ed by the Commons in Parliament, for procuring exorbitant grants
from the crown to his own use; and further charged with cutting down,
and wasting the timber in his Majesty's forests, and with holding
several offices in his Majesty's Exchequer, that were inconsistent, and
designed as checks upon each other: The Commons had likewise addressed
the King to remove him from his councils, and presence for ever. These
were the causes of his retiring, and Mr. Addison's address at this time,
was a noble instance of his fidelity, and stedfastness to his friends.
On his return to England, he published an account of his travels,
dedicated to lord Somers; he would have returned earlier than he did,
had not he been thought of as a proper person to attend prince Eugene,
who then commanded for the emperor in Italy, which employment would much
have pleased him; but the death of king William intervening caused a
cessation of his pension and his hopes.

For a considerable space of time he remained at home, and as his
friends were out of the ministry, he had no opportunity to display his
abilities, or to meet a competent regard for the honour his works had
already done his country. He owed both to an accident: In the year 1704
lord treasurer Godolphin happened to complain to the lord Hallifax, that
the duke of Marlborough's victory at Blenheim, had not been celebrated
in verse, in the manner it deserved, and told him, that he would take
it kind, if his lordship, who was the patron of the poets, would name a
gentleman capable of writing upon so elevated a subject. Lord Hallifax
replied with some quickness, that he was well acquainted with such a
person, but that he would not name him; and observed, that he had long
seen with indignation, men of little or no merit, maintained in pomp and
luxury, at the expence of the public, while persons of too much modesty,
with great abilities, languished in obscurity. The treasurer answered,
very coolly, that he was sorry his lordship had occasion to make such an
observation; but that in the mean time, he would engage his honour, that
whoever his lordship should name, might venture upon this theme, without
fear of losing his time. Lord Hallifax thereupon named Mr. Addison, but
insisted the treasurer should send to him himself, which he promised.
Accordingly he prevailed upon Mr. Boyle, then chancellor of the
exchequer, to go in his name to Mr. Addison, and communicate to him the
business, which he did in