suffered to visit him. However, as he continued a close prisoner here during the rest of Edward’s reign, the severity of this order was afterwards mitigated; as appears from various pieces written by him in this confinement. He is said to have kept up his spirits and resolution, and it is not improbable, that he foresaw the great alteration in affairs which was speedily to take place. The first dawning of this began to appear on the demise of king Edward, when Mary was publicly proclaimed queen July 19, 1553. On Aug. 3 she made her solemn entry into the Tower, when Gardiner, in the name of himself and his fellow-prisoners, the duke of Norfolk, duchess of Somerset, lord Courtney, and others of high rank, made a congratulatory speech to her majesty, who gave them all their liberty. The spokesman took his seat in council the same day, and on the 8th performed the obsequies for the late king in the queen’s presence. On the 9th he went to Winchester-house in Southwark, after a confinement of somewhat more than five years; and was declared chancellor of England on the 23d. He had the honour of crowning the queen Oct. I, and on the 5th opened the lirst parliament in her reign. By these hasty steps Gardiner rose to the prime ministry; and was possessed at this time of more power, civil and ecclesiastical, than any English minister ever enjoyed, except his old master cardinal Wolsey. He was also re-chosen chancellor of Cambridge, and restored to the mastership of Trinity-hall there, of which, among his other preferments, he had been deprived in the former reign.
agic or comic, and seize instantaneously upon any passion of the human mind. He exhibited before the duke of Parma, by reciting a soliloquy of Macbeth; and had friendly
In 1763, he undertook a journey into Italy, and set out for Dover, in his way to Calais, Sept. 17. His historian assigns several causes of this excursion, and among the chief, the prevalence of Covent-garden theatre under the management of Mr. Beard, the singer; but the real cause probably was, the indifferent health of himself and Mrs. Garrick, to the latter of whom the baths of Padua were afterwards of service, During his trayels, he gave frequent proofs of his theatrical talents; and he readily complied with requests of that kind, because indeed nothing was more easy to him. He could, without the least preparation, transform himself into any character, tragic or comic, and seize instantaneously upon any passion of the human mind. He exhibited before the duke of Parma, by reciting a soliloquy of Macbeth; and had friendly contests with the celebrated mademoiselle Clairon at Paris. He saw this actress when he paid his first visit to Paris in 1752; and though mademoiselle Dumesnil was then the, favourite actress of the French theatre, he ventured to pronounce that Clairon would excel all competitors; which prediction was fulfilled.
it to inspire the prediction. It was written in Sept. 1710; and the following year, in December, the duke of Marlborough was removed from all his places, and having obtained
In politics, Dr. Garth was prompted not more by
good sense than by good disposition, to make his muse
subservient to his interest, only by proceeding uniformly
in the same road, without any malignant deviations.
Thus, as he had enjoyed the sunshine of the court
during lord Godolphin’s administration in queen Anne’s
reign, that minister had the pleasure to find him among
the first of those who paid the muse’s tribute on the
reverse of his fortune in 1710; and in the same unchangeable spirit, when both the sense and poetry of
this address were attacked by Prior with all the outrage
of party virulence, he took no notice of it; but had the
satisfaction to see an unanswerable defence made for him,
by Addison. The task, indeed, was easy, and that elegant
writer in the conclusion of it observes, that the same person
who has endeavoured to prove that he who wrote the “Dispensary
” was no poet, will very suddenly undertake to
shew that he who gained the battle of Blenheim, was no
general. There was, indeed, no need of a prophetic
spirit to inspire the prediction. It was written in Sept.
1710; and the following year, in December, the duke of
Marlborough was removed from all his places, and having
obtained leave to go abroad, embarked at Dover for Ostend, Nov. 30, 1712. Dr. Garth had lived in the particular favour and esteem of this great man while in power,
and when he was out of power he lamented in elegant verse,
his disgrace and voluntary exile.
nswick; and on the accession of that prince to the throne, had the honour of being knighted with the duke of Marlborough’s sword, was appointed king’s physician in ordinary,
In the mean time, with the same feelings, he had written a dedication for an intended edition of Lucretius, in 1711, to his late majesty king George I. then elector of Brunswick; and on the accession of that prince to the throne, had the honour of being knighted with the duke of Marlborough’s sword, was appointed king’s physician in ordinary, and physician general to the army. These were no more than just rewards even of his medical merit. He had gone through the office of censor of the college in 1702, and had practised always with great reputation, and a strict regard to the honour and interest of the faculty; never stooping to prostitute the dignity of his profession, through mean and sordid views of self-interest, by courting even the most popular and wealthy apothecaries. In a steady adherence to this noble principle, he concurred with the much celebrated Dr. Radcliflfe, with whom he was also often joined in physical consultations.
ius, of which he was daily giving fresh proofs to the public. One of these was addressed to the late duke or Newcastle, in 1715, entitled “Claremont;” being written on
Garth had a very extensive practice, but was extremely
moderate in his views of advancing his own fortune; hi
humanity and good-nature inclining him more to make use
of the great interest he had with persons in power, for the
support and encouragement of other men of letters. He
chose to live with the great in that degree of independency
and freedom, which became a man possessed of a superior
genius, of which he was daily giving fresh proofs to the
public. One of these was addressed to the late duke or
Newcastle, in 1715, entitled “Claremont;
” being written on the occasion of giving that name to a villa belonging
to that nobleman, who was then only earl of Clare, which
he had adorned with a beautiful and sumptuous structure.
Among the Latin writers, Ovid appears to have been the
doctor’s favourite; and it has been thought that there was
some resemblance in their dispositions, manners, and
poetry. One of his last performances, was an edition of
Ovid’s Metamorphoses, translated by various hands, in
which he rendered the whole 14th book, and the story of
Cippus in the 15th. It was published in 1717, and he
prefixed a preface, wherein he not only gives an idea of
the work, and points out its principal beauties, but shews
the uses of the poem, and how it may be read to most advantage.
ts at law, Sept. 1398. In October following, he was appointed one of the attornies to Henry IV. then duke of Hereford, on his going into banishment: and upon the accession
, chief justice of the king’s bench in the reign of Henry IV. was descended of a noble family, originally from Normandy, and born at Gawthorp in Yorkshire, about 1350. Being designed for the law, he became a student either at Gray’s-inn or the Inner Temple; and growing eminent in his profession, was made one of the king’s Serjeants at law, Sept. 1398. In October following, he was appointed one of the attornies to Henry IV. then duke of Hereford, on his going into banishment: and upon the accession of that prince to the throne, in 1399, sat as judge in the court of common-pleas. In Nov. 1401, he was made chief justice of the king’s bench; and how much he distinguished himself in that office, appears from the several abstracts of his opinions, arguments, distinctions, and decisions, which occur in our old hooks of law-reports.
employed in preparing their intended speeches. He was during the rest of his life patronized by the duke Philip-Maria-Visconti, and enjoyed the esteem due to his learning
, one of the revivers of literature, and an able grammarian, took his name from the village of Barzizza, near Bergamo, where he was born in 1370. It is thought that he studied at Bergamo, and kept a private school there. He afterwards became professor of the belles lettres at Pavia, Venice, Padua, and Milan. He was in this last mentioned city in 1418, when pope Martin V. passed through in his return from the council of Constance. Barzizza was on this occasion appointed to pay him the compliments of the city, and the two universities of Pavia and Padua having sent orators to the pope, he was also' employed in preparing their intended speeches. He was during the rest of his life patronized by the duke Philip-Maria-Visconti, and enjoyed the esteem due to his learning and talents until his death at Milan about the end of 1430.
eave to return to Milan, but without any loss of the king’s respect and friendship for him. Here the duke Philip of Milan gave him the title of his vicar-general. With
His Latin works, consisting of treatises on grammar and
rhetoric, orations, letters, &c. do not form the only title
he has to be considered among the revivers of learning and
elegant Latinity. He merited this honour also, like
Aurispa and Guarino, for his ability in explaining the ancient classics, and in decyphering the manuscript copies
which at that time engaged the curious researches of the
learned world. His “Epistles
” form an epoch in the history of French printing. When two doctors of the Sorbonne, William Fichet, and John de la Pierre, had engaged from Germany three printers, Gering, Crantz, and
Friburger, to come to Paris, in 1459, a printing-press
was set up in the house of the Sorbonne, and Gasparino’s
“Epistles
” were the first typographical production in
France. The title was “Gasp. Pergamensis (Bergomensis)
Epistolre,
” 4to, without date, but printed in
adds, that what was done like a king, should have a king-like retribution. In another letter to the duke of York, dated Jan. 17, the same year, he strongly urges the
But he did not sit down content here; thinking his services deserved something more. He had already published
his “Anti'-sacrilegus,
” or, “A Defensative against the
plausible or gilded poison of that nameless paper, supposed to be the plot of Cornelius Surges and his partners,
which tempts the king’s majesty by the offer of 500,000l.
to make good by an act of parliament, to the purchasers of
Bishops’ Lands, &c. their illegal bargain for 99 years,
1660,
” 4to: As also, his “Analysis, against the covenant
in defence of the Hierarchy
” and his '< Anti-Baal-Berith,
or, the binding of the covenant and all the covenanters to
their good behaviour, &c. With an answer to that monstrous paradox of no sacrilege, no sin, to alienate church
lands, without, alid against all laws of God and man.“These were all printed before his promotion to the see of
Exeter. His zeal continued to glow with equal ardour the
two following years; in his
” Life of Hooker,“prefixed
to an edition of Hooker’s works, published by him in 1661;
and, again, in his
” Pillar of Gratitude, humbly dedicated
to the glory of God, the honour of his majesty, &c. for
restoring Episcopacy,“in 1662. But, above all, he particularly pleaded his merit in respect to the
” Euuav BcwjXixw.“He applied to the earl of Clarendon, in a letter dated Dec.
28, 1661, with a petition to the king; in which having
declared the advantages which had accrued to the crown
by this service, he adds, that what was done like a king,
should have a king-like retribution. In another letter to
the duke of York, dated Jan. 17, the same year, he
strongly urges the great service he had done, and importunately begs his royal highness to intercede for him with
the king. Chancellor Hyde thought he had carried his
merit too far, with regard to the king’s book: and, in a
letter to him, dated March 13, 1661, writes thus:
” The
particular you mention, has indeed been imparted to me as
a secret: I am sorry I e-'er knew it; and when it ceases to
be a secret, it will please none but Mr. Milton."
promised him further marks of her favour, if he would write some fables in verse for the use of the duke of Cumberland; which task he accordingly undertook, and published
This easy travelling, with some decent appointments,
was one of the highest relished pleasures of Gay’s life, and
never failed of calling forth his muse. Soon after his return froni France, he introduced to the stage “The Three
Hours after Marriage.
” His friends Pope and Arbuthnot
had both a hand in this performance, and the two principal characters were acted by two of the best comedians
at that time, Johnson and Mrs. Oldfield; yet, with all
these helps and advantages, it was very ill received, if not
condemned the first night. Gay stood the brunt with an
unusual degree of magnanimity, which seems to have been
inspired by a hearty regard for his partners; especially
Pope, who was greatly affected with it. In 1718 he accompanied Pope to lord Harcourt’s seat in Oxfordshire,
where they united in consecrating to posterity the death
of two rustic lovers, unfortunately killed in the neighbouring fields by a stroke of lightning. In 1720 he again
recruited his finances by a handsome subscription to his
poems, which he collected and printed in 2 vols. 4to; but
falling into the general infatuation of that remarkable year,
he lost all his fortune in the South-sea scheme, and consequently all his spirits. Secretary Craggs had made him,
a present of some S. S. stock, and he was worth at one
time 20,000l. but neglecting to sell out, lost the whole.
This stroke had almost proved fatal to him; he was seized
with a violent colic; and after languishing some time, removed in 1722 to Hampstead, for the benefit of the air
and waters; but, by the assistance of Dr. Arbuthnot, who
constantly attended him, at length he recovered. He
then began to write his tragedy called “The Captives;
” which, when finished, he had the honour of reading in manuscript to the princess of Wales, in 1724.
Her royal highness also promised him further marks of her
favour, if he would write some fables in verse for the use
of the duke of Cumberland; which task he accordingly
undertook, and published them in 1726, with a dedication
to that prince. All this was done against the advice of
Pope, the duke being then only an infant; and the result
was, as that friend presaged, very disagreeable to him.
Swift says that in these fables “he was thought to be something too bold with the court.
”
ntenuptial children, she obtained the title and rank of a duchess by her marriage with Charles third duke of Bolton. There is scarcely to be found in history an example,
Upon the accession of George II. to the throne, he was
offered the place of gentleman-usher to the then youngest
princess Louisa; a post which he thought beneath his
acceptance: and, resenting the offer as an affront, in that
ill-humour with the court, he wrote the “Beggar’s Opera;
”
which, being brought upon the stage Nov. Polly,
” by subscription; and this too, considering the powers employed
against it, was incredibly large; and in tact he got nearly
1 200l. by it, while the Beggar’s Opera did not yield more
than 400l. Neither yet did it end here. The duke and
duchess of Queensberry took part in resenting the indignity put upon him by this last act of power; resigned their
respective places at court; took the author into their house
and family; and treated him with all the endearing kindness of an intimate and much-beloved friend.
hall be in place of a queen to me, nay, she shall be my queen, nor the inexpressible goodness of the duke, can in the least chear me. The drawing: room no more receives
These noble additions to his fame, his fortune, and his
friendships, inspired him with fresh vigour, raised him to
a degree of confidence and assurance, and he was even
prompted to think that “The Wife of Bath,
” despised and
rejected as it had been in Beggar’s Opera.
” By that satire,
he had flattered himself with the hopes of awing the court
into a disposition to take him into favour, in order to keep
so powerful a pen in good humour. But this last refinement upon his misery, added to former indignities, threw
him into a dejection, which he in vain endeavoured to remove, by another tour into Somersetshire, in 1731. The
state both of his body and mind cantiot be so forcibly described, as it is in his own account of it to Pope. “My
melancholy,
” says he, “increases, and every hour threatens me with some return of my distemper. Nay, I think
I may rather say, I have it on me. Not the divine looks,
the kind favours and expressions of the divine duchess, who
hereafter shall be in place of a queen to me, nay, she shall
be my queen, nor the inexpressible goodness of the duke,
can in the least chear me. The drawing: room no more
receives light from these two stars. There is now (what Milton says in hell) darkness visible. O that I had never
known what a court was! Dear Pope, what a barren soil
(to me so) have I been striving to produce something out
of! Why did not I take your advice before my writing
fables for the duke, not to write them, or rather to write
them for some young nobleman? It is my hard fate, I must
get nothing, write for them or against them.
” In this disposition, it is no great wonder that we find him rejecting
a proposal, made to him by this last-mentioned friend in
1732, of trying his muse upon the hermitage, then lately
built by queen Caroline in Richmond-gardens; to which
he answers with a fixed despondency, that “he knew
himself unworthy of royal patronage.
”
ed; and the whole epitaph inscribed on a very handsome marble monument, erected to his memory by the duke and duchess of Queensberry, who took care to have his body interred
With what else you may think proper." This dying request was accordingly executed; and the whole epitaph inscribed on a very handsome marble monument, erected to his memory by the duke and duchess of Queensberry, who took care to have his body interred with a suitable funeral solemnity. The corpse was brought from his grace’s house to Exeter-change in the Strand; where, after lying in state, it was removed to Westminster-abbey, and interred in the South-cross-isle, against the tomb of Chaucer, near the place where stands his monument.
he stage soop after his death, and met with a very good reception, which was greatly promoted by the duke of Queensberry, who was uncommonly assiduous in patronizing
The opera of “Achilles
” was brought upon the stage
soop after his death, and met with a very good reception,
which was greatly promoted by the duke of Queensberry,
who was uncommonly assiduous in patronizing it; and
who, as Pope observes, acted in this, and every thing else,
more than the part of a brother to his deceased friend. It
was also through the influence of his example, that the
profits of the representation were given by the managers
of the play-house to our author’s two widow sisters, Katharine and Joanna, relicts of Mr. Ballet and Mr. Fortescue,
who, as heirs at law, shared his fortune (about 3000l.)
equally between them; which disposition was agreeable to
his own desire, and therefore he made no will. He left
several Mss. behind him, some of which came into the
hands of -Pope, who took care no doubt (as he promised Swift) to suppress such as he judged unworthy of him. A
few years after his death, there was published under his
name a comedy, called “The Distressed Wife,
” the second edition of which was printed in The Rehearsal a't
Gotham.
”
e thought, and as he thought it.” From the same authority we learn that his affectionate friend, the duke of Queensberry, finding what a wretched manager he was, took
The character of Gay may be fairly estimated from the
preceding facts. He wanted firmness and consistency;
and knew not, when it was in his power, to support the
independence which he affected. Pope said “he was
quite a natural man, wholly without art or design, and
spoke just what he thought, and as he thought it.
” From
the same authority we learn that his affectionate friend,
the duke of Queensberry, finding what a wretched manager
he was, took his money into his keeping, beginning with
what he got by the “Beggar’s Opera
” and “Polly,
” and let
him have only what was necessary, which, as he lived with
the duke, could never be much. It is this only that can
account for his dying worth 3000l. Pope also informs us
that “he was remarkable for an unwillingness to offend the
great by any of his writings. He had an uncommon timidity
in relation to any thing of that sort; and yet you see what
ill luck he had in that way, after all his care not to offend.
”
Gay’s character seems in many respects to have resembled
that of Goldsmith.
eing taken at Carlisle, was condemned, but on his father’s account (by Dr. Smith’s interest with the duke of Newcastle) was pardoned, and released in 1748. He afterwards
, an ingenious though unsuccessful
artist, who was a goldsmith in Edinburgh, deserves to be
recorded for his attempt to introduce an improvement in
the art of printing. The invention, first practised by Ged
in 1725, was simply this. From any types of Greek or
Roman, or any other character, he formed a plate for
every page, or sheet, of a book, from which he printed,
instead of using a type for every letter, as is done in the
common way. This was first practised on blocks of wood,
by the Chinese and Japanese, and pursued in the first
essays of Coster, the European inventor of the present
art. “This improvement,
” says James Ged, the inventor’s son, “is principally considerable in three most important articles, viz. expence, correctness, beauty, and
uniformity.
” In July 1729, William Ged entered into
partnership with William Fenner, a London stationer, who
was to have half the profits, in consideration of his
vancing all the money requisite. To supply this, Mr. John
James, then an architect at Greenwich (who built sir Gregory Page’s house, Bloomsbury church, &c.) was taken
into the scheme, and afterwards his brother, Mr. Thomas
James, a letter-founder, and James Ged, the inventor’s
son. In 1730, these partners applied to the university of
Cambridge for printing bibles and common-prayer books
by block instead of single types, and, in consequence, a
lease was sealed to them April 23, 1731. In their attempt
they sunk a large sum of money, and finished only two
prayer-books, so that it was forced to be relinquished, and
the lease was given up in 1738. Ged imputed his disappointment to the villainy of the press-men, and the illtreatment of his partners (which he specifies at large), particularly Fenner, whom John James and he were advised
to prosecute, but declined it. He returned to Scotland in
1733, and had no redress. He there, however, had friends
who were anxious to see a specimen of his performance;
which he gave them in 1744, by an edition of Sallust.
Fenner died insolvent in or before 1735, and his widow
married Mr. Waugh, an apothecary, whom she survived.
Her effects were sold in 1768. James Ged, the son,
wearied with disappointments, engaged in the rebellion of
1745, as a captain in Perth’s regiment; and being taken
at Carlisle, was condemned, but on his father’s account
(by Dr. Smith’s interest with the duke of Newcastle) was
pardoned, and released in 1748. He afterwards worked
for some time as a journeyman, with Mr. Bettenham,
and then commenced master; but being unsuccessful, he
went privately to Jamaica, where his younger brother William was settled as a reputable printer. His tools, &c. he
left to be shipped by a false friend, who most ungenerously detained them to try his skill himself. James died
the year after he left England; as did his brother in 1767.
In the above pursuit Mr. Thomas James, who died in 1738,
expended much of his fortune, and suffered in his proper
business; “for the printers,
” says Mr. Mores, “would
not employ him, because the block-printing, had it succeeded, would have been prejudicial to theirs.
” Mr.
William Ged died, in very indifferent circumstances, October 19, 1749, after his utensils were sent for Leith to be
shipped for London, to have joined with his son James as a
printer there. Thus ended his life and project, which has
lately been revived both in France and England, under the
name of stereotype, although its application to the printing of books has hitherto been partial, and indeed chiefly
confined to such as are supposed not to admit of changes
or improvements, such as Bibles, and some school-books.
ever, seems to have involved him in pecuniary difficulties, from which he was extricated by the late duke of Norfolk, the last catholic peer of that illustrious family.
In 1764 he returned to Scotland, and was ordered to
Dundee to officiate as priest among the catholics in the
county of Angus, but was scarcely settled when he received, an invitation to become a resident in the family of
the earl of Traquaire, in what capacity, unless as a friend,
does not appear. He accepted, however, an offer so favourable to the pursuit of his studies; and here,. as well as
at Paris, he regulated his inquiries so as to be preparatory
to the plan he had long conceived, of giving a new translation of the Bible. His residence here was unfortunately
interrupted by an attachment he formed for a female relative
of the earl of Traquaire’s, and which was reciprocal; but
regarding his vow of celibacy as sacred, and his passion,
otherwise invincible, he left the family, and went again to
Paris, where he continued about eight or nine months, and
returned to Scotland in the spring of 1769. He now accepted the charge of a catholic congregation at Auchinhalrig in the county of Bamff, where he engaged the affections of his flock by many pastoral offices, reconciling
differences, administering to the poor, and rebuilding their
ruinous chapel. All this, however, seems to have involved him in pecuniary difficulties, from which he was
extricated by the late duke of Norfolk, the last catholic
peer of that illustrious family. To prevent similar embarrassments, Mr. Geddes now took a small farm, which again
involved him in debts, which he endeavoured to discharge
by an application to the muses. “Some daemon,
” he says,
“whispered him' that he had a turn for poetry,
” which
produced in 1779, “Select Satires of Horace,' translated
into English verse, and for the most part adapted to the
present times and manners,
” 4to. The impression of this
work extended only to A dissertation on the Seoto-Saxon
Dialect,
” and “The first Eklog of Virgil,
” and “The first
Idyllion of Theocritus, translatitt into Scottis vers,
” in the
former of which the Edinburgh dialect is chiefty imitated,
and in the latter the Buchan. He also composed a “Caruien Seculare
” for the society’s anniversary of
officiate as priest in the Imperial ambassador’s chapel, and preached occasionally at the chapel in Duke-street, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, until the Easter holidays, 1782,
He arrived in London in the beginning of 1780, and was
soon invited to officiate as priest in the Imperial ambassador’s chapel, and preached occasionally at the chapel in
Duke-street, Lincoln’s Inn Fields, until the Easter
holidays, 1782, after which he voluntarily withdrew from every
stated ministerial function, and seldom officiated in any
chapel whatever. The principal reason was, that on his
arrival in London he was introduced to men of literature
of every class, obtained easy access to public libraries,
and in his design of translating the Bible, obtained the
patronage of lord Petre. This nobleman engaged to allow
him a salary of 200l. and took upon himself the entire
expence of whatever private library Dr. Geddes might judge
requisite to collect in the prosecution of his favourite object.
