. 1675.

The Floating Island; or a voyage from Lambethanio to Ramalia.

A Discovery of Old Brazil.

The Red Sea.

He wrote a Pamphlet against Dr. Wild, in answer to Wild's letter
directed to his friend, upon occasion of his Majesty's declaration for
liberty of conscience: This he concludes in the following manner, by
which it will be seen that he was but a poor versifier.

Thus, Sir, you have my story, but am sorry
(Taunton excuse) it is no better for ye,
However read it, as your pease are shelling;
For you will find, it is not worth the telling.
Excuse this boldness, for I can't avoid
Thinking sometimes you are but ill employ'd.
Fishing for souls more fit, than frying fish;
That makes me throw pease-shellings in your dish.
You have a study, books wherein to look,
How comes it then the Doctor turn'd a cook?
Well Doctor Cook, pray be advised hereafter,
Don't make your wife the subject of our laughter.
I find she's careless, and your maid a slut,
To let you grease your Cassock for your gut.
You are all three in fault, by all that's blest;
Mend you your manners first, then teach the rest.

Mr. Winstanley says, that our author met with a great many afflictions
and crosses in his time, and was cast away at sea, as he was going to
the Isle of Wight 1678.

* * * * *

THOMAS HOBBS.

This celebrated philosopher was son of Thomas Hobbs, vicar of
Westport, within the Liberty of Malmesbury, and of Charlton in Wilts,
and was born at Westport on the 5th of April 1588[1]. It is related by
Bayle, that his mother being frighted at the rumours of the report of
the Spanish Armada, was brought to bed of him before her time, which
makes it somewhat surprizing that he should live to so great an age.
He had made an extraordinary progress in the languages before he
arrived at his 14th year, when he was sent to Oxford, where he studied
for five years Aristotle's philosophy. In the year 1607 he took the
degree of batchelor of arts, and upon the recommendation of the
principal of the college, he entered into the service of William
Cavendish, baron Hardwicke, soon afterwards earl of Devonshire[2], by
whom being much esteemed for his pleasantry and humour, he was
appointed tutor to his son lord William Cavendish, several years
younger than Hobbs. Soon after our author travelled with this young
nobleman thro' France and Italy, where he made himself ma