For, though he had been secretary, first to the Council of State, and, after that, to the Protector, and Mr Cowley had held the same post under the Lord St Albans in his banishment, I hoped, notwithstanding that they would think themselves rather united by their common art than divided by their different factions.

And so indeed it proved.

For, while we sat at table, they talked freely of many men and things, as well ancient as modern, with much civility.

Nay, Mr Milton, who seldom tasted wine, both because of his singular temperance and because of his gout, did more than once pledge Mr Cowley, who was indeed no hermit in diet.

At last, being heated, Mr Milton begged that I would open the windows.