to interest. In
the year 1679, Oct. 16, this great statesman died in the full
possession of honours and fame: he had lived in the most tumultuous
times; he had embarked in a dangerous ocean, and he had the address to
steer at last to a safe haven. As a man, his character was very
amiable; he was patient, compassionate, and generous; as a soldier, he
was of undaunted courage; as a statesman, of deep penetration, and
invincible industry; and as a poet, of no mean rank.

Before we give an account of his works, it will not be amiss, in order
to illustrate the amiable character of lord Orrery, to shew, that tho'
he espoused the Protector's interest, yet he was of singular service
to the nation, in restraining the violence of his cruelty, and
checking the domineering spirit of those slaves in authority, who then
called themselves the legislature.

The authors of the Biographia Britannica, say, 'that our author
opposed in Parliament, and defeated, the blackest measure Cromwell
ever entered into, which was the passing a law for decimating the
royal party, and his lordship's conduct in this, was by far the
greatest action of his whole life. He made a long and an elaborate
speech, in which he shewed the injustice, cruelty, and folly, of that
truly infamous and Nero-like proposition. Finding that he was likely
to lose the question upon the division, which probably would have
issued in losing his life also; he stood up and boldly observed, "That
he did not think so many Englishmen could be fond of slavery." 'Upon
which so many members rose and followed him, that the Speaker without
telling, declared from the chair the Noes have it, and the bill was
accordingly thrown out. Upon this, he went immediately up to Cromwell,
and said, "I have done you this day as great a service as ever I did
in my life. How? returned Cromwell; by hindring your government,
replied my lord, from becoming hateful, which already begins to be
disliked; for if this bill had passed, three kingdoms would have risen
up against you; and they were your enemies, and not your friends who
brought it in." 'This Cromwell so firmly believed, that he never
forgave nor trusted them afterwards.'

King Charles II. put my lord upon writing plays, which he did, upon
the occasion of a dispute that arose in the Royal presence, about
writing plays in rhime. Some affirmed, that it was to be done, others
that it would spoil the fancy to be so confined; but lord Orrery was
of a