With such munificent encouragement, he published in
1780 his “Idea of a New Version of the Holy Bible, for
the use of the English Catholics.
” This was an imperfect
sketch, as he had not settled what versions to follow.
Among his encouragers, who then thought favourably of
him, were Dr. Kennicott, and bishop Lowth. To the
latter he presented, in 1785, his “Prospectus,
” who returned it with a polite note, in which he recommended him
to publish it, not only as an introduction to his work, bifC >
as a useful and edifying treatise for young students in divinity. He accordingly published it at Glasgow, and it
was very favourably received by biblical scholars in general.
Being thus encouraged, he first published “A Letter to
the right rev. the bishop of London, containing queries,
doubts, and difficulties, relative to a vernacular version of
the Holy Scriptures.
” This was designed as an appendix
to his Prospectus, and was accompanied with a success
equal to that of his former publication. After this he published several pamphlets on temporary topics, of wliich it
will be sufficient to give the titles in our list of his works.
In 1788 appeared his “Proposals for printing by subscription, a New Translation of the Bible, from corrected texts
of the original; with various readings, explanatory notes,
and critical observations.
” In this he solicited the opinion,
hints, &c. of literary characters, and received so many
that, in July 1790, he thought proper to publish “Dr.
Geddes’ general Answer to the queries, counsels, and criticisms that have been communicated to him since the publication of his Proposals for printing a New Translation of
the Bible.
” In this pamphlet, while he resists the generality of counsels and criticisms communicated to him,
from motives which he very candidly assigns, he yields
to several, and liberally expresses his obligations to the
correspondents who proposed them. It appears, however,
that his brethren of the catholic persuasion were already
suspicious, and that he lost whatever share of popularity
he formerly had 'within the pale of his own church. He
acknowledges that he received more encouragement from,
the established church and the protestant dissenters. His
subscribers amounted to 343, among which were very few
Roman catholics. In 1792 the first volume of the translation appeared, under the title of “The Holy Bible, or the
books accounted sacred by Jews and Christians; otherwise
called the Books of the Old and New Covenants, faithfully
translated from corrected texts of the originals, with various readings, explanatory notes, and critical remarks: Tr
and a second volume appeared in 1797. The manner in
which Dr. Geddes executed his translation, brought upon
him attacks from various quarters, but especially fromhis catholic brethren. The opposition and difficulties he
had, on this account, to encounter, were stated by him m
a An Address to the Public.
” Indeed, his orthodoxy having been questioned before his volume appeared, he wassummoned by those whom he admitted to be the organs of
legitimate authority. His three judges, however, were
either satisfied or silenced, much to the doctor’s satisfaction. Shortly after the first volume of his translation was
published, an ecclesiastical interdict, under the title of
“A Pastoral Letter,
” signed by Walmsley, Gibson, and
Douglas, as apostolic vicars of the western, northern, and
London districts, was published, in which Geddes’s work
was prohibited to the faithful. Against this prohibition
(whjch bishop Thomas Talbot refused to subscribe) the
doctor, first giving bishop Douglas notice, published a
remonstrance in a letter addressed to him; but notwithstanding this, he was suspended from all ecclesiastical
functions. In 1800 he published the first, and only volume he lived to finish, of “Critical Remarks on the Hebrew Scriptures; corresponding with a New Translation of
the Bible,
” 4to. How far Dr. Geddes merited the cen>sures bestowed upon him both by Roman catholics and
protestants, in his translation and Critical Remarks, the
reader may judge, when he is told that in this volume he
attacks the credit of Moses in every part of his character,
as an historian, a legislator, and a moralist. He even
doubts whether he was the author of the Pentateuch; but
the writer, whoever he might be, is one, he tells us, who
upon all occasions gives into the marvellous, adorns
hisnarration with fictions of the interference of the Deity,
when every thing happened in a natural way; and, at
other times, dresses up fable in the garb of true history.
The history of the creation is, according to him, a fabulous
cosmogony. The story of the fall a mythos, in which nothing but the mere imagination of the commentators, possessing more piety than judgment, could have discovered
either a seducing devil, or the promise of a Saviour. It is
a fable, he asserts, intended for the purpose of persuading
the vulgar, that knowledge is the root of all evil, and the
desire of it a crime. Moses was, it seems, a man of great
talents, as Numa and Lycurgus were. But like them, he
was a false pretender to personal intercourse with the
Deity, with whom he had no immediate communication.
He had the art to take the advantage of rare, but natural
occurrences, to persuade the Israelites that the immediate
power of God was exerted to accomplish his projects.
When a violent wind happened to lay dry the head of the
Guiph of Suez, he persuaded them that God had made a
passage for them through the sea; and the narrative of
their march is embellished with circumstances of mere
fiction. In the delivery of the ten commandments, he
took advantage of a thunder-storm to persuade the people
that Jehovah had descended upon mount Sinai; and he
counterfeited the voice of God, by a person^ in the height
of the storm, speaking through a trumpet, &c. &c. Without proceeding farther in accumulating the proofs of arrogance, ignorance, and impiety, with which this “Translation 11 and
” Critical Remarks“abound, we shall only add,
that even Dr. Priestley seemed to doubt
” if such a man as
Geddes, who believed so little, and who conceded so much,
could be a Christian."
Latin, but this must be a mistake, as he translated, from Latin into Italian, “The Life of Alphonsus duke of Ferrara,” by Paul Jovius, and a treatise of iion Porzio,
, an eminent Italian writer, and
a man of extraordinary qualities, was born of mean parents
at Florence in 1498, and was brought up a taylor. Such,
however, was his industry and capacity, that he acquired a
knowledge of languages, and made uncommon progress in
the belles lettres. Thuanus says, that he did not understand Latin, but this must be a mistake, as he translated,
from Latin into Italian, “The Life of Alphonsus duke of
Ferrara,
” by Paul Jovius, and a treatise of iion Porzio,
“De<OolQribus Oculorum,
” at the request of those writers.
His knowledge of Greek, however, was probably limited,
as he translated the “Hecuba
” of Euripides into Italian,
from the Latin version. His principal excellence was in
his native tongue, and he acquired the highest reputation,
by the works he published in it. He was acquainted with
all the wits and learned men of Florence; and his merit
was universally known. He was chosen a member of the
academy there,; and the city made him one of their burgesses. Yet he continued the exercise of his trade as a
taylor, to the end of his life; and he tells us, in a letter
lo F. Melchior, March 3, 1558, that he devoted workingdays to the careof his body, and Sundays and festivals to
the culture of his understanding. The same letter shews
his modesty, as hereproaches his friend for giving him
honourable titles, which did not agree with the lowness of
his condition. He died in 1563.
emma, became royal professor of medicine in his native place in 1569, through the appointment of the duke of Alba, at which time he took the degree of doctor, but a few
, sometimes called Gemma Frisius,
from his country, was a Dutch physician, a native of
Dockum in Friseland, who practised physic at Louvain.
He was born in 1508, and died in 1555. Besides his medical skill, he was esteemed one of the best astronomers of
his age; and wrote several works on that science, and
other branches of mathematics, among which the principal are, “Methodus Arithmetics
” “Demonstrationes
Geometries? de usu radii astronomici
” “De Astrolobio
catholico liber,
” &c. His son, Cornelius Gemma, became royal professor of medicine in his native place in
1569, through the appointment of the duke of Alba, at
which time he took the degree of doctor, but a few years
afterwards died of the plague, which raged at Louvain,
Oct. 12, 1577. His writings are not numerous, ad relate
to mathematical and philosophical subjects as well as to
medicine. There was a third, John Baptist Gemma, a
native of Venice, and a physician of considerable repute
about the end of the fifteenth century, who was physician
to Sigismund III. king of Poland. He wrote a treatise,
containing a history of pestilential epidemics, with a detail
of the effects of contagion, &c. printed in 1584.
ic of the faculty at Montpellier, physician in ordinary to Monsieur brother of Louis XIV. and to the duke of Orleans, regent of France, descended from a respectable family
, a celebrated doctor of
physic of the faculty at Montpellier, physician in ordinary
to Monsieur brother of Louis XIV. and to the duke of
Orleans, regent of France, descended from a respectable
family in Beaure, and was born in 1663. By a skill, peculiar to himself, he restored great numbers of persons to
health whose cases appeared hopeless, and gained great
reputation, particularly in the cure of cancers, and disorders of the eyes. Having acquired a handsome fortune,
he went to reside at Auteuil, near Paris, in a house which
formerly belonged to his friend, the celebrated Boileau,
but had been his own near thirty years, where noblemen,
ministers, ambassadors, chief magistrates, the learned, and
numerous persons of both sexes, went frequently to visit,
or to consult him. In this retreat he acquired a high character for integrity, being scrupulously just, and abhorring
every species of dissimulation, or flattery. He died September 3, 1750. He left all his Mss. by will to his nephew, who was also a doctor of physic, of the faculty at
Montpcllier. The principal are entitled, “Recherches
sur POrigine, le Devellopement, et la Reproduction dc
tous les Etres vivans,
” which is said to be an excellent
work; and “Recherches sur la nature et la guerison du
Cancer,
” Paris,
of Orleans, He also became abbot of St. Vilmer, almoner to the duchess of Orleans, secretary to the duke of Maine, and member of the French academy. He died November
, a French poet of some
celebrity, was born at Paris in 1636. Having lost his father early in life, he hoped to make his fortune in the Indies; but the ship he embarked in being taken by the
English, for some time he taught French in London, and
being enabled to return to France, he was made preceptor
to mademoiselle de Blois, afterwards duchess of Orleans,
He also became abbot of St. Vilmer, almoner to the duchess of Orleans, secretary to the duke of Maine, and
member of the French academy. He died November 19,
1719. His principal work is in French verse, entitled
“Principes de la Philosophic,
” 12mo; he also wrote four
tragedies, one of whicb, called “Penelope,
” was much
admired; and his “Joseph,
” still more so, when performed
in private at the duchess of Maine’s, at Clugni; but sunk
under the more impartial taste of the French theatre. The
two others are, “Zenolide Princess de Sparte,
” and “Polymnestre.
” In the collection of “Vers Choisis,
” by Bouhours, is a very elegant, though not very argumentative
epistle from the abbé Genest, to M. de la Bastide, persuading him to abjure the protestant religion. He had
also a great share in the collection entitled “Lcs Divertissemens de Sceaux,
” 2 vols. 12mo.
ent lying altogether in histories, with figures as large as the life. He was much in favour with the duke of Buckingham, and many others of the nobility. After twelve
, an Italian painter, whose
family name was Lomi, which he exchanged for that of
his maternal uncle, Gentileschi, was born at Pisa in 1563.
After having made himself famous at Florence, Rome,
Genoa, and in other parts of Italy, he removed to Savoy;
whence he went to France, and at last, upon the invitation
of Charles I. came over to England. He was well received
by that king, who appointed him lodgings in his court,
together with a considerable salary; and employed him in
his palace at Greenwich, and other public places. The
most remarkable of his performances in England, were the
cielings of Greenwich and York-house. He painted a
Madona, a Magdalen, and Lot with his two Daughters,
for king Charles; all which he performed admirably well.
After the death of the king, when his collection of paintings were exposed to sale, nine pictures of Gentileschi
were sold for 600l. and are now said to be the ornaments
of the hall in Marlborough-house. His most esteemed
work abroad was the portico of cardinal Bentivoglio’s palace at Rome, and a “David standing over Goliah,
”
painted with a vigour and vivacity of tints that make' him
start from the canvass, and give the idea of a style yet unknown. This is in the house Cambiasi, at Genoa. He
made several attempts in portrait- painting, but with little
success his talent lying altogether in histories, with figures as large as the life. He was much in favour with
the duke of Buckingham, and many others of the nobility.
After twelve years continuance in England, he died here
in 1647, and was buried in the queen’s chapel at Somersethouse. His head is among the prints taken from Vandyke,
by whom he had been painted.
ned to Jena, took his degree in philosophy, and having been ordained, was appointed by John Casimir, duke of Saxony, to a church in Franconia, and at the same time to
, an eminent German Lutheran divine, was born at Quedlinburgh, in Saxony, Oct. 17, 1582,
where he was partly educated, but in 1599, was sent to
Wittemberg, and studied philosophy and divinity under
the ablest masters. In 1601, by the advice of Rauchbach,
a counsellor and vice-chancellor of Saxony (for his father died in 1598) he went through a course of medical studies,
but about two years after, recollecting a vow he had made
during a fit of sickness, he returned again to divinity, the
study of which he farther prosecuted at Jena, to which
he first went as tutor to his friend llauchbach’s son. In
1603 he took his master’s degree here, and in 1604 removing with his pupil to Marpurg, he continued his theological studies, and learned Hebrew. In 1605 he returned
to Jena, took his degree in philosophy, and having been
ordained, was appointed by John Casimir, duke of Saxony,
to a church in Franconia, and at the same time to be professor of divinity in the Casimirian college of Cobourg.
In 1616. by consent of his liberal patron, he accepted the
professorship of divinity at Jena, and continued in that office during the remainder of his life. He was four times
chosen rector of the university, and encreased his reputation by a vast variety of publications which made him
known to all the literati of Europe, many of whom, both
protestants and catholics, bore testimony to his extensive
learning, piety, and usefulness, both as a divine and
teacher. He died of a fever, Aug. 17, 1637. His works,
which are written in Latin and German, consist of treatises
on various theological subjects, critical and polemical;
commentaries on various books of the Old and New Testament common-places, &c. &c. One only of these, his
“Meditations,
” is well known in this country, having gone
through many editions, and having also been translated
into most European languages and into Greek. He left a
numerous family, some of whom became distinguished
as divines, particularly his eldest son, John Ernest, who
was born at Jena in 1621, and studied at Altdorf. He was
appointed professor of philosophy at Wittemberg in 1616,
and in 1652 was nominated professor of history at Jena.
Like his father he devoted mucli of his time to biblical and
theological learning. He died in 1688. Among his works
are, “Harmonia Linguarnm Orientalium;
” “Dispurationum theologicarum Fasciculus;
” De F.cclesiae Copticæ
Ortu, Progressu, et Doctrina." There is a very minute
and curious history of this family in the work from which
these particulars have been taken, with much collateral information respecting the theological writers and controversies during the life of the elder Gerhard.
ancellor of the church of Paris and, when John Petit had the baseness to justify the murder of Louis duke of Orleans, which was committed in 1408 by order of the duke
, by some called Charlier, an illustrious Frenchman, and usually styled “Doctor Christianissimus,
” was born in Gersoniana,
” which is represented as
being curious. Thuanus has spoken highly of Gerson in
the first book of his history. Hoffman, in his Lexicon,
calls him, “ssBculi sui oraculum;
” and Cave, in his “Historia Literaria,
” says, that no man can be very conversant
in his works, sine insigni fructu, “without very great
benefit.
” Some have attributed to him the famous book of
“the Imitation of Christ
” but for this there seems no
sufficient foundation. It is not in any edition of Gerson’s
works; but its being attributed to Gerson, says Dr. Clarke,
has led the friends of Thomas a Kemp is to doubt whether
such a man as Gerson ever existed. The Gerson, however,
to whom that work was attributed, is not the above John
Gerson, but another, the abbot of Verceil, who lived in
the twelfth century.
ars so scarce as to have escaped the knowledge of the foreign librarians and collectors. Maximilian, duke and afterwards elector of Bavaria, enrolled him in the number
, a learned historian and lawyer of the sixteenth century, was born in Franconia, but
the dates of his birth and death are unknown, and even
his works, although of great merit, have been for many
years so scarce as to have escaped the knowledge of the
foreign librarians and collectors. Maximilian, duke and
afterwards elector of Bavaria, enrolled him in the number
of his aulic counsellors, and made him at the same time
keeper of the archives, a situation which enabled Gewold
to bring to light many important historical documents, and
to publish the following volumes: 1. “Genealogia serenissimorum Bojariae ducum, etquorundam genuinas effigies
a Wolfgango Kiliano seri eleganter incisae,
” Antwerp,
Chronicon monasterii Reicherspergensis in Bojoaria, ante annos CD congestum,
” &c.
Munich, 1611, 4to. This is uncommonly rare, but has
been reprinted in Ludewig’s “Scriptores rerum Germanicarum.
” 3. “Antithesis ad clariss. viri Marquardi Freheri assertionem de Palatino electoratu,
” Munich, Orationes Alberti Hungeri,
” Ingolstadt, Henrici monachi in
Rebdorf annales,
” ibid. Delineatio Norici veteris ejusque confinium,
” ibid. Wigulaei Hunds metropolis Salisburgensis,
” a reprint at Munich, Defensio Ludovici IV. imperatoris ratione
electionis contra Abr. Bzovium,
” Ingolstadt, 1618, 4to.
9. “Commentarius de septemviratu Romani imperii,
”
ibid.
ined recommendatory letters from lady Hervey, Horace Walpole (the late lord Orford), Mallet, and the duke de Nivernois, to various persons of distinction in France. In
His designs were, however, now interrupted by a visit
to the continent, which, according to custom, his father
thought necessary to complete the education of an English
gentleman. Previous to his departure he obtained recommendatory letters from lady Hervey, Horace Walpole (the late lord Orford), Mallet, and the duke de Nivernois, to
various persons of distinction in France. In acknowledging the duke’s services, he notes a circumstance which
in some degree unfolds his own character, and exhibits
that superiority of pretensions from which he never departed. “The duke received me civilly, but (perhaps through Maty’s fault) treated me more as a man of letters than as a man of fashion.
” Congreve and Gray were
weak enough to be offended on a similar account, but that
Mr. Gibbon, whose sole ambition was to rise to literary
fame, should have for a moment preferred the equivocal
character of a man of fashion, is as unaccountable as it is
wonderful that, at an advanced period of life, he should have
recorded the incident.
tinguishable from real feather. When Gibbons had finished his works in that palace, he presented the duke with a point cravat, a woodcock, and a medal with his own head,
Gibbons made a magnificent tomb for Baptist Noel viscount Camden, in the church of Exton, in Rutlandshire; it cost 1000l. is twenty-two feet high, and fourteen wide. There are two figures of him and his lady, and bas-reliefs of their children. The same workman performed the wooden throne at Canterbury, which cost 70l. and was the donation of archbishop Tenison. The foliage in the choir of St. Paul’s is of his hand. At Burleigh is a noble profusion of his carving, in picture frames, chimney-pieces, and door-cases, and the last supper in alto-relievo, finely executed. At Chatsworth, where a like taste collected ornaments, by the most living eminent masters, are many by Gibbons, particularly in the chapel; in the great antichamber are several dead fowl over the chimney, finely executed, and over a closet-door, a pen not distinguishable from real feather. When Gibbons had finished his works in that palace, he presented the duke with a point cravat, a woodcock, and a medal with his own head, all preserved in a glass case in the gallery. In lord Orford’s collection is another point cravat by him, the art of which arrives even to deception, and Herodias with St. John’s head, alto-relievo, in ivory. In Thoresby’s collection was Elijah under the juniper-tree, supported by an angel, six inches long and four wide. At Houghton, two chimneys are adorned with his foliage. At Mr. Norton’s, at Southwich, in Hampshire, was a whole gallery embroidered in pannels by his hand but the most superb monument of his skill is a large chamber at Petworth, enriched frpm the ceiling, between the pictures, with festoons of flowers and dead game, &c. all in the highest perfection and preservation. Appendant to one is an antique vase, with a basrelief of the purest taste, and worthy the Grecian age of cameos. At the earl of Halifax’s, at Stanstead, is a chimney-piece, adorned with flowers, and two beautiful vases. The font in St. James’ church in white marble, was also the work of Gibbons. It is supported by the tree of life; fche serpent is offering the fruit to our first parents, who stand beneath; on one side, of the font is engraven the Baptist baptising our Saviour: on another, St. Philip baptising the Eunuch: and on the third, Noah’s ark, with the dove bringing the olive-branch, the type of peace, to mankind. The chancel, above the altar, is enriched with some beautiful foliage in wood, by the same great artist.
oyal library, and Senatehouse, at Cambridge; and the sumptuous and elegant monument for John Holies, duke of Newcastle, done by order and at the expence of his grace’s
Thus furnished, Mr. Gibbs went from Holland to Italy, and there applied himself assiduously to the study of architecture, under the best masters. About 1710 he came to England; where he found his noble patron in the ministry, and highly in favour with the queen. Lord Mar introduced him to his friends as a gentleman of great knowledge in his profession; and an act of parliament having been passed about this time for building fifty new churches, Mr. Gibbs was employed by the trustees named in the act, and gave a specimen of his abilities, in planning and executing St. Martin’s church in the fields, St. Mary’s in the Strand, and several others. Being now entered on business, he soon became distinguished; and although his generous patron had the misfortune to be exiled from his native country, Mr. Gibbs’s merit supported him among persons of all denominations, and he was employed by persons of the best taste and greatest eminence. The liadcliffe library at Oxford, begun June 16, 1737, and finished in 1747; the King’s college, Royal library, and Senatehouse, at Cambridge; and the sumptuous and elegant monument for John Holies, duke of Newcastle, done by order and at the expence of his grace’s only child, the countess of Oxford and Mortimer, are lasting evidences of his abilities as an architect. Some years before his death, he sent to the magistrates of Aberdeen, as a testimony of his regard for the place of his nativity, a plan of St. Nicholas church, which was followed in the re-building of it, and which was probably among the last of his performances.
grammar; but what he seemed to build his chief hopes of fame upon was his Critical Commentary On the duke of Buckingham’s * Essay on Poetry,' which last piece was perused
He died Jan. 12, 1723-4. His literary character is given
in Boyer’s Political State, vol. XXVII. p. 102, as “a person of great literature, but a mean genius; who, having
attempted several kinds of writing, never gained much
reputation in any. Among other treatises he wrote the
‘ English Art of Poetry,’ which he had practised himself
very unsuccessfully in his dramatic performances. He also
wrote an English grammar; but what he seemed to build
his chief hopes of fame upon was his Critical Commentary
On the duke of Buckingham’s * Essay on Poetry,' which
last piece was perused and highly approved by his grace.
