oung Jones "something of
practical geometry and fortification"; and, for the rest, Oldenburg
himself continued to superintend his studies, directing them a good
deal in that line of physical and economical observation which might
be supposed congenial to a nephew of Boyle, and which had become
interesting to himself. "As for us here," wrote Oldenburg to Boyle
from Saumur, Sept. 8, 1657, "we are, through the goodness of God, in
perfect health; and, your nephew having spent these two or three
months we have been here very well and in more than ordinary
diligence, I cannot but give him some relaxation in taking a view of
this province of Anjou during this time of vintage; which, though it
be a very tempting one to a young appetite, yet shall, I hope, by a
careful watchfulness, prove unprejudicial to his health."[1] A good
while before Oldenburg wrote this letter to Boyle both he and his
pupil had written to Milton, and Milton's replies had already been
received. They are dated on the same day, but we shall put that to
young Ranelagh first. It will be seen that Oldenburg must have had a
sight of it from his pupil before he wrote the above to Boyle:--

[Footnote 1: Boyle's Works, V. 299.]

"To the noble youth, RICHARD JONES.

"That you made out so long a journey without inconvenience, and
that, spurning the allurements of Paris, you have so quickly
reached your present place of residence, where you can enjoy
literary leisure and the society of learned persons, I am both
heartily glad, and set down to the credit of your disposition.
There, so far as you keep yourself in bounds, you will be in
harbour; elsewhere you would have to beware the Syrtes, the Rocks,
and the songs of the Sirens. All the same I would not have you
thirst too much after the Saumur vintage, with which you think to
delight yourself, unless it be also your intention to dilute that
juice of Bacchus, more than a fifth part, with the freer cup of the
Muses. But to such a course, even if I were silent, you have a
first-rate adviser; by listening to whom you will indeed consult
best for your own good, and cause great joy to your most excellent
mother, and a daily growth of her love for you. Which that you may
accomplish you ought every day to petition Almighty God, Farewell;
and see that you return to us as good as possible, and as cultured
as possible in good arts. That will be to me, beyond others, a most
delightful