The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II.Cibber, Theophilus
History
The Lives of the Poets of Great Britain and Ireland (1753) Volume II.
Cibber, Theophilus
Poets, English -- Biography -- Early works to 1800; Poets, Irish -- Biography -- Early works to 1800
Cleveland
was no sooner forced from the College, by the prevalence of the
Parliament's interest, but he betook himself to the camp, and
particularly to Oxford the head quarters of it, as the most proper
sphere for his wit, learning and loyalty. Here he began a paper war
with the opposite party, and wrote some smart satires against the
Rebels, especially the Scots. His poem called the Mixt Assembly; his
character of a London Diurnal, and a Committee-man, are thought to
contain the true spirit of satire, and a just representation of the
general confusion of the times. From Oxford he went to the garrison of
Newark, where he acted as judge advocate till that garrison was
surrendered, and by an excellent temperature, of both, says
Winstanley, he was a just and prudent judge for the King, and a
faithful advocate for the Country.
Here he drew up a bantering answer and rejoinder to a Parliament
officer, who had written to him on account of one Hill, that had
deserted their side, and carried off with him to Newark, the sum of
133 l. and 8 d. We shall give part of Mr. Cleveland's answer to the
officer's first letter, by which an estimate may be formed of the
rest.
SIXTHLY BELOVED!
"It is so, that our brother and fellow-labourer in the gospel, is
start aside; then this may serve for an use of instruction, not to
trust in man, or in the son of man. Did not Demas leave Paul? Did not
Onesimus run from his master Philemon? Also this should teach us to
employ our talents, and not to lay them up in a napkin; had it been
done among the cavaliers, it had been just, then the Israelite had
spoiled the Egyptian; but for Simeon to plunder Levi, that--that, &c."
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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