”
ruck his eye from his window. Soon after he went to Newmarket, being encouraged by the late William, duke of Cumberland, where he executed many compositions which might
, a late artist, and a descendant of the Apostle of the North, was born at Carlisle in 1733, from whence, after having acquired some relish for the art from his father, who was a captain in the army, he came to London, and was articled to a ship-painter. His first interesting works were composed of some market groups which struck his eye from his window. Soon after he went to Newmarket, being encouraged by the late William, duke of Cumberland, where he executed many compositions which might have vied with Hogarth in point of character. In the duke’s stud he acquired that knowledge of the horse, which he afterwards displayed with such superior spirit and beauty; and when we see with what felicity he applied it to the higher departments of the art, to historic compositions in the triuiph of Camillas, the election of Darius, the story of Phaeton, we must lament that such talents should have been drawn aside to the meaner employment of horse-portrait painting, which occupied too much of his valuable life.
, he was employed to read public lectures at Ferrara upon physic and polite literature. In 1542, the duke of Ferrara made him his secretary; which office he held till
, an Italian poet, of the same family with the preceding, was born at Ferrara in 1504. His father, being a man of letters, took great care of his education; and placed him under Cselio Calcagnini, to study the languages and philosophy. He made an uncommon progress, and then applied himself to the study of physic; in which faculty he was afterwards a doctor. At 21 years of age, he was employed to read public lectures at Ferrara upon physic and polite literature. In 1542, the duke of Ferrara made him his secretary; which office he held till the death of that prince in 1558. He was continued in it by his successor: but envy having done him some ill offices with his master, he was obliged to quit the court. He left the city at the same time, and removed with his family to Mondovi in Piedmont; where he taught the belles lettres publicly for three years. He then went to Turin but the air there not agreeing with his constitution, he accepted the professorship of rhetoric at Pavia which the senate of Milan, hearing of his being about to remove, and apprized of his great merit, freely offered him. This post he filled with great repute; and afterwards obtained a place in the academy of that town. It was here he got the name of Cintio, which he retained ever after, and put in the title-page of his books. The gout, which was hereditary in his family, beginning to attacR him severely, he returned to Ferrara; thinking that his native air might afford him relief. But he was hardly settled there, when he grew extremely ill; and, after languishing about three months, died in 1573.
which was published at Venice 1583, in 8vo, by his son Celso Giraldi; who, in his dedication to the duke of Ferrara, takes occasion to observe, that he was the youngest
His works are all written in Italian, except some orations,
spoken upon extraordinary occasions, in Latin. They
consist chiefly of tragedies: a collection of which was published at Venice 1583, in 8vo, by his son Celso Giraldi;
who, in his dedication to the duke of Ferrara, takes occasion to observe, that he was the youngest of five sons, and
the only one who survived his father. There are also some
prose works of Giraldi: one particularly upon comedy,
tragedy, and other kinds of poetry, which was printed at
Venice by himself in 1554, 4to. Some make no scruple
to rank him among the best tragic writers that Italy has
produced; but perhaps the work by which he now is best
known is his “Hecatommiti,
” an hundred novels in the
manner of Boccaccio, which have been frequently printed.
There is a scarce volume of his poems printed at Ferrara
in 1537, at the close of which is a treatise of Cielio Calcagnini, “De Imitatione,
” addressed to Giraldi.
nt of a very different kind, being nominated in the will of the duchess of Marlborough, to write the duke’s life, in conjunction with Mallet. Her grace bequeathed 500l.
In 1744, he was offered employment of a very different
kind, being nominated in the will of the duchess of Marlborough, to write the duke’s life, in conjunction with
Mallet. Her grace bequeathed 500l. to each on this condition, but Glover immediately renounced his share, while
Mallet, who had no scruples of any kind where his interest was concerned, accepted the legacy, and continued
to receive money from the late duke of Maryborough on
the same account, although after twenty years of talk and
boast, he left nothing behind him that could shew he had
ever seriously begun the work. Glover’s rejection of this
legacy is the more honourable, as at this time his affairs
became embarrassed; from what cause we are not told.
It may be conjectured, however, that he had shared the
usual fate of those who are diverted from their regular
pursuits by the dreams of political patronage. From the
prince he is said to have received at one time a complete
set of the classics, elegantly bound, and at another time,
during his distresses, a present of 500l. But it does not
appear that when the friends of “Leonidas
” came into
power, they made any permanent provision for the author.
ilities, was sworn of the privy council. In 1680 he openly declared for the bill of exclusion of the duke of York; and in the debate in council, whether the duke should
, earl of Godolphin, and lord high treasurer of England, descended from a very ancient family in Cornwall, was the third son of Francis Godolphin, K. B. by Dorothy, second daughter of sir Henry Berkley, of Yarlington in Somersetshire. He had great natural abilities, was liberally educated, and inheriting the unshaken loyalty of his family, entered early into the service of Charles II. who after his restoration made him one of the grooms of his bed-chamber. In 1663, when attending his majesty to the university of Oxford, he had the degree of M. A. conferred upon him. In 1678, he was twice sent envoy to Holland, upon affairs of the greatest importance; and the next year was made one of the commissioners of the treasury, which trust he discharged with integrity, and being considered as a man of great abilities, was sworn of the privy council. In 1680 he openly declared for the bill of exclusion of the duke of York; and in the debate in council, whether the duke should return to Scotland before the parliament met, he joined in the advice for his going away; and though the rest of the council were of the contrary opinion, yet the king acquiesced in his and lord Sunderland’s reasons. In April 1664 he was appointed one of the secretaries of state, which he soon resigned for the office of first commissioner of the treasury, and was created baron Godolphin of Rialton in Cornwall. He had hitherto sat in the house of commons as representative for Helston and for St. Mawe’s.
turned soon after to Geneva; and, upon the recommendation of Lectius, was appointed secretary to the duke of Bouillon, which place he quitted with his usual precipitation,
, a laborious
writer in civil law and history, was born at Bischoffsel in
Switzerland, in 1576, and was a protestant of the confes-^
sion of Geneva. He studied the civil law at Altorf under
Conrade Rittershusius, with whom he boarded; and returned in 1598 to Bischoffsel, where for some time he had
no other subsistence but what he acquired by writing
books, of which, at the time of publication he used to send
copies to the magistrates and people of rank, from whom
he received something more than the real value; and some
of his friends imagined they did him service in promoting
this miserable traffic. In 1599 he lived at St. Gal, in the
house of a Mr. Schobinger, who declared himself his patron; but the same year he went to Geneva, and lived at
the house of professor Lectius, with the sons of Vassan,
whose preceptor he was. In 1602 he went to Lausanne,
from a notion that he could live cheaper there than at Geneva. His patron Schobinger, while he advised him to
this step, cautioned him at the same time from such frequent removals as made him suspected of an unsettled
temper. But, notwithstanding Schobinger’s caution, he
returned soon after to Geneva; and, upon the recommendation of Lectius, was appointed secretary to the duke of
Bouillon, which place he quitted with his usual precipitation, and was at Francfort in 1603, and had a settlement
at Forsteg in 1604. In 1605 he lived at Bischoffsel; where
he complained of not being safe on the score of his religion, which rendered him odious even to his relations. He
was at Francfort in 1606, where he married, and continued
till 1610, in very bad circumstances. Little more is known
of his history, unless that he lost his wife in 1630, and
died himself Aug. 11, 1635. He appears to have been
a man of capricious temper, and some have attributed to
him a want of integrity. The greatest part of the writings
published by Goldast are compilations arranged in form, or
published from Mss. in libraries; and by their number he
may be pronounced a man of indefatigable labour. Conringius says he has deserved so well of his country by publishing
the ancient monuments of Germany, that undoubtedly the
Athenians would have maintained him in the Prytaneum,
if he had lived in those times; and adds, that he neither
had, nor perhaps ever will have, an equal in illustrating
the affairs of Germany, and the public law of the empire.
The following are the most considerable among his various works: A collection of different tracts on civil and
ecclesiastical jurisdiction, entitled “Monarcbia Sancti Romani Imperii*
” &c. Alamaniae Scriptores,
” Scriptores
aliquot rerum Suevlearum,
” Commentarius
de Bohemise regno,
” 4to “Informatio de statu Bohemia3
quoad jus,
” 4to “Sybilla Francica,
” 4to which is a collection of pieces relating to the Maid of Orleans “Paraeneticorum veterum pars prima,
” Virorum clarissimorum ad Melchior Goldastum Epistolae,
” 4to, Francfort.
d judged to be the master-piece of his works. He made another journey to Parma, on the invitation of duke Philip, and from thence he passed t Rome. He had composed 59
, an eminent modern Italian dramatist, was born at Venice in 1707. In his infancy the
drama was his darling amusement, and all his time was
devoted to the perusing comic writers, among whom was
Cicognini, a Florentine, little known in the dramatic commonwealth. After having well studied these, he ventured
to sketch out the plan of a comedy, even before he went
to school. When he had finished his grammatical studies
at Venice, and his rhetorical studies at the Jesuits’ college
in Perugia, he was sent to a boarding-school at Rimini, to
study philosophy, but he paid far more attention to the
theatres, entered into a familiar acquaintance with the
actors, and when they were to remove to Chiozza, made
his escape in their company. This was the first fault he
committed, which, according to his own confession, drew
a great many others after it. His father had intended him
to be a physician, like himself: the young man, however,
was wholly averse to the study. He proposed afterwards
to make him an advocate, and sent him to be a practitioner
in Modena; but a horrid ceremony of ecclesiastical
jurisdiction, at which he was present, inspired him with a melancholy turn, and he determined to become a Capuchin.
Of this, however, he was cured by a visit to Venice, where
he indulged in all the fashionable dissipation of the place.
He was afterwards prevailed upon by his mother, after the
death of his father, to exercise the profession of a lawyer
in Venice, but by a sudden reverse of fortune he was compelled to quit at once both the bar and Venice. He then
went to Milan, where he was employed by the resident of
Venice in the capacity of secretary, and becoming acquainted with the manager of the theatre, he wrote a farce
entitled “II Gondoliere Veneziano,
” the Venetian Gondolier; which was the first comic production of his that
was performed and printed. Some time after, Goldoni
quitted the Venetian resident, and removed to Verona,
where he got introduced to the manager of the theatre, for
which he composed several pieces. Having removed along
with the players to Genoa, he was for the first time seized
with an ardent passion for a lady, who soon afterwards became his wife. He then returned with the company to
Venice, where he displayed, for the first time, the powers
of his genius, and executed his plan of reforming the Italian stage. He wrote the “Momolo,
” “Courtisan,
” the
“Squanderer,
” and other pieces, which obtained universal admiration. Feeling a strong inclination to reside some
time in Tuscany, he repaired to Florence and Pisa, where
he wrote “The Footman of two Masters,
” and “The Son of
Harlequin lost and found again.
” He returned to Venice,
and set about executing more and more his favourite
scheme of reform. He was now attached to the theatre of
S. Angelo, and employed himself in writing both for the
company, and for his own purposes. The constant toils
he underwent in these engagements impaired his health.
He wrote, in the course of twelve months, sixteen new
comedies, besides forty-two pieces for the theatre; among
these many are considered as the best of his productions.
The first edition of his works was published in 1753, in 10
vols. 8vo. As he wrote afterwards a great number of new
pieces for the theatre of S. Luca, a separate edition of these
was published, under the title of “The New Comic
Theatre:
” among these was the “Terence,
” called by the
author his favourite, and judged to be the master-piece of
his works. He made another journey to Parma, on the
invitation of duke Philip, and from thence he passed t
Rome. He had composed 59 other pieces so late as 1761,
five of which were designed for the particular use of Marque Albergati Capacelli, and consequently adapted to the
theatre of a private company. Here ends the literary life
of Goldoni in Italy, after which he accepted of an engagement of two years in Paris, where he found a select and
numerous company of excellent performers in the Italian
theatre. They were, however, chargeable with the same
faults which he had corrected in Italy; and the French
supported, and even applauded in the Italians, what they
would have reprobated on their own stage. Goldoni wished
to extend, even to that country, his plan of reformation, without considering the extreme difficulty of the undertaking. His first attempt was the piece called “The
Father for Love;
” and its bad success was a sufficient
warning to him to desist from his undertaking. He continued, during the remainder of his engagement, to produce pieces agreeable to the general taste, and published
twenty-four comedies; among which “The Love of Zelinda and Lindor
” is reputed the best. The term of two
years being expired, Goldoni was preparing to return to
Italy, when a lady, reader to the dauphiness, mother to
the late king, introduced him at court, in the capacity of
Italian master to the princesses, aunts to the king. He
did not live in the court, but resorted there, at each summons, in a post-chaise, sent to him for the purpose. These
journeys were the cause of a disorder in the eyes, which
afflicted him the rest of his life; for being accustomed to
read while in the chaise, he lost his sight on a sudden,
and in spite of the most potent remedies, could never afterwards recover it entirely. For about six months lodgings were provided him in the chateau of Versailles. The
death, however, of the dauphin, changed the face of affairs. Goldoni lost his lodgings, and only, at the end of
three years, received a bounty of 100 Louis in a gold box,
and the grant of a pension of four thousand livres a year.
This settlement would not have been sufficient for him, if
he had not gained, by other means, farther sums. He
wrote now and then comedies for the theatres of Italy and
Portugal; and, during these occupations, was desirous to
shew to the French that he merited a high rank among
their dramatic writers. For this purpose, he neglected
nothing which could be of use to render himself master of
the French language. He heard, spoke, and conversed
so much in it, that, in his 62d year, he ventured to write a
comedy in French, and to have it. represented in the court
theatre, on the occasion of the marriage of the king. This
piece was the “Bourru Bienfaisant;
” and it met with so
great success, that the author received a bounty 'of 150
Louis from the king, another gratification from the performers, and considerable sums from the booksellers who
published it. He published soon after, another comedy in
French, called “L'Avare Fastueux.
” After the death of
Lewis XV. Goldoni was appointed Italian teacher to the
princess Clotilde, and after her marriage, he attended the
late unfortunate princess Elizabeth in the same capacity.
His last work was the “Volponi,
” written after he had retired from court. It was nis misfortune to live to see
his pension taken away by the revolution, and, like thousands in a similar situation, he was obliged to pass his old
age in poverty and distress. He died in the beginning of
1793. As a comic poet, Goldoni is reckoned among the
best of the age in which he flourished. His works were
printed at Leghorn in 1788—91, in 31 vols. 8vo. He has
been reckoned the Moliere of Italy, and he is styled by
Voltaire “The Painter of Nature.
” Dr. Burney says that
he is, perhaps, the only author of comic operas in Italy
who has given them a little common sense, by a natural
plot, and natural characters; and his celebrated comic
opera of the “Buona Figliuola,
” set by Piccini, and first
performed in London Dec. 9th, 1766, rendered both the
poet and composer, whose names had scarcely penetrated
into this country before, dear to every lover of the Italian
language and music, in the nation.
ditations, in verse, on the 19th and 20th chapters of Judges, and a tragedy called “Lodowick Sforza, duke of Milan,” 1632, 12mo. "Both were reprinted with a few occasional
, a divine and poet of the seventeenth century, was born at London in 1600, whence, he
was sent by his father in 1614 to Christ church, Oxford,
where, soon after his being entered, he was elected a student on the royal foundation. At about seven years standing, he here took his degrees of bachelor and master of
arts, and before he left the university, which was in 1627,
he had the degree of bachelor of divinity conferred on him.
Being now in orders, he distinguished himself as a, preacher
at the university. For some time, during the plague at
Oxford, he resided at Flower in Northamptonshire, and was
afterwards vicar of Thorncornbe in Devonshire, where it is
probable that he resided till his death, which was in 1646.
He was accounted a good preacher, and printed a volume
of “Sermons,
” Lond. Levite’s
Revenge,
” being meditations, in verse, on the 19th and
20th chapters of Judges, and a tragedy called “Lodowick
Sforza, duke of Milan,
”
e at the age of fourteen with John Paul Manfroni was unhappy, He engaged in a conspiracy against the duke of Ferrara; was detected and imprisoned by him; but, though
, a lady of the sixteenth century, remarkable for her wit and high birth, is chiefly
known, and that very imperfectly, from a collection of
her letters, printed at Venice in 1552. By these she appears to have been learned, and somewhat of a criticin
Aristotle and yEschylus. All the wits of her time are full
of their encomiums on her: and Hortensio Landi, besides
singing her praises most zealously, dedicated to her a
piece, “Upon moderating the passions of the soul,
” written in Italian. If, however, it be true that this Horatio
Landi wrote the whole of the letters attributed to Lucretia,
it is difficult to know what to believe of the history of the
latter. Her marriage at the age of fourteen with John
Paul Manfroni was unhappy, He engaged in a conspiracy
against the duke of Ferrara; was detected and imprisoned
by him; but, though condemned, not put to death. Lucretia, in this emergency, applied to all the powers in
Europe to intercede for him; and even solicited the grand
signior to make himself master of the castle, where her
husband was kept. During this time, although she was not
permitted to visit him, they could write to each other. But
all her endeavours were vain; for he died in prison in 1552,
having shewn such an impatience under his misfortunes as
made it imagined he lost his senses. She never would
listen afterwards to any proposals of marriage, though several were made her. Of four children, which she had,
there were but two daughters left, whom she placed in
nunneries. All that came from her pen was so much esteemed, that a collection was made e^-en of the notes she
wrote to her servants: several of which are to be met witli
in the above-mentioned edition of her letters. She died
at Mantua in 1576.
as born in 1691, and died Jan. 21, 17,57, in that city. He was the author of an account of the grand duke’s cabinet, entitled “Museum Florentinum,” Florent. 1731, continued
, a learned antiquary of
Florence, was born in 1691, and died Jan. 21, 17,57, in
that city. He was the author of an account of the grand
duke’s cabinet, entitled “Museum Florentinum,
” Florent.
Musaeum Etruscum,
”
Musceum Cortonense,
” Roma;, Musaeum
Florentinum
” contains in vol. I. “Gemma?,' 7 dedicated to
Gaston, 100 plates; vol. II. 1732,
” Gemmae,“100 plates;
vol. III. 1734,
” Statuce,“dedicated to Gaston, 100
plates; vols. IV. V. and VI. 1740,
” Numismata," dedicated to Francis III. 115 plates. It is divided into three
parts one consisting of figures, two of dissertations; sometimes bound in 2 vols. and sometimes in three. In 1748,
50 portraits of the eminent professors of painting were engraved, with no farther explanation than their names, the
year in which they were born and died; but this part is
frequently wanting, because these portraits may be found
in the History of the Painters, 4 vols. with their lives, by
Francis Moucke. Vol. VII. is the first volume of the
painters, 1752, 55 portraits. Vol. VIII. the second volume of the painters, 1754, 55 portraits. Vol. IX. the
third volume of the painters, 1756, 55 portraits. Vol. X.
the fourth volume of the painters, 1762, 55 portraits.
Vol. XI. contains 100 portraits of painters, which may be
found in the abbe Pozzi, and their lives by the abbe
Orazis Marrini, Florence, 1764, 2 torn, each, divided into
two parts; the whole bound in 1 vol.
erwards taken to the court of Spain, where he obtained the esteem and favour of Philip II. Under the duke of Albuquerque he was imprisoned on a charge of conspiracy against
, an Italian poet and miscellaneous
writer, was born at Rome in 1525, where he pursued his
studies in the house of the cardinal de Santa Fiora, but in
his seventeenth year was taken into the service of Ferdinand Gonzaga, then viceroy of Sicily, and governor of
Milan, to which city he accompanied that nobleman in
1546, and became his secretary. He was afterwards taken
to the court of Spain, where he obtained the esteem and
favour of Philip II. Under the duke of Albuquerque he
was imprisoned on a charge of conspiracy against the life
of John Baptist Monti, but vindicated his own cause, and
was not only released, but admitted to public employment
under the succeeding governors of Milan. He died Feb.
12, 1587, leaving behind him several works, that obtained
for him high reputation; of these the principal are, “The
Life of Ferdinand Gonzaga,
” Three Conspiracies,
” &c. Rime,
” or a collection of
poems, several times reprinted. “Discourses.
” “Letters,
” &c. and he translated into Italian a French work
entitled “A true account of things that have happened
in the Netherlands, since the arrival of Don Juan of
Austria.
”
, a French politician, was born at Rochefoucauld in 1625, and was taken by the celebrated duke of that name into his service as valet de chambre, from which
, a French politician,
was born at Rochefoucauld in 1625, and was taken by the
celebrated duke of that name into his service as valet de
chambre, from which situation he rose to be his confidential
friend. He was also equally honoured by the great Conde,
and was employed by the superintendant Fouquet, in public business, and was involved in his disgrace. But such
was the value put upon his political talents and integrity,
that he was at one time proposed to the king as successor
to. Colbert in the ministry. He died in 1705, leaving
“Memoirs of his Life from 1642 to 1698,
” 2 vols. 12mo,
written with frankness and simplicity and containing very
lively characters of the ministers and principal persons of
his time, of which, it is said, Voltaire made much use in
his “Siecle de Louis XIV.
”
bonds of union. Their political bias was nearly the same. Chaucer attached himself to John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, and Gower to Thomas of Woodstock, duke of Gloucester,
He appears, however, to have studied law, and was a
member of the society of the Middle Temple, where it is
supposed he met with, and acquired the friendship of
Chaucer. The similarity of their studies, and their taste
for poetry, were not the only bonds of union. Their political bias was nearly the same. Chaucer attached himself
to John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, and Gower to Thomas
of Woodstock, duke of Gloucester, both uncles to king
Richard II. The tendency of the “Confessio Amantis,
”
in censuring the vices of the clergy, coincides with Chaucer’s sentiments, and although we have no direct proof of
those mutual arguings and disputes between them, which
Leland speaks of, there can be no doubt that their friendship was at one time interrupted. Chaucer concludes his
Troilus and Cressida with recommending it to the corrections of moral Gower,“and
” philosophical Strode;“and
Gower, in the Confessio Amantis, introduces Venus praising Chaucer
” as her disciple and poete.“Such was their
mutual respect; its decline is less intelligible. Mr. Tyrwhit says,
” If the reflection (in the prologue to the Man of
Lawes Tale, ver. 4497) upon those who relate such stones
as that of Canace, or of Apollonius Tyrius, was levelled at
Gower, as I very much suspect, it will be difficult to reconcile such an attack to our notions of the strict friendship which is generally supposed to have subsisted between
the two bards. The attack too at this time must appear
the more extraordinary on the part of our bard, as he is
just going to put into the mouth of his Man of Lawe a tale,
of which almost every circumstance is borrowed from
Gower. The fact is, that the story of Canace is related
by Gower in his Confessio A mantis, B. III. and the story
of Apollonius (or Apollynus, as he is there called) in the
Vlllth book of the same work: so that, if Chaucer really
did not mean to reflect upon his old friend, his choice of
these two instances was rather unlucky."
he year 1694. She was married, or rather sacrificed to Francis Hugot de Grafigny, chamberlain to the duke of Lorraine, a man of violent passions, from which she was often
, a French lady of literary reputation, was the
daughter of a military officer, and born about the year 1694.
