1852); but I know not on what authority except that his initials are "G.S." and that he was "a writer."-- As far as I have observed, it was the first edition of Milton's pamphlet only that G.S.had before him as he wrote.] Whoever wrote the book must have had a touch of scholarly candour in his nature.

Though there is plenty of abuse of Milton, with the stereotyped allusions to his Divorce Doctrine and its effects, and with such occasional phrases as "your wind-mill brain," "the unpracticableness of these your fanatic state-whimsies," and though there is abuse also, in the coarse familiar strain, of the Rumpers and Commonwealths-men generally, and of "Oliver, the copper-nosed saint," we come upon such passages as the following, appreciative at least of Milton's literary power:-- "I am not ignorant of the ability of Mr.Milton, whom the Rump (which was well-stored with men of pregnant though pernicious wits) made choice of before others to write their _Defence against Salmasius;_ one of the greatest learned men of this age, both for reality and reputation." "...

made choice of Mr.Milton to be their champion to answer Salmasius; who, as may be conceived, not vulgarly rewarded for this service, undertakes it with as much learning and performance as could be expected from the most able and acute scholar living: concerning whose answer thus much must be confessed,--that nothing could be therein desired which either a shrewd wit could prompt or a fluent elegant style express.

And, indeed, to give him his due, in whatever he vomited out against his Majesty formerly, or now declaims against Monarchy in behalf of a Republic, he then did, and doth now, want nothing on his side but truth." These are casual expressions in the course of the argumentation with Milton; and, as there is no need to exhibit the argumentation itself, a single quotation more will suffice.

It is from the Dedication to Charles II.