[Footnote 307: The first effectual step taken by the court to defend themselves against popular clamour, was in the "Observator," and other periodical or occasional publications of L'Estrange, which had a great effect on the public mind. But during the first clamorous outcry after the Popish plot was started, nothing of this kind was, or probably could be, attempted; while, on the other hand, the press teemed with all manner of narratives of the plot, every one stuffed with more horrid circumstances than those which preceded it; and the sale of which was no inconsiderable part of the recompence of the various witnesses by whom they were composed, sworn to, and published.] [Footnote 308: _Examen_, p. 204.] [Footnote 309: Thus, to instance the "pedantic manner, vanity, defiance of criticism, rhodomontade and poetical bravado" of modern poets, he gives some extracts from the preface of "Don Sebastian," and adds, "who can after this say of the Rehearsal author, that his picture of our poet was over charged?"--_Miscellany 5_. Chap. 2. His lordship also glances repeatedly at Dryden in his _Advice to an Author_.] [Footnote 310: RALEIGH'S _Redivivus_, p. 53.] [Footnote 311: NORTH'S _Examen_, p. 60.] [Footnote 312: _Ibid._ p. 57.] [Footnote 313: _Shaftesbury_.] [Footnote 314: This horrid story is alluded to by the author of Absalom's IX Worthies: Next Zimri, banckrupt of wit and pence, Proved Jew by's circumcised evidence; T' enjoy his Cosbi, he her husband killed; The rest o' the story waits to be fullfilled. ] [Footnote 315: Cartes' life of the Duke of Ormond, vol. II. p. 345.] [Footnote 316: To the memory of the illustrious Prince, George Duke of Buckingham. (25 May, 1637.)] [Footnote 317: A committee man.] [Footnote 318: Sir Denzil Hollis. Luk's _Annus Mirabilis_.--(His Grace mistakes; it is Sir _Frescheville_ Hollis.)] [Footnote 319: See his poem on Cromwell.] [Footnote 320: See his poem, p. 27, 28.] [Footnote 321: In "Absalom's nine Worthies" he is thus commemorated: The next Priapus Balaam, of whom 'tis said, His brains did lie more in his tail than's head, Sprouted of royal stem, in ancient days; 'Tis an ill bird that his own nest bewrays. ] [Footnote 322: Next, Monmouth came in with an army of fools, Betrayed by his cuckold, and other dull tools, Who painted the turf of green Sedgemore with gules. ] [Footnote 323: _The Riddle of the Roundhead_. Perkin makes fine legs to the shouting rabble, Who to make him king he thinks are able; But the bauble Is only shewed for use: The silly ideot serves but for a tool still, For knaves to work their feats; And will remain a dull mistaken fool still, For all their damned cabals, and Wapping treats. * * * * *