She was married, or rather sacrificed to Francis Hugot de
Grafigny, chamberlain to the duke of Lorraine, a man of
violent passions, from which she was often in danger of her
life; but after some years of patient suffering, she was at
length relieved by a legal separation, and her husband
finished his days in confinement, which his improper
conduct rendered necessary. Madame de Grafigny now
came to Paris, where her merit was soon acknowledged,
although her first performance, a Spanish novel, did not
pass without some unpleasant criticisms, to which, says
our authority, she gave the best of all possible answers, by
writing a better, which was her “Lettres d'une Peruvienne,
”
2 vols. 12mo. This had great success, being written with
spirit, and abounding in those delicate sentiments which
are so much admired in the French school, yet an air
of metaphysical speculation has been justly objected, as
throwing a chill on her descriptions of love. She also
wrote some dramatic pieces, of which the comedies of
“Cenie
” & “La Fille d'Aristide
” were most applauded.
Having resided for some time at the court of Lorraine, she
became known to the emperor, who had read her “Peruvian Letters
” with much pleasure, and engaged her to
write some dramatic pieces proper to be performed before
the empress and the younger branches of the royal family
at court. This she complied with, and sent five or six
such pieces to Vienna, and in return received a pension of
1500 livres, but with the express condition that she was
not to print these dramas, nor give copies to any other
theatre. She long retained the esteem and patronage of
the court of Vienna, and was chosen an associate of the
academy at Florence. She died, much esteemed by all
classes, at Paris in 1758. A complete edition of her works
was published at Paris in 1738, 4 vols. 12mo; and her
“Letters of a Peruvian Princess,
” were published in
English, by F. Ashworth,
, son of Antony duke of Gramont, served as a volunteer under the prince of Conde,
, son of Antony
duke of Gramont, served as a volunteer under the prince
of Conde, and Turenne, and came into England about
two years after the restoration. He was under a necessity
of leaving France for having the temerity to pay his
addresses to a lady to whom Lewis XIV. was known to have
a tender attachment. He possessed in a high degree every
qualification that could render him agreeable to the licentious court of Charles II. He was gay, gallant, and perfectly well-bred, had an inexhaustible fund of ready wit,
and told a story with extraordinary humour and effect.
His vivacity infused life wherever he came, and was generally inoffensive. He had also another qualification very
well suited to the company he kept. He had great skiil
and success in play; and seems to have been chiefly indebted to it for support. Several of the ladies engaged
his attention upon his first coming over; but miss Elizabeth Hamilton, whom he afterwards married, seems to
have been his favourite, though some say he endeavoured
to break off the connection. She was the daughter of sir
George Hamilton, fourth son of James first earl of Abercorn. His “Memoirs
” were written from his own information, and probably in much the same language in which
they are related, by his brother-in-law, Anthony, who, following the fortunes of James II. entered the French service, and died at St. Germain’s, April 21, 1720. He was
generally called Count Hamilton. Count Gramont died
Jan. 10, 1707. There have lately been several editions of
the “Memoirs
” printefd here, both in French and English,
and in a splendid form, illustrated with portraits. They
contain many curious particulars respecting the intrigues
and amusements of the court of Charles II. but present
upon the whole a disgusting picture of depraved manners.
t to Paris, where he engaged in the education of two young men of rank, the marquis de Vins, and the duke cTEstrees, and at the same time applied himself to the study
, a French historical writer, was
born Feb. 6, 1653, at St. Lo, in Normandy. After studying philosophy at Caen, he entered into the congregation
of the oratory in 1671, where he applied to the belles lettres
and theology, but quitted it in 1676, and went to Paris,
where he engaged in the education of two young men of
rank, the marquis de Vins, and the duke cTEstrees, and
at the same time applied himself to the study of history
under the direction of father Le Cointe, who formed a very
high opinion of him. He first appeared as a writer in 1688,
in “A History of the Divorce of Henry VIII. and Catharine of Arragon,
” in three vols. 12mo. The main object
of this work is to refute certain facts and arguments contained in the first two books of Burnet’s History of the Reformation. In 1685, when Burnet was at Paris, he had an
interview with Le Grand in the presence of Messrs. Thevenot and Auzout, in which the latter proposed his doubts,
and the former answered them, both preserving a tone of
elegance and mutual respect. The publication of the
above work, however, produced a controversy, in the
course of which, in 1691, Le Grand addressed three letters
to the bishop, to which he replied. How long the controversy might have continued is uncertain, as Le Grand was
necessarily diverted from it in 1692, when he received the
appointment of secretary to the abbe d'Estrees, in his embassy to Portugal. In this situation he continued till 1697.
The leisure which his diplomatic functions allowed was
employed in translations of voyages and travels from the
Portuguese. In 1702 he accompanied the same minister
in Spain, where he remained about two years as secretary.
Soon after this, the marquis de Torci, minister of state, took
him into his service, and employed his pen in drawing up
several memorials concerning the Spanish monarchy, and
other political topics, in which he acquitted himself with
great ability, but most of them were printed without his
name. He employed much of his time in writing a life of
Louis XL; but, although this was quite finished in 1728, it
still remains in manuscript. In that year, however, hepublished his translation of Lobo’s History of Abyssinia, with
many additions; and about the same time his treatise “De
la succession a la Couroune de France.
” He died of an
apoplectic stroke, April 30, 1733. He had been possessed
of church preferment, and had held, for a time, the office
of censor royal of books.
trica Demonstnuio Vivianeorum problematum,” Florence, 1609, 4to. He dedicated this work to the grand duke. Cosmo Til. who appointed the author professor of philosophy
, a philosopher and
mathematician, was born Oct. 1, 1671, at Cremona, where
his father, a branch of a decayed family, carried on the
business of ai> embroiderer. His mother, a woman of considerable talents, taught him Latin, and gave him some
taste for poetry. Being disposed to a studious life, he
cliose the profession of theology, that he might freely indulge his inclination. He entered into the religious order
of Camaldolitesj at Raverrna, in 1687, where he was distinguished for his proficiency in the different branches of
literature and science, but was much dissatisfied with the
Peripatetic philosophy of the schools. He had not been
here long before he established an academy of students of
his own age, which he called the Certanti, in opposition
to another juvenile society called the Concordi. To his
philosophical studies he added those of the belles lettres,
music, and history. It appears to have been his early ambition to introduce a new system in education, and with
that view he obtained the professorship of philosophy at Florence, by the influence of father Caramelli, although not
without some opposition from the adherents to the old
opinions. He now applied himself to the introduction of
the Cartesian philosophy, while, at the same time, he became zealously attached to mathematical studies. The
works of the great Torricelli, of our countryman Wallis,
and of other celebrated mathematicians, were his favourite
companions, and the objects of his familiar intercourse.
His first publication was a treatise to resolve the problems
of Viviani on the construction of arcs, entitled “Geometrica Demonstnuio Vivianeorum problematum,
” Florence,
Geometrica
dernonslratio theorematum Hugenianorum circa logisticam,
seu Logarithmicam lineatn,
” Quadratura
circuii et hyperbola3 per infinitas hyperbolas et parabolas
geometrice exhibita,
” Pisa, Sejani et Rufini dialogus de Laderchiana historia S.
Petri Damiani,
” Paris, Dissertationes Camaldu lenses,
” embracing inquiries into the history of the Camaldolites, both which gave so much offence to the community, that he was deposed from the dignity of abbot of
St. Michael at Pisa; but the grand duke immediately appointed him his professor of mathematics in the university.
He now resolved some curious and difficult problems for
the improvement of acoustics, which had been presented
to the royal society in Dublin, and having accomplished
his objecvt, he transmitted the solutions, by means of the
British minister at the court of Florence, to the Royal
Society at London. This was published under the title of
“Disquisitio geometrica in systema sonorum D. Narcissi
(Marsh) archiepiscopi Armachani,
” in De infinitis infinitorum, et infinite parvorum ordinibus disquisitio geometrica,
” Pisa,
duced his tragedy of “Jugurtha;” but the work which has made him most known, is a satire against the duke of Orleans, then regent, entitled, “The Philippicks,” in which
, a French satirist and dramatic poet, was born 1676, in Perigord. He
wrote a little comedy in three acts, when but nine years old,
which was performed several days successively in the college of Bourdeaux, where he was a scholar; and at sixteen, produced his tragedy of “Jugurtha;
” but the work
which has made him most known, is a satire against the
duke of Orleans, then regent, entitled, “The Philippicks,
” in which he accused that nobleman of the most
atrocious crimes. To avoid the punishment this work deserved, he fled to Avignon, in which city was a French
officer, who had taken refuge there in consequence of
having committed a murder, and received a promise of
pardon if he could entice the author of the “Philippicks
”
into the French dominions. His attempt succeeded, and
La Grange was conducted to the isle of St. Margaret; but
6nding means to make friends of his keepers, escaped in a
boat to Villa Franca, notwithstanding a violent storm.
The king of Sardinia gave him a considerable sum of money, and he went from thence into Spain; afterwards into
Holland, where he remained till the duke of Orleans was
dead. He was then permitted to end his days in France,where he died in 1758, at the castle of Antoniat, his family
seat. His works have been collected in 5 vols. small 12mo,
and his tragedies have been as much admired, as his lyric
efforts have been depreciated.
of genius as raised the admiration of Mr. Waller. But his ambition shewed itself most active on the duke of Monmouth’s rebellion and he requested his father to let him
In the first stage of his life, he seems rather to have made his Muse subservient to his ambition and thirst after military glory, in which there appeared such a force of genius as raised the admiration of Mr. Waller. But his ambition shewed itself most active on the duke of Monmouth’s rebellion and he requested his father to let him arm in defence of his sovereign but being then only eighteen years of age, he was thought too young for such an enterprize. It was not without extreme reluctance that he submitted to the tenderness of paternal restraint; which was the more mortifying, as his uncle the earl of Bath had on this occasion raised a regiment of foot for the king’s service; with the behaviour and discipline of which his majesty was so well pleased, that, on reviewing them at Hounslow, as a public mark of his approbation he conferred the honour of knighthood upon our author’s elder brother Bevil, who was a captain, at the head of the regiment. Thus, forbidden to handle his pike on this important occasion, he took up his pen after the rebellion was crushed, and addressed some congratulatory lines to the king.
ame mistakes were committed, and the same disappointment ensued: with this difference only, that the duke of Ormond had an opportunity to take his revenge at Vigo, and
Upon the accession of queen Anne, he stood as fair in
the general esteem as any man of his years, now about
thirty-five. He had always entertained the greatest veneration for the queen, and he made his court to her in the
politest manner in Urganda’s prophecy, spoken by way of
epilogue at the first representation of the “British Enchanters,
” where he introduced a scene representing the queen,
and the several triumphs of her reign. He entered heartily
into the measures for carrying on the war against France;
and, with a view to excite a proper spirit in the nation, he
translated the second “Olynthian
” of Demosthenes, in
that spirit entered his protest with them against the bills for attainting lord Bolingbroke and the duke of Ormond, in 1715. He even entered deeply into the scheme for
His lordship still continued steady to his former connections, and in that spirit entered his protest with them against the bills for attainting lord Bolingbroke and the duke of Ormond, in 1715. He even entered deeply into the scheme for raising an insurrection in the West of England, and was at the head of it, if we may believe lord Bolingbroke, who represents him possessed now with the same political fire and frenzy for the*Pretender as he had shewn in his youth for the father. In consequence, however, of being suspected, he was apprehended September 26, 1715, and committed prisoner to the Tower of London, where he continued until February 8, 1716-17, when he was released without any form of trial or acquittal. However sensible he might be at this time of the mistake in his conduct, which had deprived him of his liberty, yet he was far from running into the other extreme. He seems, indeed, to be one of those tories, who are said to have been driven by the violent persecutions against that party into jacobitism, and who returned to their former principles as soon as that violence ceased. Hence we find him, in 1719, as warm as ever in defence of those principles, the first time of his speaking in the house of lords, in the debates about repealing the act against occasional conformity.
raised of this work, which accordingly he perused with attention; and finding the characters of the duke of Albemarle and the earl of Bath treated in a manner he thought
His lordship continued steady in the same sentiments,
which were so opposite to those of the court, and inconsistent with the measures taken by the administration, that
he must needs be sensible a watchful eye was kept ever
upon him. Accordingly, when the flame broke out against
his friends, on account of what is sometimes called Atterbury’s plot, in 1722, his lordship, as some say, to avoid a
second imprisonment in the Tower, withdrew to France,
but others attribute his going thither to a degree of profusion which had embarrassed his circumstances. He had
been at Paris but a little while, when the first volume of
Burnet’s “History of his oun Times
” was published.
Great expectations had been raised of this work, which accordingly he perused with attention; and finding the characters of the duke of Albemarle and the earl of Bath
treated in a manner he thought they did not deserve, he
formed the design of doing them justice. This led him to
consider what had been said by other historians concerning
his family; and, as Clarendon and Echard had treated his
uncle sir Richard Granvilie more roughly, his lordship,
being possessed of memoirs from which his conduct might be
set in a fairer light, resolved to follow the dictates of duty
and inclination, by publishing his sentiments upon these
heads. These pieces are printed in his works, under the
title of “A Vindication of General Monk,
” &c. and “A
Vindication of Sir Richard Greenville, General of the West
to King Charles I.
” &c. They were answered by Oldmixon, in a piece entitled “Reflections historical and
politic,
” c. Remarks,
” &c. a pamphlet. His lordship replied, in “A
Letter to the author of the Reflections,
” &c. An Examination of Echard’s Account of the Marriage
Treaty,
” &c.
.” This was published in 1634, and in 1644 he defended the republic of Venice, in a dispute with the duke of Savoy concerning precedence; for which service, that republic
, a learned
lawyer, was born at Delft in 1600. He wrote various
works upon legal and political subjects, by which he acquired a considerable reputation. Among these are “Libertas Veneta, seu Venetorurn in se et suos imperandi
Jus.
” This was published in De
Jure Majestatis,
” in a work dedicated to Christina, queen
of Sweden, who was known to be a great assertor of regal
privileges. Grasswinkel defended the liberty of the seas
against Selden, and Burgus, a native of Genoa, in his work
“Maris Liberi Vindiciae,
” and with so much judgment, in
their opinion, that the States of Holland gave him a pension of 500 florins, with the title of Advocate-general of
the marine, until an opportunity offered of rewarding his
merit with a more honourable employment; which was
afterwards that of advocate of the exchequer, and register
and secretary of the chambre-mi-partie. He was author,
likewise, of a treatise in two volumes, 4to, “On the Sovereignty of the States of Holland.
” He died of an apoplexy at Mechlin, Oct. 12, 1666.
n created him cardinal, but was dissuaded from it by cardinal Aldobraudino, because Gratiani was the duke of Florence’s subject. The air of Venice not agreeing with his
, a learned bishop of
Amelia, was born in 1536 in the little city called Borgodi-san-Sepulcro in Tuscany. He was educated by cardinal Commendo, who trusted him with the most important
affairs, and gave him a rich abbey. After this cardinal’s
death, Gratiaiii was secretary to pope Sixtus V. then to
cardinal Montalto and Clement VIII. who was partly indebted to him for his elevation to the papal chair, made
him bishop of Amelia, sent him to Venice as nuncio, and
would have even created him cardinal, but was dissuaded
from it by cardinal Aldobraudino, because Gratiani was
the duke of Florence’s subject. The air of Venice not
agreeing with his health, he retired to Amelia, devoted
himself to the duties of a holy bishop, and died there,
1611. He left “Synodal Ordinances;
” “The Life of
Cardinal Commendo,
” 4to, which has been translated into
French by M. Flechier; “De Bello Cyprio,
” 4to; “De
Casibus adversis illustrium virorum sui oevi,
” 4to, translated into French by le Pelletier. In De Scriptis invita Minerva ad Aloysium fratrem libri viginti,
” 4to.
oets. In the same year, on the death of Gibber, the office of poetluurt>at was offered to him by the duke of Devonshire, then lord chamberlain, which he politely declined.
In July 1757 he took his “Odes
” to London for publication, but they were first printed at the Strawberry-hill
press. It seems agreed that they did not succeed with the
public, although they have since deservedly entitled him
to rank among the greatest of our lyric poets. In the
same year, on the death of Gibber, the office of poetluurt>at was offered to him by the duke of Devonshire, then
lord chamberlain, which he politely declined. In 1758
he composed for his own amusement the little book which
he calls “A Catalogue of the Antiquities, Houses, &c. in
England and Wales,
” which after his death was printed
for private distribution by Mr. Mason, and in 1787 for sale.
About this time the study of architecture seems to have
employed much of his time, and some very acute observations by him on this subject appeared afterwards in
Bentham’s “History of Ely,
” a work which was in a great
measure the fruit of “voluntary contributions.
” In January 1759, the British Museum was opened to the publick; and Gray went to London to read and transcribe the
manuscripts of the Harleian and Cottonian collections. A
folio volume of his transcripts was in Mr. Mason’s hands,
out of which one paper alone, the speech of sir Thomas
Wyat, was published in the second number of lord Orford’s
“Miscellaneous Antiquities.
” In
professorship of modern history again became vacant by the accidental death of Mr. Brocket, and the duke of Grafton, then in power, bestowed it upon Mr. Gray without
In 1768, the professorship of modern history again became vacant by the accidental death of Mr. Brocket, and
the duke of Grafton, then in power, bestowed it upon
Mr. Gray without the smallest solicitation, although the
contrary was at that time reported; and in the following
year, when his noble patron was installed as chancellor of
the university, Gray wrote the Ode that was set to music
on that occasion. When this ceremony was past, he went
on a tour to the lakes of Cumberland and Westmoreland,
of which he has given an account in his correspondence.
“He that reads his epistolary narrative,
” says Dr. Johnson, “wishes, that to travel, and to tell his travels, had
been more of his employment: but it is by staying at home
that we must obtain the ability 06 travelling with intelligence and improvement.
” In April 1770, he complains
much of a -tepr^ssioti of spirits, talks of an intended tour
into Wales in the summer, and of meeting his friend Dr.
Wharton at, Mr. Mason’s. In July, however, he was still
at Cambridge, and wrote to Dr. Beattie, complaining of
illness and pain in his head; and in this letter, he sent
him some criticisms on the first book of the “Minstrel,
”
which have since been published. His tour took place in
the autumn, but he does not appear to have written any
journal of it. In May. 1771 he wrote to Dr. Wharton,
just sketching the outlines of his tour in Wales and some
of the adjacent counties. This is the last letter that remains in Mr. Mason’s collection. He there complains of
an incurable cough, of spirits habitually low, and of the
uneasiness which the thought of the duties of his professorship gave him, which, Mr. Mason says, he had now a
determined resolution to resign. He had held this office
nearly three years, and had not begun to execute the duties of it, which consist of two parts, one, the teaching of
modern languages; the other, the reading of lectures on
Modern History. The former he was allowed to execute
by deputies, but the latter he was to commence in person,
by reading a public lecture in the schools, once at least
in every term. He was at liberty to chuse his language,
and chose the Latin, which Mr. Mason thought somewhat
injudicious; and although we do not find that he proceeded
farther than to draw up a part of his introductory lecture,
he projected a plan of very great extent, of much greater
indeed than from his inactivity, whether the effect of illness
or indolence, he would probably have been able to execute.
His death, however, prevented the trial. A few days alter
writing the letter just mentioned, he removed to London,
where his health more and more declined. His physician,
Dr. Gisborne, advised freer air, and he went to Kentittgton.
There he in some degree revived, and returned to Cambridge, intending to go from that place to Old Park, near
Durham, the residence of his friend Dr. Wharton. On
the 24th of July, however, while at dinner in the collegehall, he was seized with an attack of the gout in his stomach, of which he died in the evening of the 30th, 1771,
in the fifty-fifth year of his age, sensible almost to the
last; aware of his danger, and expressing no visible concern at the thought of his approaching death. He was
interred by the side of his mother, in the church-yard of
StoVe.
t establishment of this academy, he was appointed chancellor, and when, some months after, the grand duke changed its name to that of the academy of Florence, he was
, an Italian scholar and
poet of considerable eminence, was born at Florence
March 22, 1503, of a noble family, which can be traced as
far as the thirteenth century, but was now decayed, as we
find that Grazzini in his youth was brought up as an apothecary. He had, however, studied philosophy and the
belles lettres, and from the timetliathe acquired some reputation in the literary world, gave up his medical business. In 1540 he became one of the founders of the
academy of Florence, which was first called the academy
of the Humides, and each member distinguishing himself
by some appellation relative to the water, Grazzini adopting that of Lasca, which signifies a roach. From the first
establishment of this academy, he was appointed chancellor,
and when, some months after, the grand duke changed its
name to that of the academy of Florence, he was chosen
overseer, or superintendant, an office which he afterwards
filled three times. As the number of members, however,
increased, the juniors began to make new regulations without consulting the founders, and a schism broke out, attended with so many unpleasant circumstances, that Grazzini withdrew, and became the founder of a new academy,
known still by the name of La Crusca. The object of this
society was to polish the Italian language, to fix a standard
for it, to point out such authors as might be always models
for those who chose to improve their style, to oppose the
progress of false taste; and to sift the flour from the bran
of literature, crusca signifying bran. Grazzini was well
qualified to assist an academy instituted for these purposes.
