"The animosities die, but the humanities live for ever." * * * * * Milton's resources had been greatly impaired in his latter years by losses, and the expense of providing for his daughters.

He nevertheless left, exclusive of household goods, about L900, which, by a nuncupative will made in July, 1674, he had wholly bequeathed to his wife.

His daughters, he told his brother Christopher (now a Roman Catholic, and on the road to become one of James the Second's judges, but always on friendly terms with John), had been undutiful, and he thought that he had done enough for them.

They naturally thought otherwise, and threatened litigation.

The interrogatories administered on this occasion afford the best clue to the condition of Milton's affairs and household.
At length the dispute was compromised, the nuncupative will, a kind of document always regarded with suspicion, was given up, and the widow received two-thirds of the estate instead of the whole, probably the fairest settlement that could have been arrived at.