[77] Edward, Earl of Clarendon. It is uncertain in what manner our author undertook his defence. [78] The place which our author here solicits, (worth only 200l. a-year,) was the first office that Addison obtained, which he used to call “the _little thing_ given me by Lord Halifax.” Locke also, after the Revolution, was a commissioner of appeals. MALONE. [79] The “History of the League,” entered on the Stationers’ books early in 1684, and “Englished by his Majesties express command.” [80] This application was successful; and Dryden elsewhere expresses his gratitude, that his wants were attended to, and relieved during the penury of an exhausted Exchequer; Cowley’s simile, he observed, was reversed, and Gideon’s fleece was watered, while all around remained parched and arid. [81] What this circumstance was cannot now be discovered. [82] The Duchess of Ormond died July 1684. [83] The first edition of Lord Roscommon’s “Essay on Translated Verse” appeared in 1684, and a second edition was published by Jacob Tonson in 4to, early in 1685. [84] In the first edition it stood, “That here his conqu’ring ancestors _was_ nurs’d.” [85] Latin Verses by Charles Dryden, prefixed to Lord Roscommon’s Essay. [86] Knightly Chetwood. He wrote Lord Roscommon’s life. [87] Dryden was now about to publish the second volume of the Miscellanies; in which it would appear to have been settled, that nothing should be inserted but what was new. “_Religio Laici_,” therefore, as having been formerly published, was laid aside for the present. [88] Probably “Albion and Albanius,” which was afterwards completed and ready to be performed in Feb. 1684-5. [89] The singing Opera was probably that of “King Arthur,” to which “Albion and Albanius” was originally designed as a prelude. But it was not acted till after the Revolution. [90] “All for Love,” and “The Conquest of Granada.” [91] His second son. [92] His eldest son. [93] The Third Miscellany was published in July 1693. [94] The author was at this time in Northamptonshire. The original has no date but August 30th; but the year is ascertained by the reference to the third Miscellany, which was published in July 1693. MALONE. [95] To whom the Third Miscellany is dedicated. I fear this alludes to some disappointment in the pecuniary compliment usual on such occasions. See the Dedication, Vol. XII. p. 47. [96] This commission will probably remind the reader of the poetic diet recommended by Bayes.--“If I am to write familiar things, as sonnets to Armida, and the like, I make use of _stewed prunes_ only; but, when I have a grand design in hand, I ever take physics, and let blood; for, when you would have pure swiftness of thought, and fiery flights of fancy, you must have a care of the pensive part. In fine, you must purge the belly. _Smith._ By my troth, Sir, this is a most admirable receipt for writing. _Bayes._ Aye, ’tis my secret; and, in good earnest, I think one of the best I have.” _Rehearsal_, act i.