He hail enriched the language with several choice phrases
and new modes of expression, and the academicians have
very justly ranked him among those authors to whom they
have been obliged for examples, in correcting their great
vocabulary. In the mean time his growing fame induced
his friend Leonard Salviati to endeavour his re-introduction
into the academy of Florence, which was successfully accomplished in 1566, twenty years after he had left it; in
return for which he procured admission for Salviati among
the Cruscanti. Grazzini died at Florence in February
1583. He was a man of unquestionable genius, spirit, and
humour, and wrote with great elegance, and although
there are some indelicate passages in his poems, which
was the vice of the times, he was a man of strict morals,
and even, says his biographer, very religious. Many of
his works are lost, and among these some prose tales, and
many pieces of poetry. There remain, however, twentyone tales, six comedies, a great number of capitoli, or
satirical chapters, and various poems, of which the best
edition is that of Florence, 1741, 2 vols. 8vo. His Tales
or Novels were printed at Paris, 1756, 8vo, from which
some copies have been printed in 4to, under the title of
London. An excellent French translation of them appeared
in 1775, 2 vols. 8vo, in which nine histories wanting in the
third evening are said to be inserted from an old French
translation in ms. He wrote also “La guerra di Mostri,
Poema giocoso,
” Florence, Tutti i trionfi, carri, mascherate o canti carnasciaj^schi
dal tempo di Lorenzo de Medici a questoanno 1559,
” 8vo;
Leghorn he proceeded to Florence, where he was received with particular marks of esteem by the grand duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand II. to whom he had inscribed a Latin poem
From Leghorn he proceeded to Florence, where he was received with particular marks of esteem by the grand duke of Tuscany, Ferdinand II. to whom he had inscribed a Latin poem from Alexandria, in which he exhorted that prince to clear those seas of pirates, with whom they were extremely infested. He obtained, likewise, admittance into the Medicean library, which had been denied to him as a stranger when he was here in his former tour. ' From Florence he went to Rome, and took most exact measurements of all the ancient remains of that city and neighbourhood; after which he returned to Leghorn, where taking his passage in a vessel called the Golden Fleece, at the end of March, he arrived at London before Midsummer 1640, with a curious collection of Arabic, Persic, anci Greek Mss. together with a great number of gems, coins, and other valuable antiquities, having spent full three years in this agreeable tour.
able with a fellowship of St. John’s, but could not be held by any fellow of Jesus. In 1744, Charles duke of Somerset, chancellor of the university, appointed Mr. Green
, an English prelate, was born about
1706, at Beverly, in Yorkshire, and received the rudiments of his education at a private school. From this he
was admitted a sizar in St. John’s college, Cambridge;
and after taking his degrees in arts, with great credit as a
classical scholar, engaged himself as usher to a school at
Lichfield, before Dr. Johnson and Mr. Garrick had left
that city, with both of whom he was of course acquainted,
but he continued here only one year. In 1730 he was
elected fellow of St. John’s, and soon after the bishop of
Ely procured him the vicarage of Hingeston from Jesus
college, which was tenable with a fellowship of St. John’s,
but could not be held by any fellow of Jesus. In 1744,
Charles duke of Somerset, chancellor of the university,
appointed Mr. Green (then B. D.) his domestic chaplain.
In January 1747, Green was presented by his noble patron
to the rectory of Borough-green, near New-market, which
he held with his fellowship. He then returned to college,
and was appointed bursar. In December 1748, on the
death of Dr. Whalley, he was elected regius professor of
divinity, with which office he held the living of Barrow in
Suffolk, and sodn after was appointed one of his majesty’s
chaplains. In June 170, on the death of dean Castle,
master of Bene't college, a majority of the fellows (after the headship had been declined by their president, Mr. Scottowe) agreed to apply to archbishop Herring for his
recommendation; and his grace, at the particular request
of the duke of Newcastle, recommended professor Green,
who was immediately elected. Among the writers on the
subject of the new regulations proposed by the chancellor,
and established by the senate, Dr. Green took an active
part, in a pamphlet published in the following winter, 1750,
without his name, entitled “The Academic, or a disputation on the state of the university of Cambridge.
” On
March 22, 1751, whenhis friend Dr. Keene, master of
St. Peter’s college, was promoted to the bishopric of Chester, Dr. Green preached the consecration -sermon in Elyhouse chapel, which, by order of the archbishop of York,
was soon after published. In October 1756, on the death
of Dr. George, he was preferred to the deanery of Lincoln,
and resigned his professorship. Being then eligible to the
office of vice-chancellor, he was chosen in November following. In June 1761, the dean exerted his polemical
talents in two letters (published without his name) “on the
principles and practices of the Methodists,
” the first addressed to Mr. Berridge, and the second to Mr. Whitfield.
On the translation of bishop Thomas to the bishopric of
Salisbury, Green was promoted to the see of Lincoln, the
last mark of favour which the duke of Newcastle had it in
his power to shew him. In 1762, archbishop Seeker (who had always a just esteem for his talents and abilities) being indisposed, the bishop of Lincoln visited as his proxy
the diocese of Canterbury. In 1763 he preached the 30th
of January sermon before the house of lords, which was
printed.
stream. The department in the customhouse to which Mr. Green belonged was under the controul of the duke of Manchester, who used to treat those immediately under him
The following anecdotes are given from indisputable
authority: Mr. Sylvanus Bevan, a quaker and a friend of
Mr. Green, was mentioning, at Batson’s coffee-house, thaty
while he was bathing in the river, a waterman saluted him
with the usual insult of the lower class of people, by calling out, “A quaker, a quaker, quirl
” He at the same
expressed his wonder, how his profession could be known
while he was without his cloaths. Green immediately replied, that the waterman might discover him by his swimming against the stream. The department in the customhouse to which Mr. Green belonged was under the controul
of the duke of Manchester, who used to treat those immediately under him once a year. After one of these entertainments, Mr. Green, seeing a range of servants in the
hall, said to the first of them, “Pray, sir, do you give
tickets at your turnpike
” In a reform which took place
in the custom-house, amongst other articles, a few pence,
paid weekly for providing the cats with milk, were ordered
to be struck off. On this occasion, Mr. Green wrote a
humourous petition as from the cats, which prevented the
regulation in that particular from taking place. Mr. Green’s
conversation was as novel as his writings, which occasioned
one of the commissioners of the customs, a very dull man,
to observe, that he did not know how it was, but Green
always expressed himself in a different manner from other
people.
onduct, was the foundation of his favour with the prime minister and the nobility. In 1730, when the duke of Newcastle was installed chancellor of the university of Cambridge,
Greene had the honour, early in life, to teach the duchess of Newcastle, which, joined to his professional merit, and the propriety of his conduct, was the foundation of his favour with the prime minister and the nobility. In 1730, when the duke of Newcastle was installed chancellor of the university of Cambridge, he was appointed to set the ode, and then not only obtained his doctor’s degree, but, on the death of Dr. Tudway, he was honoured with the title of professor of music in that university. As an exercise for his degree, he set Pope’s ode for St. Cecilia’s day; having first had interest sufficient to prevail on the author to make new arrangements in the poem to render it more fit for music, and even to add an entire new stanza, between the second and third, which had never appeared in any of the printed editions.
ht keep his money within the realm, and bring himself out of the debts which his father and the Jate duke of Somerset had brought upon him. This scheme being put into
The business of his employ gave him a great deal of trouble and much uneasiness. The usual method in which the business of taking up money of the merchants at Antwerp for the king’s use, had been managed, was greatly to the prejudice of the crown of England, as well by giving a very large interest for the money borrowed, as other inconveniences, when the principal was not paid within the time of the contract. And as the money which was now taken up in Mr. Gresham’s agency, was not paid at the time agreed on, this gave him great uneasiness, his business being then to get it prolonged, which was not to be done without the consideration of the king’s purchasing jewels or some other commodities to a large amount, as a consideration for prolonging the debt, besides continuing the interest. But this way of proceeding he neither thought for his majesty’s honour nor his own credit, as his agent, and therefore projected the following scheme to bring the king wholly out of debt in two years Provided the king and council would assign him 1200l. or 1300l. a week, to be secretly received at one man’s hands, that so it might be kept secret, he would so use that matter in Antwerp, that every day he would be seen to take up in his own name 200l. sterling by exchange, which would amount in one year to 73,000l. and so doing; it should not be perceived nor give occasion to make the exchange fall. He proposed farther, that the king should take all the lead into his own hands, and making a staple of it, should put out a proclamation or shut up the custom-house, that no lead should be conveyed out of the kingdom for five years; by which the king might cause it to rise, and feed them at Antwerp from time to time, as they should have need. By which means he might keep his money within the realm, and bring himself out of the debts which his father and the Jate duke of Somerset had brought upon him. This scheme being put into execution, had the proposed effect in discharging his majesty’s debts, which were very considerable, as well as in raising his majesty’s credit so high abroad, that he might have borrowed what sums he pleased; and, by the advantageous turn which by this means was given to the exchange in favour of England, not only the price of all foreign commodities was greatly sunk and abated; but likewise gold and silver, which before had been exported in large quantities, were most plentifully brought back again.
and the king of Spain, obliged the English merchants to send their effects to Hamburgh, on which the duke of Alva, governor of the Netherlands, prohibited all commerce
In the mean time he had scarcely entered upon the execution of this noble design, when in 1566, he was sent
over to Antwerp to take up the sum of 14,667l. Flemish
money, for her majesty, and prolong the time of payment
for 34,3S5l. more; and in December of the same year,
there was another debt of the queen’s prolonged of S532l.
Flemish. Sir Thomas, however, perceiving the disadvantage of borrowing money from foreigners, at an exorbitant interest, advised her majesty to take up what money
she wanted of her own merchants; which advice, however,
was not immediately adopted, but in 1569 an opportunity
occurred which rendered his advice necessary. The quarrel which at this time took place between queen Elizabeth
and the king of Spain, obliged the English merchants to
send their effects to Hamburgh, on which the duke of
Alva, governor of the Netherlands, prohibited all commerce with England. Upon this, secretary Cecil, who was
then at the head of the exchequer, had nis tears lot the
merchants would not have money enough to carry on their
trade, and the queen lest the falling off in the duties on
cloth might prevent her paying her debts abroad. Sir
Thomas, however, when consulted, told the secretary that
in his opinion the queen needed be at no difficulty to pay
her creditors, if she saw her merchants well paid in London
their first payment, which was half of her debt to them;
for by the time the other half should be payable, the merchants would have plenty of money both here and at Hamburgh. He assured him, that the commodities shipped by
our merchants from Hamburgh were well worth 100,000l.;
and those shipped hence with our goods thither, were
worth upwards of 200,000l. so that the duty upon cloths
(10,000l. at least) would enable the queen to discharge her
debt. As to the secretary’s fears respecting the merchants, sir Thomas observed that there was no foundation
for them, considering the great vent our commodities had
at Hamburgh already, and were likely to have, and therefore he advised that the first payment agreed on at Hamburgh should above all things be provided for; assuring
the secretary, that he knew certainly that the duke of Alva
was more troubled with the queen’s great credit, and with
the vent of her commodities at Hamburgh, than he was
with any thing else, and “quaked for fear;
” that this xvas
one of the principal hindrances to the payment of the tenth,
penny, then demanded by the duke for the sale of any
kind of goods in the Netherlands; which he believed would
be his undoing. He then renewed his advice respecting
borrowing of her own subjects in preference to foreigners,
urging many reasons grounded on facts. When, however,
the motion of lending money to the queen was first proposed among the merchants by sir Thomas, it met with
great opposition, and was negatived in the common-hall;
but upon more mature consideration afterwards several of
the merchants and aldermen lent her majesty various sumg
of money, to the value of 16,000l. for six months, at 6 per
cent, interest for that time. She gave bonds to each of
them separately for re-payment, and likewise -other accustomed bonds to discharge them of the statute of usury; and
when the six months were expired, she prolonged the payment for six month? more, paying the same interest, with
brokage. As her majesty was thus enabled to borrow
money of her own subjects, instead of foreigners, and the
commerce with Flanders, particularly Antwerp, was now
prohibited, sir Thomas’s office as agent for her majesty in
those parts, ceased of course. But in 1572, to shew her
regard for him, she was pleased to appoint him, together
with the archbishop of Canterbury, the bishop of London,
and other persons of eminence, assistants to the lord mayor
for the government of the city of London during her intended progress that summer. This method was afterwards continued on similar occasions, and sir Thomas
Gresham was joined in the commission till 1578.
account of the few following from his own pen. First, when the two mighty armies of Don John and the duke Casimire were to meet in the Low-countries, he applied and obtained
Our author was not then above twenty-two years of age,
so that this post may be esteemed an honourable attestation
of his merit. But the nature of it did not please him; his
ambition prompted him to another course of life. He had
already made some advances in the queen’s favour, had
attained a competent familiarity with the modern languages,
and some expertness in the martial exercises of those
times; these were qualifications for a foreign employment,
which was more agreeable to the activity of his temper,
and promised a quicker access to some of the first posts in
the state. In reality he was so eager to advance his fortune in this line, that to gratify his desire, he ventured
to incur his royal mistress’s displeasure, and made several
attempts in it, not only with, but even without her majesty’s consent. Out of many of these we have an account
of the few following from his own pen. First, when the
two mighty armies of Don John and the duke Casimire
were to meet in the Low-countries, he applied and obtained her majesty’s leave under her own hand, to go thither; but after his horses with all other preparations were
shipped at Dover, the queen (who always discouraged these excursions) sent her messenger, sir Edward Dyer,
with her mandate to stop him. He was so much vexed at
this disappointment, that afterwards, when secretary Walsingham was sent ambassador in 1578, to treat with those
two princes, an opportunity of seeing an affair in which so
much Christian blood and so many Christian empires were
concerned, was so tempting, that he resolved not to risque
a denial, and therefore stole away without leave, and went
over with the secretary incog. The consequence was,
that at his return the queen forbade him her presence for
many months. To the same ambition may also be referred
his engagement with sir Philip Sidney to accompany sir
Francis Drake in his last expedition but one to the WestIndies in 1515, in which they were both frustrated by the
same authority.
Again, when the earl of Leicester was sent general of
her majesty’s forces the same year, and had given Mr.
Greville the command of one hundred horse, “Then I,
”
to use his own words, “giving my humour over to good
order, yet found that neither the intercession of this grandee, seconded with my own humble suit, and many other
honourable friends of mine, could prevail against the constant course of this excellent lady (the queen) with her
servants, so as I was forced to tarry behind, and for this importunity of mine to change my course, and seem to press
nothing before my service about her; this princess of government as well as kingdoms made me live in her court a
spectacle of disfavour too long as I conceived.
”
t numbers of their nobility, were in England a second time to treat of the queen’s marriage with the duke of Anjou, in 1581. Tilts and tournaments were the courtly e
During his excursions abroad, his royal mistress granted him the reversion of two of the best offices in the court of the marches of Wales, one of which falling to him in 1580, he met with some difficulties about the profits. In this contest he experienced the friendship of sir Philip Sidney, who by a letter written to his father’s secretary, Mr. Molyneux, April 10, 1581, prevailed on him not to oppose his cousin Greville' s title in any part or construction of his patents; and a letter of sir Francis Walsingham to the president, the next day, April 11, put an end to the opposition that had been made from another quarter. This office appears to be clerk of the signet to the council of Wales, which is said to have brought him in yearly above 2000l. arising chiefly from the processes which went out of that court, all of which are made out by that officer. He was also constituted secretary for South and North Wales by the queen’s letters patent, bearing date April 25, 1583. In the midst of these civil employments he made a conspicuous figure when the French ambassadors, accompanied by great numbers of their nobility, were in England a second time to treat of the queen’s marriage with the duke of Anjou, in 1581. Tilts and tournaments were the courtly entertainments in those days; and they were performed in the most magnificent manner on this occasion by two noblemen, beside sir Philip Sidney and Fulk Greville, who with the rest behaved so bravely as to win the reputation of a most gallant knight. In 1586 these two friends were separated by the unfortunate death of the former, who be* queathed to his dear friend one moiety of his books.
h dying at Buckden, the bishop of Lincoln’s palace, of the sweating sickness, her father was created duke of Suffolk, October 1551. Dudley earl of Warwick was also created
If lady Jane received this letter in the country, it is probable she did not stay there long after, since some changes happened in the family which must have brought her to town; for, her maternal uncles, Henry and Charles Brandon, both dying at Buckden, the bishop of Lincoln’s palace, of the sweating sickness, her father was created duke of Suffolk, October 1551. Dudley earl of Warwick was also created duke of Northumberland the same day, and in November the duke of Somerset was imprisoned for a conspiracy against him as privy-counsellor. During this interval came the queen-dowager of Scotland from France, who, being magnificently entertained by king Edward, was also, among other ladies of the blood royal, complimented as her grandmother, by lady Jane, who was now at court, and much in the king’s favour. In the summer of 1552 the king made a great progress through some parts of England, during which, lady Jane went to pay her duty to his majesty’s sister, the lady Mary, at Newhall, in Essex; and in this visit her piety and zeal against popery prompted her to reprove the lady Anne Wharton for making a curtesy to the host, which, being carried by some officious person to the ear of the princess, was retained in her heart, so that she never loved lady Jane afterwards; and, indeed, the events of the following year were not likely to work a reconciliation.
not her own. Upon this very account she was married to the lord Guilford Dudley, fourth, son to the duke of Northumberland, without being acquainted with the real design
The dukes of Suffolk and Northumberland, who were now, upon the fall of Somerset, grown to the height of their wishes in power, upon the decline of the king’s health in 1553, began to think how to prevent thui reverse of fortune which, as things then stood, they foresaw must happen upon his death. To obtain this end, no other remedy was judged sufficient but a ciiange in the succession of the crown, 'and transferring it into their own families. What other steps were taken, preparatory to this bolU attempt, may be seen in the general history, and is foreign to the plan of this memoir, which is concerned only in relating the part that was destined for lady Jane to act in the intended revolution: but this was the principal part; in reality the whole centered in her. Those excellent and amiable qualities, which had rendered her dear to all who had the happiness to know her, joined to her near affinity to the king, subjected her to become the chief tool of an ambition, notoriously not her own. Upon this very account she was married to the lord Guilford Dudley, fourth, son to the duke of Northumberland, without being acquainted with the real design of the match, which was ceJebrated with great pomp in the latter end of May, so much to the king’s satisfaction, that he contributed bounteously to the expence of it from the royal wardrobe. In the mean, time, though the populace were very far from being pleased with the exorbitant greatness of the duke of Northumberland, yet they could not help admiring the beauty and innocence which appeared in lord Guilford and his bride.
m-house, where the lady Jane resided with her husband, as part of Northumberland’s family. There the duke of Suffolk with much solemnity explained to his daughter the
These previous steps being taken, and the tower and city
of London secured, the council quitted Greenwich and
came to London; and July 10, in the forenoon, the two
last mentioned dukes repaired to Durham-house, where
the lady Jane resided with her husband, as part of Northumberland’s family. There the duke of Suffolk with
much solemnity explained to his daughter the disposition
the late king had made of his crown by letters patent; the
clear sense the privy-council had of her right; the consent of the magistrates and citizens of London; and, in
conclusion, himself and Northumberland fell on their knees,
and paid their homage to her as queen of England, The
poor lady, somewhat astonished at their discourse, but not
at all moved by their reasons, or in the least elevated by
such unexpected honours, returned them an answer to this
effect: “That the laws of the kingdom and natural right
standing for the king’s sisters, she would beware of burdening her weak conscience with a yoke which did belong
to them that she understood the infamy of those who had
permitted the violation of right to gain a sceptre that it
were to mock God and deride justice, to scruple at the
stealing of a shilling, and not at the usurpation of a crown.
Besides,
” said she, “I am not so young, nor so little read
in the guiles of fortune, to suffer myself to be taken bjr
them. If she enrich any, it is but to make them the subject of her spoil; if she raise others, it is but to pleasure
herself with their ruins what she adored but yesterday is
to-day her pastime and, if I now permit her to adorn and
crown me, 1 must to-morrow suffer her to crush and tear
me to pieces. Nay, with what crown does she present
me! a crown which hath been violently and shamefully
wrested from Catharine of Arragon, made more unfortunate by the punishment of Anne Boleyn, and others that
wore it after her: and why then would you have me add
my blood to theirs, and be the third victim, from whom
this fatal crown may be ravished with the head that wears
it But in case it should not prove fatal unto me, and that
all its venom were consumed, if fortune should give me
warranties of her constancy, should I be well advised to
take upon me these thorns, which would dilacerate, though
not kill me outright; to burden myself with a yoke, which
would not fail to torment me, though I were assured not to
be strangled with it My liberty is better than the chain
you proffer me, with what precious stones soever it be
adorned, or of what gold soever framed. I will not exchange my peace for honourable and precious jealousies,
for magnificent and glorious fetters. And, if you love
me sincerely and in good earnest, you will rather wish me
a secure and quiet fortune, though mean, than an exalted
condition, exposed to the wind, and followed by some
dismal fall.
”
conclude this article with her behaviour on her fall. Queen Mary was no sooner proclaimed, than the duke of Suffolk, who then resided with his daughter in the Tower,
However, she was at length prevailed upon, by the exhortations ofher father, the intercession of her mother,
the artful persuasions of Northumberland, and above all,
the earnest desires of her husband, whom she tenderly
loved, to yield her assent to what had been and was to be
done. And thus, with a heavy heart, she suffered herself
to be conveyed by water to the Tower, where she entered
with all the state of a queen, attended by the principal nobility, and, which is very extraordinary, her train supported by the duchess of Suffolk, her mother, in whom, if
in any of this line, the right of succession remained.
About six in the afternoon she was proclaimed with all due
solemnities in the city; the same day she also assumed the
regal, and proceeded afterwards to exercise many acts of
sovereignty; but, passing over the transactions of her
short reign, which are the subject of general history, it is
more immediately our business to conclude this article with
her behaviour on her fall. Queen Mary was no sooner
proclaimed, than the duke of Suffolk, who then resided
with his daughter in the Tower, went to her apartment,
and, in the softest terms he could, acquainted her with
the situation of their affairs, and that, laying aside the
state and dignity of a queen, she must again return to that
of a private person to which, with a settled and serene
countenance, she made this answer “I better brook this
message than my former advancement to royalty out of
obedience to you and my mother, I have grievously sinned,
and offered violence to myself. Now I do willingly, and
as obeying the motions of my soul, relinquish the crown,
and endeavour to salve those faults committed by others
(if at least so great a fault can be salved) by a willing relinquishment and ingenuous acknowledgement of them.
