In 1665 London was a city of the dying and the dead; in 1666 the better part of it was laid in ashes.

One remarkable incident of the calamity was the destruction of the stocks of the booksellers, which had been brought into the vaults of St.Paul's for safety, and perished with the cathedral.

"Paradise Lost" might have easily, like its hero-- "In the singing smoke Uplifted spurned the ground." but the negotiations for its publication were not complete until April 27, 1667, on which day John Milton, "in consideration of five pounds to him now paid by Samuel Symmons, and other the considerations herein mentioned," assigned to the said Symmons, "all that book, copy, or manuscript of a poem intituled 'Paradise Lost,' or by whatsoever ether title or name the same is or shall be called or distinguished, now lately licensed to be printed." The other considerations were the payment of the like sum of five pounds upon the entire sale of each of the first three impressions, each impression to consist of thirteen hundred copies.

"According to the present value of money," says Professor Masson, "it was as if Milton had received L17 10s.

down, and was to expect L70 in all.