When the _Panegyric_ was identified it was realised that it was not a poem, but an eloquent and extravagant composition in prose, in which Evelyn invested Charles II with every conceivable virtue and all wisdom. This was no doubt written with sincere enthusiasm, though Evelyn suffered a profound disillusionment in later years; and if he ever read his effusion again it must have caused him some distress. The _Panegyric_ is now reprinted for the first time. Geoffrey Keynes FOOTNOTES: [1] Evelyn's _Diary_, ed. Wheatley, vol. II, p. 108. [2] Evelyn's _Diary_, ed. Wheatley, vol. II, p. 130. AN A P O L O G Y FOR THE ROYAL PARTY: Written in a L E T T E R To a Person of the Late COUNCEL of STATE. * * * * * _By a Lover of Peace and of his Country._ * * * * * WITH A T O U C H At the Pretended PLEA FOR THE ARMY. [HW: three tymes printed.] * * * * * [HW: Delivered to Coll: Morley, a few daies after his contest w^th Lambert in the Palace Yard: by J. Evelyn:] * * * * * _Anno Dom. MDCLIX._ AN A P O L O G I E FOR THE R O Y A L P A R T Y: Written in a LETTER to a Person of the late _COUNCEL_ of _STATE_, By a Lover of Peace and of his Countrey: With a Touch at the _pretended Plea_ for the Army. _SIR_, The many Civilities which you are still pleased to continue to me, and my very great desire to answer them in the worthiest testimonies of my zeal for your service, must make my best Apology for this manner of Addresse; if out of an extream affection for your noblest Interest, I seem transported a little upon your first reflections, and am made to despise the consequence of entertaining you with such Truths, as are of the greatest danger to my self; but of no less import to your happiness, and, which carry with them the most indelible Characters of my Friendship. For if as the Apostle affirms, _For a good man, some would even dare to dy_, why should my Charity be prejudged, if hoping to convert you from the errour of your way, I despair not of rendring you the Person for whose preservation there will be nothing too dear for me to expose?