”
t to the block. Before the end of the month, she had the mortification of seeing her own father, the duke of Suffolk, in the same circumstances with herself; but her
Thus ended her reign, but not her misfortunes. She "saw the father of her husband, with all his family, and many of the nobility and gentry, brought prisoners to the tower for supporting her claim to the crown; and this grief must have met with some accession from his being soon after brought to the block. Before the end of the month, she had the mortification of seeing her own father, the duke of Suffolk, in the same circumstances with herself; but her mother, the duchess, not only remained exempt from all punishment, but had such an interest with the queen as 10 procure the duke his liberty on the last day of the month. Lady Jane and her husband, being stiil in confinement, were Nove'mber 3, 1553, carried from the Tower to Guildhall with Cranmer and others, arraigned and convicted of high treason before judge Morgan, who pronounced on them sentence of death, die remembrance of which afterwards affected him so far, that he died ravingHowever, the strictness of their confinement was mitigated in December, by a permission to take the air in the queen’s garden, and other little indulgences. This might give some gleams of hope; and there are reasons to believe the queen would have spared her life, if Wyat’s rebellion had not happened; but her father’s being engaged in that rebellion gave the ministers an opportunity of persuading the queen, that she could not be safe herself, while lady Jane and her husband were alive: yet Mary was not brought without much difficulty to take them off. The news made no great impression upon lady Jane the bitterness of death was passed she bad expected it long, and was so well prepared to meet her fate, that she was very little discomposed.
ngaged in a farm and the linen manufacture; and about 1760 appears to have received a place from the duke of Bedford, at that time lord lieutenant of Ireland. His acquaintance
, a lady once of some note a
a writer of novels and plays, whose maiden name was
Griffith, was of Welch descent, and early in life married
Richard Griffith, a gentleman of a good family, but reduced fortune, in Ireland. The first performance by which
she became known was entitled “The Letters of Henry
and Frances,
” which are said to contain the genuine correspondence between her and her husband before their marriage, and for some years after. They were published at
the particular request of Margaret countess of Cork, who
was one of her friends, and privy to her connexion with
Mr. Griffith, which was at first kept secret. From these
letters, a few particulars of the private history of the parties may be collected. Mr. Griffith appears to have received no regular education, although in his youth he had
evinced some talents for poetry; he introduced himself,
however, by degrees into “the genteelest and most reputable company;
” but tired of a city life, passed several
years with a relation in the country of Ireland, where he
read, learned French, and “studied husbandry philosophically.
” He then engaged in a farm and the linen manufacture; and about 1760 appears to have received a
place from the duke of Bedford, at that time lord lieutenant of Ireland. His acquaintance with Mrs. Griffith was
accidental, and commenced on his parr, to use his own
phrase, “as an act of gallantry
” but rinding “no probability of success,
” a strange declaration and being
enafrioured with her writings, conversation, and character, became, at last, a real and honourable lover, but declined
matrimony for several years, as she had no fortune, and his
expectations from his father were much larger than they
were likely to turn out. At length, however, they married,
about the year 1752; and their first publication was this
correspondence, published by subscription, and not very
successful with any class of readers, not even the sentimentalists, for whom it was chiefly calculated. Some of
the letters, however, are of a superior cast, and contain
many sensible remarks on books, men, and manners. Their
next publication, which was also written in conjunction,
was “Two Novels, in Letters, 4 vols. the first and second,
entitled Delicate Distress, by Frances the third and fourth,
entitled the Gordian Knot, by Henry,
” The Triumvirate; or the authentic Memoirs of A. B. and C.
” 2 vols. 12mo, a novel of so Joose a
kind, that even his wife could not venture to recommend it
to the fair sex, and yet adds her opinion that “every gentleman will read it with pleasure, and I trust without any
injury to his morals.
” Of Mr. Griffith’s performances we
hear no more, nor have been able to ascertain the time of
his death. Mrs. Griffith’s other novels were “Lady Barton,
” and “Juliana HarJey.
” She also wrote some dramas
which had various success, but none of them have preserved their station on the stage. One of her most agreeable publications svas “The Morality of Shakspeare’s
Drama illustrated,
” The Adventures of Pierre Viaud,
” and the
“Letters of Ninon de L'Enclos,
” c. She died Jan. 3,
1793, at Millecenr, in the county of Kildare. She was unquestionably a woman of considerable literary talents, but
does not appear to have found in her lover and husband
the judgment which could give them a proper direction.
Nor did he contribute much to bar happiness in his latter
days. He had long accustomed himself to the cant of sentiment, which is too frequently mistaken for genuine moral
feeling. When in his grand climacteric, he seduced a girl
of fortune and consequence, with whom he lived the reminder of his days. The libehine notions in his “
Triumvirate
” appear to have been more predominant
sense he affected to entertain of pure morals in his “Letters.
”
e into Italy, where, visiting Tuscany, he was entertained with extraordinary politeness by the great duke, who, among other marks of esteem, gave him a very considerable
He had apparently other views at that time, for having experienced many advantages to his literary pursuits by his visit to England, he resolved to see France. In his tour thither, he passed through the cities of Brabant and Flanders; and arriving at Paris, was received with all the respect due to his father’s reputation and his own merit, which presently brought him into the acquaintance of Chaplain, d'Herbelot, Thevenot, and several other persons of distinguished learning. This satisfaction was somewhat damped by the news of his father’s death in 1672 soon after which he left Paris to attend Mr. Paats, ambassador extraordinary from the States-general to the court of Spain. They set out in the spring of 1672; and our author went thence into Italy, where, visiting Tuscany, he was entertained with extraordinary politeness by the great duke, who, among other marks of esteem, gave him a very considerable stipend, and the professor’s place of Pisa, vacant by the death of Chimentel. This nomination was the more honourable, both as he had the famous Henry Norris, afterwards a cardinal, for his colleague; and as he obtained it by the recommendation of Magliabecchi, whom he frequently visited at Florence, where he had an opportunity of consulting the Mss. in the Medicean library.
efused the chair of the celebrated Octavio Ferrari at Padua, and declined the invitation of Frederic duke of Sleswick to accept u considerable stipend for a lecture at
Having spent two years in Tuscany, he quitted his professorship; and visiting Venice and Padua, he passed through Germany to Leyden, whence he went to take possession of an estate left him by his mother’s brother, at Deventej. Here he sat down closely to his studies, and was employed in preparing an edition of Livy in 1679, when he was nominated to a professor’s place at Ley den, which he accepted; and by his inaugural speech obtained an augmentation to the salary of 400 florins a year, which was continued to his death. He was particularly pleased with the honour shewn to his merit; and Leyden being the city preferred by him, as the place of his education and his father’s residence, he resolved never to leave it for the sake of any other preferment. In this view he refused the chair of the celebrated Octavio Ferrari at Padua, and declined the invitation of Frederic duke of Sleswick to accept u considerable stipend for a lecture at Kell, in Holstein. This post was offered him in 1696, and two years afterwards the Venetian ambassador at the Hague made him larger offers to engage him to settle at Padua; but he withstood all attempts to draw him from Leyden, as his father had done before him and, to engage him firmer to them, in 1702, the curators of that university gave him the lecture of geography, with the same augmentation to the stipend as had been given to his predecessor Philip Cluverius.
While he continued here, some advantageous proposal? were made him from Spain, Poland, Denmark, the duke 1 of Holstein, and several other princes; but still entertaining
But no city ventured publicly to protect him; and the States-General, thinking themselves affronted by this boldness in continuing in the country without their leave, and by the repugnance he shewed to ask them pardon, issued an ordinance, December 10, 1631, enjoining all bailiffs of the country to seize his person, and give them notice: yet such was the general sympathy of his countrymen, that no person would execute it; and, to employ himself till his fate should be determined, he resolved to follow the business of a chamber-counsel. With this view he desired his brother, in a letter dated February 16, 1632, to send him what law books he might want for that office but of these he could make no long use; for, the States-General on March 10 renewed their ordinance, upon pain to those who would not obey, of lo.sing their places, and with a promise of 2000 florins to any one who should deliver him into the hands of justice. Upon this he thought proper to seek for an asylum elsewhere; and, on March 17, he set out from Amsterdam on his way to Hamburgh, and passed the fine season at an agreeable seat called Okenhuse, near the Elbe, belonging to William Morth, a Dutchman. On the approach of winter, he went to Hamburgh, and lodged with one Van Sorgen. a merchant: but the town did not prove agreeable to him, and he passed his time but heavily till the return of his wife from Zealand in autumn 1633. She had always been his consolation in adversity, and rendered all his sufferings more tolerable, not more by her affection, than by her good sense, and resources of mind. Her business at Zealand was to collect the remains of their fortune, which she probably brought with her to HambufgnY While he continued here, some advantageous proposal? were made him from Spain, Poland, Denmark, the duke 1 of Holstein, and several other princes; but still entertaining the thought of a reconciliation with his native country, it was long before he could be prevailed upon to abandon it, to which measure the following circumstances at last contributed.
vine and critical scholar, was born at Cobourg in 1723, where his father was aulic counsellor to the duke of Saxe-Cobourg. He was educated in his infancy at home under
, an eminent divine and
critical scholar, was born at Cobourg in 1723, where his
father was aulic counsellor to the duke of Saxe-Cobourg.
He was educated in his infancy at home under private
tutors. In his thirteenth year he was sent to Weisenborn,
and placed under the care of John Faccius, an eminent
classical scholar, and after a year’s residence here went to
the university of Casimir, where he enjoyed the instructions and lectures of Berger, Albrecht, and other eminent
professors. In 1742 he removed to Jena, where he pursued his studies with great diligence and success, and took
his degrees in philosophy, In 1764 he was invited to be
professor of theology at Halle, and died there in 1778.
His talents are represented to have been very various, and
his diligence indefatigable. He published a new edition
of “Cselius Sedulius,
” with various commentaries, “An
Introduction to Roman Antiquities,
” “Miscellanea Sacra,
”
“Various critical Remarks on the Classics,
” new editions
of Eutropius, printed at Cobourg in
as the States had possessed themselves of it; but, when the city was threatened with a siege by the duke of Parma in 15S4-, was sent to France, where he resided some
After taking his degree, he went to Antwerp, to his fa ther, who had returned thither as soon as the States had possessed themselves of it; but, when the city was threatened with a siege by the duke of Parma in 15S4-, was sent to France, where he resided some years, and then visited other countries. The particular route and circumstances of his travels afterwards are not known; but it appears that he read public lectures upon the Classics at Rostock, particularly on Suetonius. He was in Prussia, when Christian, duke of Saxony, offered him the chair of hi story -professor in the university of Wittemburg; which place he enjoyed but a few months: for, upon the death of that prince, his successors desiring the professors to subscribe the act of concord on pain of forfeiting their places, Gruterus chose rather to resign than subscribe a confession of faith which he could not reconcile to his conscience. He was treated with particular seventy on this occasion for, while two others who were deprived on the same account, had half a year’s salary allowed them by way of gratification, according to the custom of those countries, with regard to persons honourably discharged; yet in the case of Gruterus, they did not defray even the expences of his journey. Where he went immediately after this does not appear; but we are told, that, being at Padua at the time of Riccoboni’s death, that professor’s place was offered to him, together with liberty of conscience: the salary too was very considerable, yet he refused all these advantages. He was apprehensive that so profitable and honourable an employment would expose him to the attacks of envy, and he would not submit to the bare exercise of his religion in private. He was therefore much better pleased with an invitation to Heidelberg, where he filled the professor’s chair with great reputation for many years; and, in 1602, had the direction of that famous library, which was afterwards carried to Rome.
dius, his son-in-law, endeavoured in vain to save it, by writing to one of the great officers of the duke of Bavaria’s troops; but the licentiousness of the soldiers
This employ suited his genius, and soon after he published the most useful of his works, his large collection of inscriptions, whjch is dedicated to the emperor Rodolphus II. who bestowed great encomiums upon it, and gave Gruterus the choice of his own reward. He answered that he would leave it to the emperor’s pleasure, only begged it might not be pecuniary. In the same temper, upon hearing there was a design to give him a coat of arms, in order to raise the dignity of his extraction, he declared, that, so far from deserving a new coat of arms, he was too much burthened with those which had devolved to him from his ancestors. The emperor was then desired to grant him a general licence for all the books of his own publishing, which he not only consented to, but also granted him a privilege of licensing others. His majesty also intended to create him a count of the sacred palace; and the patent was actually drawn, and brought to be ratified by his sign manual; but this monarch happening to die in the interim, it was left without the signature, which it never afterwards received. Yet Gruterus bestowed the same encomiums on the good emperor as if it had been completed; and his privilege of licensing books continued to be of great advantage to him, being one of the most voluminous writers of his age. This task he was the better enabled to execute by the help of his library, which was large and curious, having cost him no less than twelve thousand crowns in gold; but the whole was destroyed or plundered, together with the city of Heidelberg, in 1622. Oswald Smendius, his son-in-law, endeavoured in vain to save it, by writing to one of the great officers of the duke of Bavaria’s troops; but the licentiousness of the soldiers could not be restrained. Afterwards he went to Heidelberg, and having witnessed the havock that had been made at his father’s house, he tried to save at least what Gruterus’s amanuensis had lodged in the elector’s libra^, and brought the Pope’s commission to give him leave to remove them. He received for answer, that as to the Mss. the pope had ordered them all to be sought for carefully, and carried to Home; but as to the printed books, leave would be given to restore them to Gruterus, provided it was approved by Tilly under his hand: but this pretended favour prove4 of no effect, as no access could be had to Tilly,
e for literature. Having lost his first wife, he married again to injure his son’s interest; hut the duke Hercules II. interposed, and assigned to our poet a proportion
Guarino had the misfortune to be early involved in family law-suits, and had to apply for the heritage of his grandfather and grand- uncle in opposition to francis Guahuo, his father, who has left no other character than that of a keen sportsman, and who was the only one of the family that had no taste for literature. Having lost his first wife, he married again to injure his son’s interest; hut the duke Hercules II. interposed, and assigned to our poet a proportion of the family property, which was very considerable. Battista married himself about this time Taddea Bendedei, a lady of a noble family of Ferrara.
In his thirtieth year he entered into the service of the duke Alphonso II.; but there seems some difficulty in understanding
In his thirtieth year he entered into the service of the duke Alphonso II.; but there seems some difficulty in understanding the order and nature of the business on which he was employed, and the origin of the title of knight which is usually joined to his name, and which he had engraven on the seal with which he sealed his letters. It is probable, however, that the duke bestowed this title on him as a necessary appendage to the rank of ambassador. The first office of this kind which he filled, was in 1567, when he was sent to Venice, with the congratulations of the duke Alphonso to the new doge Pier Loredano, and the address which he spoke on this occasion being printed, gave the Italian literati a very favourable idea of his talents. The duke then sent him as resident ambassador to Emmanuel Philebert, duke of Savoy, and after continuing there some years, he was sent to Rome in 1571, to compliment pope Gregory XIII. as successor to Pius V. He arrived by post in the evening, passed the night in writing his address, and delivered it next morning in a full consistory. Two years afterwards, the duke sent him to Germany to the emperor Maximilian, whence he went to Poland, to congratulate Henry of Valois on his accession to the throne, in 1571.
etired in 1582, with his family to la Guarina, a pleasant country-seat at Polesina de Itovigo, which duke Borso had presented to his grand-father, as a reward for his
After his return to Ferrara, he spent his time in the service of his prince, in study, and in managing some lawsuits, from which it was his misfortune to be seldom free;
but finding still more fatigue and uneasiness in attending the court, he made these law-suits a pretext for asking
leave to resign, which was granted. Become now his own
master, at the age of forty-five years, fifteen of which he
had spent in a service by no means of any advantage to
himself, he retired in 1582, with his family to la Guarina,
a pleasant country-seat at Polesina de Itovigo, which duke
Borso had presented to his grand-father, as a reward for
his services as envoy in France. Here he determined to
pass the five finest months of the year, and the rest at
Padua. He had now eight children, three sons and five
daughters; he was also involved in lawsuits and in debts;
all his time and every effort appeared necessary to recover
from such a situation, and he seems at one time to have
despaired of finding any leisure to cultivate polite literature. After he had been, however, quietly settled at this
country seat, he found that he could relax a little from his
more serious and pressing occupations. The fame which
accompanied the publication of Tasso’s “Aminta
” recalled
Guarino’s attention to a work which he had sketched many
years before, and had occasionally touched and re-touched,
but without completing it. Tasso and he, we have already
observed, were friends in their youth, but when they met
at the court of Ferrara, rivulship in, court gallantries and
poetry had separated them. Some satirical sonnets passed
between them, but here their animosity ended, and they
henceforth had the liberality to do justice to each other’s
talents. Tasso’s misfortunes were now begun, and Guarino, shocked at the incorrect manner in which the first
editions of the “Jerusalem delivered
” were printed without the knowledge of the author, took every pains to prepare it for a correct edition, and bestowed the same care
on the other published works of that poqt. The only thing
be would not yield toTasso was superiority, and though unable to rival him in his larger poems, he thought he could
surpass him in pastoral, and his “Pastor Fido
” was to be
the criterion. Besides submitting the manuscript to some
men of taste, he read it before the duke Ferdinand II. of
Gonzaga, at Guastalla, and a large company, composed
of poets, admirers of poetry, and ladies of the first rank
and taste, who were unbounded in their applauses. It is
said to have been first performed at Turin in 1585, where
were celebrated the nuptials of Charles Emmanuel to the
infanta Catherine, daughter of Philip II. of Spain. This,
however, appears doubtful, although it is more clear that
it was much read on this occasion, and that the fame which
it required reached the ears of Guarino’s old master, duke
Alphonso, who invited him most pressingly, to return to
Ferrara, with the title of secretary of state.
expended at their marriage. His son, deprived of his income for nine months, at last applied to the duke of Ferrara to interpose his authority, which he did, commanding
Having accepted this offer, he was employed, as formerly, on missions to Umbria, Milan, and other places, but now his tranquillity was disturbed by a domestic affair, in which he fancied he had been improperly treated;Alexander, his eldest son, who, in 1587, had married a rich heiress, niece to cardinal Canani, being weary of living under the subjection of his father, and disgusted, whether justly or not, with the treatment he met with from him, resolved to leave his house, and live apart with his wife. Guarino was so highly offended at their departure, that he immediately seized their income, on pretence of debts due to him for money expended at their marriage. His son, deprived of his income for nine months, at last applied to the duke of Ferrara to interpose his authority, which he did, commanding the chief judge to take cognizance of the affair, who immediately decided it in favour of Alexander. This sentence exasperated the father still more; so that, looking on it as a proof that the duke had no regard for him, he addressed a letter to him in the most respectful but strongest terms, to be dismissed the service; which the duke granted, though not without intimating some displeasure at Guarino, for shewing so little regard to the favours he had conferred on him. The treatment, however, which Tasso had suffered was a recent lesson for the poets who iiad the misfortune to be patronized by Alphonso, and Guarino immediately went into the service of the duke of Savoy, where he had some reason to expect a better lot; but here he did not remain many months; and during a year of repose in the country, he resumed his labours on his favourite pastoral, which at length was published in 1590, at Venice, 4to, and the same year at Ferrara, in 12mo. The great applause which he received from this poem, was followed by a most severe loss in the death of his wile, Dec. 25, 1590, at Padua. This misfortune appears to have greatly affected him. His two eldest sons had left him two of his daughters were married three others he had placed in convents and from being surrounded by a numerous family, he was now left with one boy only often years old. In this desolate state he appears to have entertained thoughts of going to Home and becoming an ecclesiastic. He was, however, diverted from this step by an invitation received in 1592 from the duke of Mantua, who sent him to Inspruck to negociate some affairs at the archduke’s court. But he afterwards was dismissed this service, as he had been that of Ferrara, by the solicitations of duke Alphonso; who, it is said, could not bear that a subject of his, of Guarino’s merit, should serve other princes. Thus persecuted, he went to Rome apparently with the design just mentioned, but was again prevented from executing it by a reconciliation with Alphonso, which brought him back to Ferrara in 1595. This reconciliation was obtained by his son Alexander, who was very much beloved at court. However, fresh quarrels between father and son soon broke out again, which were afterwards carried to a great height; and, great changes happening upon the death of Alphonso in 1597, Guarino thought himself ill used, and left Ferrara to go to Ferdinand de Medicis, grand duke of Tuscany, who expressed a great esteem for him.
med Cassandra Pontaderi, and married her. Guarino no sooner heard the news, but suspecting the grand duke was privy to the marriage, and even promoted it, he left his
But here again an unlucky accident cut short his hopes; he carried with him to Florence Guarino Guarini, his third son, but fifteen years of age, and sent him to Pisa to complete his studies in that city. There the youth fell in love with a noble but poor widow, named Cassandra Pontaderi, and married her. Guarino no sooner heard the news, but suspecting the grand duke was privy to the marriage, and even promoted it, he left his service abruptly; and, returning to Ferrara, went thence to the prince of Urbino, but in a year’s time came back to Ferrara, in 1604. He was sent the same year by the magistrates of the city of Rome, to congratulate Paul V. on his elevation to the papal chair. This was probably his last public employ. He resided at Ferrara till 1609, going occasionally to Venice to attend his law-suits, which carried him in 1610 to Rome, where they were determined in his favour. Passing through Venice on his return home, he was seized, in his inn there, with the distemper which put a period to his life, October 7, 1612, when he was seventy-four years of age.
ells Ezekiei Spanheim in a letter, August 1671, that Gudius was made librarian and counsellor to the duke of Holstein; and in another to Fulconieri, June 1672, that he
Gudius and Schas set out for Germany, July 1664; but their excursion was short, for they returned to the Hague in December. They went over to England, some time before they went to Germany: but no particulars of this journey are recorded. Gudius continued at the Hague till 1671, refusing to accept any thing, though two professorships were offered him; and then went to settle in his own country, yet without disuniting himself from his pupil, with whom he had lived long as an intimite friend. Heinsius tells Ezekiei Spanheim in a letter, August 1671, that Gudius was made librarian and counsellor to the duke of Holstein; and in another to Fulconieri, June 1672, that he was married. In 1674 he was sent by tbat prince to the court of Denmark and, December 1675, was informed at the Hague, that Schas was dead at Holstein, and had left his estate to Gudius, with legacies to Graevius, Gronovius, Heinsius, and other learned men: which legacies, however, were revoked in a codicil. The will was contested by the relations of Schas; but Gudius carried the estate, and, as Heinsius relates in a letter, 1676, from that time is said to have discontinued his correspondence with his learned friends in Holland, which we cannot be surprized at, if it be true, as suspected, that he had some hand in the will by which Schas left him his estate. Graevius remarks that he was not only expert at explaining old manuscripts, but also in making new ones.
io edit*, cum annotationibus eofum," Leuwardiae, folio. About the beginning of the last century, the duke of Wolfenbutel purchased Gudius’s manuscripts, and employed
In 1678, he was irretrievably disgraced with his prince,
which created him much affliction, as his learning had not
freed his mind from avarice and ambition. However, he
was a little comforted afterwards, by being made counsellor to the king of Denmark. He died, somewhat immaturely, in 1689 Burman calls his death immature; and it
is certain he could not be old. Though it was constantly
expected from him, yet he never published any thing of
consequence. At Jena, in 1657, came out a thesis of his,
“De Clinicis, sive Grabatariis veteris Ecclesise:
” and in
Hippolyti
Martyris de Antichristo librum, Grace,
” a piece never
printed before. His Mss. however, with his own collations, he communicated to Gronovius, Graevius, Heinsius,
and others, who all considered him as excellent in philology and criticism. “Ingenio & doctrina recondita in
primis hujus saeculi conspicuus Marquardus Gudius,
” are
the words of Graevius, in his preface to “Florus:
” and
Burman, who was far from being lavish of praise, speaks of
him in the highest terms, in the preface to “Phaedrus,
”
which he published at Amsterdam in A Collection of Epistles of Gudius and his Friends/*
whence these memoirs of him are taken: and, in 1731,
came out
” Antiquae Inscriptiones, cum Graecae torn Latinae, olim a Marquardo Gudio collectae, nuper a Joanne
Koolio digestae, hortatu consilioque Joamiis Georgii Graevii;
nunc a Francisco Hesselio edit*, cum annotationibus
eofum," Leuwardiae, folio. About the beginning of the last
century, the duke of Wolfenbutel purchased Gudius’s
manuscripts, and employed Leibnitz in making the bargain, as well as in transporting them to his library. They
consisted of a vast number of early Mss. of Greek and Latin authors, many of which had never been used.
ope, and had, besides, composed ten books of designs.” He received the honour of knighthood from the duke of Mantua. He died a bachelor in 1666, very rich, notwithstanding
The few specimens left of Guercino’s first manner, are
at Bologna and Cento; of the second, are, in general, all
he painted at Rome in fresco or in oil, the Aurora in the
Villa Ludovisi, the St. Petronilla now in the Louvre, and
the Dido in the Spada collection, and of that style is the
cupola of the dome in Piacenza; of the third manner,
though it bears many traces of the second, the picture of
the Circumcision, once at Bologna, now in the Louvre, is
the most celebrated. Guercino was invited to Rome by
Gregory XV. and after two years spent there with much
success, returned home whence he could not be drawn by
the most powerful allurements from either the kings of
England or France. Nor could Christina, queen of Sweden, prevail with him to leave Bologna, though in her p-ssage through it she made him a visit, and would not be satisfied till she had taken him by the hand; “that hand,
”
said she, “which had painted 106 altar-pieces, 144 pictures for people of the first quality in Europe, and had,
besides, composed ten books of designs.
