The matchless authors of the days of yore; The fathers, prelates, poets, books where arts Renown'd explain'd the men of rarest parts, Shrink up their shrivell'd bindings, lose their names, And yield immortal worth to temporary flames, That would not sigh to see the ruins there, Or wish to quench 'em with a flowing tear. But as in story, where we wonders view, As there were flames, there was a Phoenix too; An excellence from the burnt pile did rise, That still aton'd for past calamities; So my prophetic genius in its height, Viewing your merit, Sir, foretels your fate. Your valiant [3]ancestors, that bravely fought, And from the foe the Royal standard got; Which nobly now adorn your houshold coat, Denotes the former grandeur of your race; Your present worth fits you for present grace. The Sovereign must esteem what all admire, Bromley and Baginton shall both raise higher, Fate oft contrives magnificence by fire. [Footnote 1: The ancient seat of the Bromleys in Warwickshire.] [Footnote 2: A famous Library burnt there.] [Footnote 3: Vide History of Warwickshire.] * * * * * ELKANAH SETTLE, Son of Joseph Settle of Dunstable in Bedfordshire, was born there; and in the 18th year of his age, 1666, was entered commoner of Trinity College, Oxon, and put under the tuition of Mr. Abraham Champion, fellow of that house; but he quitted the university without taking any degree, and came to London[1], where he addicted himself to the study of poetry, in which he lived to make no inconsiderable figure. Finding the nation divided between the opinions of Whig and Tory, and being sensible that a man of parts could not make any considerable figure, unless he attached himself to one of these parties; Settle thought proper, on his first setting out in life, to join the Whigs, who were then, though the minor, yet a powerful party, and to support whose interest he employed his talents. About the year 1680, when the debates ran high concerning the exclusion of the Duke of York from the succession, on account of his religious principles, our author wrote a piece called the Character of a Popish Successor, and what may be expected from such an one, humbly offered to the consideration of both the Houses of Parliament appointed to meet at Oxon, on March 21, 1681. This essay it seems was thought of consequence enough to merit an answer, as at that time the Exclusion Bill employed the general conversation. The answer to it was entitled The Character of a Rebellion, and what England may expect from One; printed 1682. The author of this last piece, is very severe on the character of Settle; he represents him as an errant knave, a despicable coward, and a prophane Atheist, and seems amazed that any party should make choice of a champion, whose morals were so tainted; but as this is only the language of party violence, no great credit is to be given to it.