qually paired with an antagonist whose whole life had been one long
training for controversy. The veteran gladiator disarmed the novice,
inflicted a few contemptuous scratches, and turned away to encounter
more formidable combatants. Dryden then betook himself to a weapon at
which he was not likely to find his match. He retired for a time
from the bustle of coffeehouses and theatres to a quiet retreat in
Huntingdonshire, and there composed, with unwonted care and labour, his
celebrated poem on the points in dispute between the Churches of Rome
and England. The Church of Rome he represented under the similitude of a
milkwhite hind, ever in peril of death, yet fated not to die. The beasts
of the field were bent on her destruction. The quaking hare, indeed,
observed a timorous neutrality: but the Socinian fox, the Presbyterian
wolf, the Independent bear, the Anabaptist boar, glared fiercely at
the spotless creature. Yet she could venture to drink with them at the
common watering place under the protection of her friend, the kingly
lion. The Church of England was typified by the panther, spotted indeed,
but beautiful, too beautiful for a beast of prey. The hind and the
panther, equally hated by the ferocious population of the forest,
conferred apart on their common danger. They then proceeded to discuss
the points on which they differed, and, while wagging their tails and
licking their jaws, held a long dialogue touching the real presence, the
authority of Popes and Councils, the penal laws, the Test Act,
Oates's perjuries, Butler's unrequited services to the Cavalier party,
Stillingfleet's pamphlets, and Burnet's broad shoulders and fortunate
matrimonial speculations.

The absurdity of this plan is obvious. In truth the allegory could not
be preserved unbroken through ten lines together. No art of execution
could redeem the faults of such a design. Yet the Fable of the Hind
and Panther is undoubtedly the most valuable addition which was made
to English literature during the short and troubled reign of James the
Second. In none of Dryden's works can be found passages more pathetic
and magnificent, greater ductility and energy of language, or a more
pleasing and various music.

The poem appeared with every advantage which royal patronage could give.
A superb edition was printed for Scotland at the Roman Catholic press
established in Holyrood House. But men were in no humour to be charmed
by the transparent style and melodio