” He received
the honour of knighthood from the duke of Mantua. He
died a bachelor in 1666, very rich, notwithstanding vast
sums of money, which he had expended in building chapels, founding hospitals, and other acts of charity: for, it
is reported, that he was every where as much venerated for
his exemplary piety and charity, as for his knowledge and
skill in his profession.
as the situations of censor royal, and of keeper of the cabinet of natural history belonging to the duke of Orleans. He travelled much in quest of knowledge, and he
, a French physician
and botanist, was born at Estampes, September 22, 1715,
and was admitted a doctor of the faculty of medicine of
Paris in 1742. He distinguished himself in the study of
botany and mineralogy, and his reputation procured for
him admission into the academies of science of Paris,
Stockholm, Florence, and Rochelle, as well as the situations of censor royal, and of keeper of the cabinet of natural history belonging to the duke of Orleans. He travelled much in quest of knowledge, and he published in
the collection of the academy of sciences, and printed in
two quarto volumes, nearly two hundred memoirs, on different parts of natural history. He likewise published
some “Observations on Plants,
” Paris,
presently raised to the highest dignities in the ecclesiastical state. Having in 1523 prevented the duke of Ferrara from seizing Modena, the pope, in acknowledgement
His merit in this government recommended him, in 1521, to that of Parma, whence he drove away the French, and confirmed the Parmesans in their obedience; and this at a time when the holy see was vacant by the death of Leo, and the people he commanded full of fears, disheartened, and unarmed. He retained the same post under Adrian VI, to whom he discovered the dangerous designs of Alberto Pio da Carpi, and got him removed from the government of Reggio and Rubiera. Clement VII. on his exaltation to the pontificate, confirmed him in that government. This pope was of the house of Medici, to which Guicciardini was particularly attached; and, in return, we find him presently raised to the highest dignities in the ecclesiastical state. Having in 1523 prevented the duke of Ferrara from seizing Modena, the pope, in acknowledgement thereof, not only made him governor of that city, but constituted him president of Romagna, with unlimited authority. This was a post of great dignity and power, yet as factions then ran very high, the situation was both laborious and dangerous. However, he not only by his prudence overcame all these difficulties, but found means, in the midst of them, to improve the conveniences and delight of the inhabitants. Their towns which lay almost in rubbish, he embellished with good houses and stately buildings; a happiness, of which they were so sensible, that it rendered the name of Guicciardini dear to them, and they were overjoyed, when, after a farther promotion of Francis, they understood he was to be succeeded in his government by his brother. This happened June 6,
, when he resolved to quit the place. Some time after his arrival in Florence, upon the death of the duke, he had influence enough in the senate to procure the election
Guicciardini did not remain continually at Bologna, but divided his time between that city and Florence. In February this year, he sent a letter of instructions to Florence; and in April received orders from the Pope to reform the state there, and to put Alessandro in the possession of the government. Wise and prudent, however, as he was, discontents and faction at length arose. As long as Clement sat in the papal chair, the discontented murmured only in private; but upon that Pope’s death, in 1534, the disgust shewed itself openly: two noblemen in particular, Castelli and Pepoli, who till then had been fugitives, entered the city at noon-day, with a retinue of several of their friends, and some outlawed persons, well armed. The governor, looking upon this as done in contempt of his person, meditated how to revenge the affront. One evening two proscribed felons, under Pepoli’s protection, were taken up by the officers as they were walking the streets, and carried to prison: and Guicciardini, without any farther process, ordered them to be immediately executed. Pepoli, highly incensed, assembled a number of hrs friends, and was going in quest of the governor to seek his revenge, when the senate sent some their members to desire him to return home, and not to occasion a tumult, which> for fear of disobliging that body, he complied with. It was this good disposition of the senate towards him, which prevailed with Guicciardini to remain in the government after the death of Clement. He foresaw that the people would no longer submit to his commands, and therefore had resolved to quit the government; but the senate, considering that many disorders might happen, if they were left without a governor in the time of the vacant see, begged him to continue, promising that he should have all the assistance requisite. To this he at last consented; and, with true magnanimity and firmness of mind, despising the danger that threatened him, remained in the city, till he understood that a new governor was appointed, when he resolved to quit the place. Some time after his arrival in Florence, upon the death of the duke, he had influence enough in the senate to procure the election of Cosmo, son of John de Medici, to succeed in the sovereignty. But, though he had interested himself so much in the election, yet he soon quitted the court, and meddled in public affairs no farther than by giving his advice occasionally, when required. He was now past fifty, an age when business becomes disgusting to persons of a reflecting turn. His chief wish was, that he might live long enough, in a quiet recess, to finish his history. In this resolution he retired to his delightful country-seat at Emma, where he gave himself up entirely to the work; nor could he be drawn from it by all the intreaties and advantageous offers that were made him by pope Paul III. who, in the midst of his retirement, passing from Nice to Florence, earnestly solicited our historian, first in person, then by letters, and at last by the mediation of cardinal Ducci, to come to Rome. But he was proof against all solicitations, and, excusing himself in a handsome manner to his holiness, adhered closely to his great design; so that, though he enjoyed this happy tranquillity a few years only, yet in that time he brought his history to a conclusion; and had revised the whole, except the four last books , when he was seized with a fever, May 27, 1540, of which he died.
cate at Bourg-en-Brasse. He distinguished himself by his works, and was loaded with favours from the duke of Savoy for his excellent “Hist. Genealogique de la Maison
, an ingenious and judicious
French historian in the seventeenth century, was a native
of Macon, and advocate at Bourg-en-Brasse. He distinguished himself by his works, and was loaded with favours
from the duke of Savoy for his excellent “Hist. Genealogique de la Maison Royale de Savoie,
” Une Suite Chronologique des Eveques
de Belley,
” 4to. “Hist.de Brasse et de Bugey,
” Hist, de la Principaute* de
Dombes,
” never printed; also a collection of the most remarkable acts and titles of the Province of Brasse and
Bugey, entitled “Bibliotheca Sebnsiana,
”
nts for poetry recommended him so powerfully at court, that he received great encouragement from the duke. He composed some pieces at that time, which, though they savoured
, an Italian poet, was born at Pavia^ in Milan, 1650, and sent to Parma at sixteen years of age. His uncommon talents for poetry recommended him so powerfully at court, that he received great encouragement from the duke. He composed some pieces at that time, which, though they savoured of the bad taste thei> prevailing, yet shewed genius, and a capacity for better things. He had afterwards a desire to see Rome, and, in 1683, going thither by the permission of the duke of Parma, and being already known by his poems y found no difficulty in being introduced to persons of the first distinctiort. Among others, Christina queen of Sweden wished to see him; and was so pleased with a poem, which he composed at her request, that she had a great desire to retain him at her court. The term allowed him by the duke being expired, he returned to Parma; but the queen having signified her desire to that prince’s resident at Rome, and the duke being acquainted with it, Guidi was sent back to Rome in May 1685.
a good benefice for him from Innocent XI. yet he did not cease to feel the esteem of his master the duke of Parma, but received from him a pension, which was paid very
His abode in this city was highly advantageous to him; for, being received into the academy which was held at the queen of Sweden’s, he became acquainted with several of the learned who were members of it. He began then to read the poems of Dante, Petrarch, and Chiabrara; which reformed the bad taste he had contracted. The reading of these and other good authors entirely changed his manner of writing; and the pieces he wrote afterwards were of quite a different style and taste. Though the queen of Sweden was very kind to him, and obtained a good benefice for him from Innocent XI. yet he did not cease to feel the esteem of his master the duke of Parma, but received from him a pension, which was paid very punctually. The death of his royal patroness happened in 1689, but he did not leave Rome; lor the duke of Parma gave him an apartment in his palace there, and his loss was abundantly recompensed by the liberality of many persons of quality. In July 1691, he was made a member of the academy of Arcadi at Rome, under the name of Erilo Cleoneo, nine months after its foundation, and was one of its chief ornaments. Clement XI. who knew him well, and did him kind offices while he was a cardinal, continued his favours to him after he was raised to the pontificate.
fterwards, a revolution took place in Denmark; Christian was driven from his dominions; and Frederic duke of Holstein, uncle of Christian, was made his successor. There
, or more properly Gustavus Ericson, king of Sweden, was the son of Eric Vasa, and descended from the ancient kings of Sweden. He was born in 1490. His great passion was the love of glory, and this difficulties and dangers increased rather than diminished. He lived at a time when the greatest part of the wealth of Sweden was in the hands of the clergy, when every nobleman was, in his own territories, a sovereign, and, lastly, when Steeno was administrator of the realm. In the war which was originally prosecuted betwixt the Swedes and Christian king of Denmark, this last, having got Gustavus into his power, kept him a prisoner many years in Denmark. He at length made his escape, and through innumerable dangers got back to his native country, where, for a long period, he used every effort to rouse his countrymen to resist and repel their invaders and victorious enemies. In this, however, he was not successful; and Christian of Denmark having got possession of Stockholm and Coltnar, exercised the cruelest tyranny on all ranks, and in one day put to death ninety-four nobles, among whom was the father of Gustavus. Gustavus at length prevailed on the Dalecarlians to throw off the yoke; and, at the 4 head of a considerable body of forces, entered the provinces of Halsingia, Gestricia, and some others. After a series of desperate adventures, temporary successes, and frequent defeats; he recovered Upsal; for which disappointment Christian put to death the mother and sister of Gustavus in cruel torments. Having overcome East Gothland, and blockaded Stockholm, he convened the Staters-General, and was by them offered the title of King. This he refused, and was satisfied with the regal power, and title of administrator. A short time afterwards, a revolution took place in Denmark; Christian was driven from his dominions; and Frederic duke of Holstein, uncle of Christian, was made his successor. There was now nothing to oppose Gustavus; he therefore summoned the States to meet at Stregnez, filled up the vacancies of the senate, and was proclaimed king with the usual forms of election. He also prevailed on the States to render the crown hereditary to the male heirs; and, to make the life of Gustavus yet more remarkable in history, it was in his reign that Lutheranism was established as the natural religion of Sweden. The latter part of his life was spent in cultivating the arts of peace, and in decorating his metropolis with noble edifices. He died at Stockholm, of a gradual decay, on the 9th of September, 1560, in the seventieth year of his age, and was quietly succeeded in his throne by his eldest sou Eric.
al great personages. He returned to Paris by the way of Germany, and was taken into the house of the duke d'Epernon, to teach the abbot de Granselve, who was made cardinal
, an eminent critic, was born of a good family at Angers, in 1575. He lost his father and mother when a child; and the small estate they left him was wasted by the imprudence of his guardians. He applied himself, however, intensely to books; and, with a view to improve himself by the conversation of learned men, he took a journey to Paris in 1599. The acquaintance he formed with the sons of Claudius du Puy proved very advantageous to him; for, the most learned persons in Paris frequently visited these brothers, and many of them met every day in the house of Thuanus, where Mess, du Puy received company. After the death of that president, they held those conferences in the same place; and Guyet constantly made one. He went to Rome in 1608, and applied himself to the Italian tongue with such success as to be able to write Italian verses. He was much esteemed by cardinal du Perron and several great personages. He returned to Paris by the way of Germany, and was taken into the house of the duke d'Epernon, to teach the abbot de Granselve, who was made cardinal de la V alette in 1621. His noble pupil, who conceived so great an esteem for him as always to entrust him with his most important affairs, took him to Rome, and procured him a good benefice; but Guyet, after his return to Paris, chose to live a private life rather than in the house of the cardinal, and resided in Burgundy college. Here he spent the remainder of his life, employed in his studies; and wrote a dissertation, in which he pretended to shew that the Latin tongue was derived from the Greek, and that all the primitive words of the latter consisted only of one syllable; but of this they found, after his death, only a vast compilation of Greek and Latin words, without any order or coherence, and without any preface to explain his project. But the reading of the ancient authors was his favourite employment, and the margins of his classics were full of notes, many of which have been published. Those upon Hesiod were imparted to Graevius, who inserted them in his edition of that author, 1667. The most complete collection found among his papers was his notes upon Terence; and therefore they were sent to Boeclerus, and afterwards printed. He took great liberties as a critic: for he rejected as supposititious all such verses as seemed to him not to savour of the author’s genius. Thus he struck out many verses of Virgil discarded the first ode in Horace and would not admit the secret history of Procopius. Notwithstanding the boldness of his criticisms, and his free manner of speaking in conversation, he was afraid of the public; and dreaded Salmasius in particular, who threatened to write a book against him if he published hjs thoughts about some passages in ancient authors. He was generally accounted a man of great learning, and is said to have been a sincere and honest man. He was cut for the stone in 1636; excepting which, his long life was hardly attended with any illness. He died of a catarrh, after three days illness, in the arms of James du Puy, and Menage his countryman, April 12, 1655, aged eighty. His life is written in Latin, with great judgment and politeness, by Mr. Portner, a senator of Ratisbon, who took the supposititious name of Antonius Periander Rhaetus; and is prefixed to his notes upon Terence, printed with those of Boeclerus, at Strasburg, in 1657, an edition in no great estimation.
attorney-general of Jamaica, and widow of Elias Deritt, esq. deputy o'f the great wardrobe under the duke of Montague, by whom he had no issue; the counts of his name
Gyllenborg afterwards waited on Charles XII. and was
appointed, with baron Goertz, minister-plenipotentiary at
the conferences of pacification which were opened with
the court of Russia in the isle of Aland, but which terminated without success. In 1719 he was raised to the dignity of high chancellor of Sweden. In the beginning of
the following year he also acted an important part in the
negociations respecting the accession of Frederick I. to the
throne, and gained constantly greater influence during the
reign of this monarch, who appointed him counsellor of
the Swedish empire, and chancellor of the university of
Lund; and in 1739, when a great change took place in the
senate and ministry, in which he took an active part, he
was made president of chancery, minister for the foreign
and home departments, and soon after chancellor of tin*
university of Upsal. He died Dec. 14, 1746, with a high
character for political talent, general learning, and ambition to promote learning and science in his country. He
left to the university of Upsal, his valuable cabinet of natural history, remarkable for a great number of amphibious
productions and corals, which Linnæus has described under
the title “Amphibia Gyllenborgiana.
” He appears also
to have been a man of a religious turn of mind, from his
translating into the Swedish language Sherlock’s “Discourse on Death,
” but which he could not get licensed,
as the Swedish clergy pretended to find some things in it
contrary to sound doctrine. He procured it, therefore, to
be printed in Holland, and distributed the whole edition
for the benefit of his countrymen. He als* translated some
English comedies, with alterations suitable to the genius
of the Swedes, which were acted with applause at Stockholm. He had a concern in a periodical paper called the
“Argus,
” printed at Stockholm, but which, owing to the
editor meddling imprudently with politics, appears to have
been discountenanced. The count married an English
lady, second daughter of John Wright, esq. attorney-general of Jamaica, and widow of Elias Deritt, esq. deputy o'f
the great wardrobe under the duke of Montague, by whom
he had no issue; the counts of his name in Sweden are his
collateral relations. His lady’s daughter by Mr. Deritt,
accompanying her mother to Sweden, was created countess
Gyllenborg, and afterwards married Baron Sparre, on
whose dqath she returned to England, where she died in
1766, and her daughter by the Baron died at Thirske in
Yorkshire in 1778.
by the Marriages of Philip King of Spain and the Lady Elizabeth of France, and of Philibert Emanuel Duke of Savoy, and the Lady Margaret of France;” and another entitled
, a French
historian, of an ancient family, was born at Bourdeaux about
1535. He went to court at twenty years of age, and in
1556 and 1557 was secretary to Francis de Noailles, bishop
of Acqs, in his embassies to England and Venice. After
that, his first appearance in the republic of letters was in
the quality of a poet and translator. In 1559, he published
a poem, entitled “The Union of the Princes, by the Marriages of Philip King of Spain and the Lady Elizabeth of
France, and of Philibert Emanuel Duke of Savoy, and the
Lady Margaret of France;
” and another entitled “The
Tomb of the most Christian King Henry II.
” In 1560 he
published an abridged translation of “Tully’s Offices, 7 '
and of
” Eutropius’s Roman History;“and, in 1568, of
” The Life of JEmilius Probus.“He applied himself
afterwards to the writing of history, and succeeded so well,
that by his first performances of this nature, he obtained
of Charles IX. the title of Historiographer of France 1571.
He had published the year before at Paris a book entitled
” Of the State and Success of the Affairs of France;“which
was reckoned very curious, and was often reprinted. He
augmented it in several successive editions, and dedicated it
to Henry IV. in 1594: the best editions of it are those of
Paris 1609 and 1613, in 8vo. He had published also the
same year a work entitled
” Of the Fortune and Power of
France, with a Summary Discourse on the Design of a History of France:“though Niceron suspects that this may be
the same with
” The Promise and Design of the History of
France," which he published in 1571, in order to let
Charles IX. see what he might expect from him in support
of the great honour he had conferred of historiographer of
France. In 1576, he published a history, which reaches
from Phararnond to the death of Charles VII. and was the
first who composed a body of the French history in French.
Henry III. shewed his satisfaction with this by the advantageous and honourable gratifications he made the author.
The reasons which induced de Haillan to conclude his
work with Charles Vllth’s death were, that the event beingrecent, he must eitlier conceal the truth, or provoke the
resentment of men in power, but he afterwards promised
Henry IV. to continue this history to his time, as may be
seen in his dedication to him of this work in 1594; nothing
however of this kind was found among his papers after his
death: the booksellers, who added a continuation to his
work as far as to 1615, and afterwards as far as to 1627,
took it from Paulus Æmilius, de Comines, Arnoul Ferron,
du Bellay, &c.
of the counsel to the earl of Strafford, archbishop Laud, and king Charles himself 5 as also to the duke of Hamilton, the earl of Holland, the lord Capel, and the lord
Some time before the civil wars broke out, he was called
to the bar, and began to make a figure in the world; but,
observing how difficult it was to preserve his integrity, and
yet live securely, he resolved to follow those two maxims
of Pomponius Atticus, who lived in similar times; viz.
“To engage in no faction, nor meddle in public business,
and constantly to favour and relieve those that were lowest.
”
He often relieved the royalists in their necessities, which
so ingratiated him with them, that he became generally
employed by them in his profession. He was one of the
counsel to the earl of Strafford, archbishop Laud, and king
Charles himself 5 as also to the duke of Hamilton, the earl
of Holland, the lord Capel, and the lord Craven. Being
esteemed a plain honest man, and of great knowledge in
the law, he was equally acceptable to the presbyterians
and the loyalists. In 1643 he took the covenant, and appeared several times with other lay -persons among the
assembly of divines. He was then in great esteem with
the parliament, and employed by them in several affairs,
particularly in the reduction of the garrison at Oxford;
being as a lawyer added to the commissioners named by
the parliament to treat with those appointed by the king.
In that capacity he was instrumental in saving the university, by advising them, especially the general Fairfax, to
preserve that seat of learning from ruin. Afterwards,
though no man more lamented the murder of Charles I.
he took the oath called “The Engagement;
” and, January
eceptor to Charles I. and afterwards provost of Eton college, and her mother was subgoverness to the duke of Gloucester and the princess Elizabeth. Anne was instructed
, a learned English lady, the
daughter of Mr. Robert Murray of the Tullibardin family,
and allied by the mother’s side to the Perth family, was
born in London, Jan. 4, 1622. Her father was preceptor
to Charles I. and afterwards provost of Eton college, and
her mother was subgoverness to the duke of Gloucester
and the princess Elizabeth. Anne was instructed by her
parents in every polite and liberal science; but theology
and physic were her favourite studies. She became so
particularly versed in the latter art, and in the practice of
surgery, that she was consulted by the first personages in
the kingdom: and the reputation of her skill was also diffused over Holland, whence many persons came for her
advice. She was a faithful royalist, and a sufferer in the
cause of Charles. On March 2, 1656, she was married to
sir James Halket, a worthy and amiable man, to whom she
bore four children, one of which, Robert, her eldest son,
only survived. During her first pregnancy she wrote,
mder the apprehension that she should not survive her
delivery, a tract, containing excellent instructions, entitled
“The Mother’s Will to the Unborn Child.
” She was
fourteen years a wife, and twenty-eight a widow. She was
an acute theologian and a profound student. Her learning,
simplicity, unaffected piety, exemplary conduct, and sweetness of manners, conciliated universal respect and esteem.
She left twenty-one volumes, principally on religious subjects, some in folio, and others in quarto, from which a
volume of “Meditations
” was printed at Edinburgh in
at time during his life. An offer was also made him of being appointed mathematical preceptor to the duke of Cumberland; but he declined that honour in consideration
Upon the accession of king George II. his consort queen Caroline thought proper to make a visit at the royal observatory; and, being pleased with every thing she saw, took notice that Dr. Halley had formerly served the crown as a captain in the navy; and she soon after obtained a grant of his half-pay for that commission, which he enjoyed from that time during his life. An offer was also made him of being appointed mathematical preceptor to the duke of Cumberland; but he declined that honour in consideration of his advanced age, and because he deemed the ordinary attendance upon that employment not consistent with the performance of his duty at Greenwich. In August 1729 he was admitted as a foreign member of the academy of sciences at Paris. About 1737 he was seized with a paralytic disorder in his right hand, which, it is said, was the first attack he ever felt upon his constitution: however, he came as usual once a week till within a little while before his death, to see his friends in town on Thursday, before the meeting of the royal society. His paralytic disorder increasing, his strength gradually wore away, and he came at length to be wholly supported by such cordials as were ordered by his physician Dr. Mead. He expired as he sat in his chair, without a groan, January 14, 1741-2, in his eighty-sixth year, and was interred at Lee, near Blackheath.
it in the first parliament of Great Britain after the union. The same year he again served under the duke of Marlborough in Flanders; being in the latter end of May detached
, earl of Orkney, a brave officer, was the fifth son of William earl of Selkirk, and very early embraced the profession of arms. In March 1689-90 he was made a colonel, and distinguished himself with particular bravery at the battle of the Boyne, under king William, July 1, 1690; and those of Aghrim, July 12, 1691; of Steinkirk, Aug. 3, 1692, and of Lauden, July 19, 1693. Nor did he appear to less advantage at the sieges of Athlone, Limerick, and Namur. His eminent services in Ireland and Flanders through the whole course of the war, recommended him so highly to the favour of William III. that on Jan. 10, 1695-6, he was advanced to the dignity of a peer of Scotland, by the title of earl of Orkney. His lady, likewise, whom he married in 1695, and who was the daughter of sir Edward Villiers, knight-marshal, and a special favourite with the king, received a grant under the great seal of Ireland, of almost all the private estates of the abdicated king James, of very considerable value. Upon the accession of queen Anne, the earl of Orkney was promoted to the rank of majorgeneral March 9, 1701-2, to that of lieutenant-general Jan. 1, 1703-4, and in February following was made knight of the thistle. In 1704 his lordship was at the battle of Blenheim, which was crowned with so important a victory in favour of the allies; and he made prisoners of war a body of 1300 French officers and 12,000 common soldiers, who had been posted in the village of Blenheim. In July 1705, he was detached with 1200 men to march before the main body of the army, and to observe the march of a great detachment of the enemy, which marshal Villars had sent off to the Netherlands, as soon as he found the march of the allies was directed thither; and his lordship used such expedition, that he seasonably reinforced the Dutch, and prevented marshal Villeroy’s taking the citadel of Liege, about which his troops were then formed. The next month his lordship marched with fourteen battalionsof foot, and twenty-four squadrons of horse, to support the passage over the Dyle, which was immediately effected. In July 1706, he assisted at the siege of Menin; and on Feb. 12, 1706-7, was elected one of the sixteen peers for Scotland, to sit in the first parliament of Great Britain after the union. The same year he again served under the duke of Marlborough in Flanders; being in the latter end of May detached with seven battalions of foot from Meldart to the pass of Louvain, in order to preserve the communication with it, and on that side of Flanders; which his lordship did, and abode there during the time of the allied army’s encamping at Meldart. When they decamped on Aug. 1, to Nivelle, within two leagues of the French army, and a battle was expected, the earl, with twelve battalions of foot, and thirty squadrons of horse and dragoons, and all the grenadiers of the army, advanced a little out of the front of it, and lay all night within cannon-shot of the enemy; and the next morning charged their rear in their retreat for above a league and a half, and killed, disabled, and caused to desert, above 4000 of them. In the beginning of September following his lordship was again detached with another considerable body of troops to Turquony, under a pretence of foraging by the Scheld, but really with the design of drawing the enemy thither from Tournay to battle, and getting between them and the city. In November 1708, the earl commanded the van of the army at the passing of the Scheld; and in June the year following, assisted at the siege of Tournay, and took St. Amand and St. Martin’s Sconce; and on Aug. 20, was detached from the camp at Orchies towards St. Guilliampass, on the river Heine, towards the northward of Moms, in order to attack and take it, for the better passage of the army to Mons; and on the 30th of that month, was present at the battle of Malplaquet. In 1710 he was sworn of the privy-council; and made general of foot in Flanders, and in 1712 colonel of the royal regiment of foot-guards called the fuzileers, and served in Flanders under the duke of Ormond. In October, 1714, his lordship was appointed gentleman extraordinary of the bed-chamber to king George I. and on Dec. 17 following, governor of Virginia. He was likewise afterwards constable, governor and captain of Edinburgh castle, lord-lieutenant of the county of Clydesdale, and field-marshal. He died in London, at his house in Albemarle-street, Jan, 29, 1736-7.
s father, he was nephew to James Hamilton, earl of Arran, and by his mother, nephew to John Stewart, duke of Albany: Mackenzie, however, who cannot be suspected of any
, usually reckoned the first Scotch reformer, is said by all the Scotch ecclesiastical writers to have been of royal descent, as by his father, he was nephew to James Hamilton, earl of Arran, and by his mother, nephew to John Stewart, duke of Albany: Mackenzie, however, who cannot be suspected of any wish to degrade his countryman, maintains that his father was only a bastard brother of the earl of Arran, and his mother a bastard sister of the duke of Albany. Whatever truth there may be in this, it appears that he had great family interest, and being possessed of uncommon abilities, was intended for the higher offices in the church, had he not become its decided enemy. He was born in 1503, and after completing the usual course of studies at the university of St. Andrew’s, went to Germany, where he was, according to Dempster, made a professor in the university of Marpurg, which was newly erected by Philip, Landgrave of Hesse. During his residence abroad he imbibed the opinions of Luther, Melanchthon, and other reformers; and on his return to his own country, where he had been made abbot of Ferme, or Feme, in Ross-shire, he spared no pains in exposing what he considered as the corruptions of the Church of Rome, and the many errors, both in doctrine and practice, that had crept into the Christian religion.
everal useful pieces, adapted to the times. In December of the same year he attended as chaplain the duke of Richmond and earl of Southampton; who were sent to London
In the beginning of the national troubles he continued
undisturbed at his living till the middle of July 1643; but,
joining in the fruitless attempt then made atTunbridge in
favour of the king, and a reward of 100l. being soon after
promised to the person that should produce him, he was
forced to retire privily and in disguise to Oxford. Having
procured an apartment in his own college, he sought that
peace in retirement and study which was no where else to
be found. Among the few friends he conversed with was
Dr. Christopher Potter, provost of Queen’s college; by
whose persuasion it was, that he published his “Practical
Catechism,
” in
hen the family was asleep. While he was yet under seven years of age, he went with his father to the duke of Saxe Weisenfels, where it was impossible to keep him from
, the greatest musical composer of his time, or perhaps of any time or country, was born at Halle, in the duchy of Magdeburgh, February 4, 1684, by a second wife of his father, who was an eminent physician and surgeon of the same place, and then above sixty years of age. From his very childhood he discovered such a propensity to music, that his father, who always intended him for the civil law, took every method to oppose this inclination, by keeping him out of the way of, and strictly forbidding him to meddle with, musical instruments of any kind. The son, however, found means to get a little clavicord privately conveyed to a room at the top of the house; and with this he used to amuse himself when the family was asleep. While he was yet under seven years of age, he went with his father to the duke of Saxe Weisenfels, where it was impossible to keep him from harpsichords, and other musical instruments. One morning, while he was playing on the organ, after the service was over, the duke was in the church; and something in his manner of playing affected his highness so strongly, that he asked his valet-de-chambre (who was Handel’s brother-in-law) who it was that he heard at the organ? The valet replied, that it was his brother. The duke demanded to see him; and after making proper inquiries about him, expostulated very seriously with his father, who still retained his prepossessions in favour of the civil law. He allowed that every father had certainly a right to dispose of his children as he should think most expedient; but that in the present instance he could not but consider it as a sort of crime against the public and posterity to rob the world of such a rising genius. The issue of this conversation was, not only a toleration for music, but consent also that a master should be called in to forward and assist him.
at this place with many persons of note, among whom was the prince of Tuscany, brother to the grand duke. The prince, who was a great lover of the art for which his
From conducting the performance he became composer
to the Chouse; and “Almeria,
” his first opera, was composed when he was not much above fourteen years of age.
The success of it was so great, that it ran for thirty nights
without interruption; and this encouraged him to
compose others, as he did also a considerable number of sonatas during his stay at Hamburgh, which was about four
or five years. He contracted an acquaintance at this place
with many persons of note, among whom was the prince
of Tuscany, brother to the grand duke. The prince, who
was a great lover of the art for which his country was famous, would often lament Handel’s not being acquainted
with the Italian music; shewed him a large collection of
it,; and was very desirous he should return with him to
Florence. Handel plainly answered, that he could see
nothing in the music answerable to the prince’s character
of it; but, on the contrary, thought it so very indifferent,
that the singers, he said, must be angels to recommend it.
The prince smiled at the severity of his censure, yet
pressed him to return with him, and intimated that no convenience should be wanting. Handel thanked him for
the offer of a favour which he did not chuse to accept; for
he resolved to go to Italy on a speculation of his own, as
soon as he could raise a sum sufficient for the purpose.
He had in him from his childhood a strong spirit of independence, which was never known to forsake him in the
most distressful seasons of his life; and it is remarkable
that he refused the greatest offers from persons of the first
distinction, because he would not be cramped or confined
by particular attachments.
tine, and had also thoughts of going to England, whither he had received strong invitations from the duke of Manchester. On this he obtained leave to be absent for a
He now returned to his native country, but could not prevail on himself to settle while there was any musical court which he had not seen. He accordingly visited Hanover, where he met with Steffani, with whom he had been acquainted at Venice; and who was then master of the chapel to George I. when elector of Hanover. There also was a nobleman who had taken notice of him in Italy, and who afterwards did him great service when he came to Kngland for the second time, baron Kilmansegge, who now introduced him at court, and so well recommended him to his electoral highness, that he immediately offered him a pension of 1500 crowns per annum, as an inducement to stay. Handel excused his not accepting this high favour, because he had promised the court of the elector palatine, and had also thoughts of going to England, whither he had received strong invitations from the duke of Manchester. On this he obtained leave to be absent for a twelvemonth or more at a time, and to go whithersoever he pleased; and on these conditions he thankfully accepted the pension.
among the additions to the late reprint of his Chronicle. In 1416 he appears to have accompanied the duke of Bedford to the sea-fight at the mouth of the Seine. In 1424
, one of our old
English historians, descended from a reputable northern
family, was born in 1373, and at the age of twelve was admitted into the family of sir Henry Percy, eldest son to
the earl of Northumberland, familiarly known by the name
of Harry Hotspur, on account of his impatient spirit. He
was one of the most esteemed warriors of his time, active
and enterprising, had a large vassalry, numerous partizans,
and unlimited authority. His household, as lord of the
east march of England, was constantly held at Berwick^
upon-Tweed. Harding, it appears, was with his patron,
as a volunteer, in the battles of Homildon and Cokelawe.
After the death of Percy, he enlisted under the banners
of sir Robert Umfravile, with whom he had fought at Horoildon, and who was connected with the Percies by the
ties of affinity as well as those of arms. In 1405, when
king Henry IV. reduced the fortresses of lord Bardolph
and the earl of Northumberland, sir Robert Umfravile’s
services in the expedition were rewarded with the castle
of Warkworth, under whom Harding became the constable.
How long he remained at Warkworth does not appear, but
his knowledge of Scottish geography seems soon to have
engaged him in the secret service of his country, In 1415
we find him attendant on the king at Harfleur, and his
journal of the march which preceded the memorable battle
of Agincourt forms one of the most curious passages among
the additions to the late reprint of his Chronicle. In 1416
he appears to have accompanied the duke of Bedford to
the sea-fight at the mouth of the Seine. In 1424 he was
at Rome, and employed partly in inspecting “the great
Chronicle of Trogus Pompeius;
” but soon after he was
again employed in collecting documents for ascertaining
the fealty due from the Scottish kings, which seems to
have been attended with some personal danger. He has
even been accused of forging deeds to answer his royal
master’s purpose; but the truth of this charge cannot now
be ascertained.
nty of Lin., coin. During his latter days he appears to have re-composed his “Chronicle” for Richard duke of York, father to king Edward IV. who was slain in the battle
Actively as Harding was engaged in public life, he
found time to gather materials lor his “Chronicle,
”, and
appears to have finished the first composition of it toward
the latter en4 of the minority of king Henry VI. The
Lansdowne manuscript closes with the life of sir Robert
Umfravile, who died, according to Dugdale, Jan. 27, 1436,
and under whom Harding seems to have lived in his latter
years as constable of Kyme castle in Lincolnshire. Of
the rewards which he received for his services, we find only
a grant for life often pounds per annum out of the manor
or alien preceptory of Wyloughton in the county of Lincoln, in the eighteenth year of Henry VI.; and in 1457 he
had a pension of twenty pounds a year for life by letters
patent, charged upon the revenues of the county of Lin.,
coin. During his latter days he appears to have re-composed his “Chronicle
” for Richard duke of York, father
to king Edward IV. who was slain in the battle of Wakefield, Dec. 31, 1460. It was afterwards presented to king
Edward IV. himself. The history comes no lower than
the flight of Henry VI. to Scotland, but from “the excusacion
” touching his “defaultes,
” in which the q‘ueen’is
mentioned, it is evident that Harding could not have
finished his work before 1465. How long he survived its
completion is unknown, but he must then have been at
least eighty-seven years of age. His “Chronicle of England unto the reign of king Edward IV.
” is in verse, and as
a metrical composition is beneath criticism, but, as a record of facts, is highly interesting to the English historian
and antiquary. It was first printed by Grafton in 1543,
with a continuation by the same, to the thirty-fourth year
of Henry VIII. This has been long ranked among the most
rare and expensive of our Chronicles, but those who prefer use to mere antiquity, will set a higher value on the
edition printed in 1812 by the booksellers of London,
Henry Ellis, esq. the learned editor of this edition, has
prefixed a biographical and literary preface, to which the
preceding account is much indebted, and has carefully
collated Harding' s part of the “Chronicle
” with two manuscripts of the author’s own time, the Lansdowne and the
Harleian, both which are in the British Museum; and
Grafton’s addition has been collated with his duplicate
edition.^ It is noticed by Mr. Ellis as a very singular fact,
that there should be two editions of Harding, both printed
by Grafton in the month of January 1543, differing in
almost every page, and one, in Grafton’s own portion of
the work, containing (in the reign of Henry VIII.) no less
than twenty-nine pages more than the other.
ner ascended the throne, than Harding became a zealous protestant. He was afterwards chaplain to the duke of Suffolk, father of Jane Grey, and had the honour to instruct
, a popish divine of considerable
note, and the antagonist of bishop Jewel, was born at
Comb-Martin in Devonshire, 1512. His school education
was first at Barhstaple, and afterwards at Winchester,
whence he was removed to New-college, Oxford, and after
two years’ probation, was chosen fellow there in 1536. In
1542, having completed his degrees in arts, he was chosen
Hebrew professor of the university by Henry VIII. and,
fcis religion probably kept pace with the king’s, but
Edward no sooner ascended the throne, than Harding became
a zealous protestant. He was afterwards chaplain to the
duke of Suffolk, father of Jane Grey, and had the honour
to instruct this young lady in the protestant religion; but,
on the accession of queen Mary, he immediately became
a confirmed papist, and was chaplain and confessor to Gardiner bishop of Winchester. There is a curious epistle
preserved by Fox, said to be written by lady Jane to Harding on his apostacy, which, Burnet observes, “is full of
Jife in the thought, and zeal in the expression.
” In 1554,
he proceeded D. D. at Oxford, and was the year after
made treasurer of the cathedral of Salisbury, as he had
been a little before prebendary of Winchester. When
Elizabeth came to the crown, being deprived of his preferment, he left the kingdom; and, having fixed his abode
at Louvain in Flanders, he became, says Wood, “the target of popery,
” in a warm controversy with bishop Jewel,
respecting ordination, against whom, between 1554 and
1567, he wrote seven pieces. He died at Louvain Sept.
16, 1572, and was buried in the church of St. Gertrude,
with an epitaph, given at length by Pits. He was undoubtedly a man of parts and learning, and not an inelegant writer. Humphrey, in his “Life of Jewel,
” comparing himwith his adversary, says, “in multis pares
sunt, & arnbo doctrinae & eloquentiae gloria praecellentes.
”
dicious antiquary, particularly in what concerned English law and history. At the request of William duke of Cumberland (to whom he had been appointed, in Dec. 1732,
At Eton and Cambridge, he had the fame of the most
eminent scholar of his time, and wrote Latin verse with
great elegance. When at Cambridge he was at the head
of the whig party, which happened to prevail in a contest
respecting the expulsion of a student, who, in one of the
college exercises had offended the tories. In this contest
he made himself master of the law and custom of visitatorial power, which he discussed in a very masterly essay;
but this, although intended for publication, has not yet
appeared. He was a very profound and judicious antiquary, particularly in what concerned English law and history. At the request of William duke of Cumberland (to whom he had been appointed, in Dec. 1732, law-reader, and was afterwards his attorney-general), he wrote a very
learned memorial upon the regency (when that subject was agitated in the last reign), which lord Hardwicke called
“an invaluable work.
” It was by Mr. Hardinge' s advice
and encouragement that Mr. Stuart undertook his journey
to Athens, with a view of illustrating the history of that
city. His diligence, accuracy, knowledge, and skill, in the
office of clerk to the House of commons, were never exceeded. He put the “Journals
” into their present form;
and drew up a very able report of the condition in which
he found them. In his office of secretary he was laborious,
able, and zealous; and so honest, that he had many enemies. He was chosen representative for the borough of
Eye in parliament in 1748 and 1754, and was a very useful
member; but had no talents or courage for eloquence,
though his taste in estimating it was exquisite.
low-commoner there. He had also the tuition of the marquis of Blandford, only son of the illustrious duke of Marlborough, who appointed him chaplain-general to the army;
, an English bishop, was born in
London, and educated at Eton, whence he was admitted
of King’s college, Cambridge, in 1688, and took his degree of A. B. in 1692, and of A. M. 1696. He afterwards
became tutor in the college, and in that capacity superintended the education of the celebrated Anthony Collins,
who was fellow-commoner there. He had also the tuition
of the marquis of Blandford, only son of the illustrious
duke of Marlborough, who appointed him chaplain-general
to the army; but this promising young nobleman died in
1702, and was buried in King’s college chapel. The inscription on his monument is by our author. In 1708 Mr.
Hare took his degree of D. D. obtained the deanery of
Worcester, and in 1726 the deanery of St. Paul’s. In
Dec. 1727, he was consecrated bishop of St. Asaph, where
he sat about four years, and was translated, Nov. 25, 1731,
to the bishopric of Chichester, which he held with the
deanery of St. Paul’s to his death. He was dismissed from
being chaplain to George I. in 1718, by the strength of
party prejudices, in company with Dr. Moss and Dr. Sher-r
lock, persons of distinguished rank for parts and learning.
About the latter end of queen Anne’s reign he published
a remarkable pamphlet, entitled “The difficulties and
discouragements which attend the Study of the Scriptures,
in the way of private judgment;
” in order to shew, that
since such a study of the scriptures is an indispensable
duty, it concerns all Christian societies to remove, as much
as possible, those discouragements. This work was thought
to have such a direct tendency to promote scepticism, and
a loose way of thinking in matters of religious concern,
that the convocation judged it right to pass a severe censure
on it; and Whiston says, that, finding this piece likely to
hinder preferment, he aimed to conceal his being the author. The same writer charges him with being strongly
inclined to scepticism that he talked ludicrously of sacred
matters and that he would offer to lay wagers about the
fulfilling of scripture prophecies. The principal ground
for these invidious insinuations some suppose to be, that,
though he never denied the genuineness of the apostolical
constitutions (of which he procured for Whiston the collation of two Vienna Mss.), yet “he was not firm believer
enough, nor serious enough in Christianity, to hazard any
thing in this world for their reception.
” He published
many pieces against bishop Hoadly, in the Bangorian controversy; and also other learned works, which were collected after his death, and published in four volumes, 8yo.
2. An edition of “Terence,
” with notes, in 4to. 3. “The
Book of Psalms, in the Hebrew, put into the original poetical metre,
” 4to. In this last work he pretends to have
Discovered the Hebrew metre, which was supposed to be
irretrievably lost. But his hypothesis, though defended
by some, yet has been confuted by several learned men,
particularly by Dr. Lowth in his “Metrics Hareaue brevis
confutatio,
” annexed to his lectures “De Sacra Poesi Hebreeorum.
” He was yet more unfortunate in the abovementioned edition of Terence, which sunk under the reputation of that of Dr. Bentley, of whom he was once the
warm admirer, and afterwards the equally warm opponent.
During their friendship the emendations on Menander and
Philemon were transmitted through Hare, who was then
chaplain-general to the army, to Burman, in 1710; and
Bentley’s “Remarks on the Essay on Freethinking
” (supposed to be written by Collins) were inscribed to him in
1713. As soon as the first part of these were published,
Hare formally thanked Dr. Bentley by name for them, in
a most flattering letter called “The Clergyman’s Thanks
to Phileleutherus,
” printed the same year; but, in consequence of the rupture between them, not inserted in the
collection of Hare’s works. This rupture took place soon
after the above-mentioned date, and Bentley in the subsequent editions of his “Remarks
” withdrew the inscription. Hare was excessively piqued at the utter annihilation of his Terence and Phoedrus, the one soon after its
birth, the other before its birth, by Bentley’s edition of
both together in 1726, who never once names Hare.