he parts of the
Orator and the Historian are different whether they narrate or
prove, just as the Arts themselves are different. What is suitable
for the Historian you will have learnt more correctly from the
ancient authors, Polybius, the Halicarnassian, Diodorus, Cicero,
Lucian, and many others, who have handed down certain stray
precepts concerning that subject. For me, I wish you heartily all
happiness in your studies and travels, and success worthy of the
spirit and diligence which I see you employ on everything of high
excellence. Farewell.

"Westminster: December 16, 1657."

"To the highly accomplished PETER HEIMBACH.

"I have received your letter dated the Hague. Dec. 18 [foreign
reckoning: the English would be Dec. 8], which, as I see it
concerns your interests, I have thought I ought to answer on the
very day it has reached me. After thanking me for I know not what
favours of mine,--which, as one who desires everything good for
you, I would were really of any consideration at all,--you ask me
to recommend you, through Lord Lawrence, to our Minister appointed
for Holland [DOWNING, whose credential letters Milton had drawn up
only a day or two before]. I really regret that this is not in my
power, both because of my very few intimacies with the men of
influence, almost shut up at home as I am, and as I prefer to be
(_propter paucissimas familiaritates meas cum gratiosis, qui domi
fere, idque libenter, me contineo_), and also because I believe
the gentleman is now embarking and on his way, and has with him in
his company the person he wishes to be his Secretary--the very
office about him you seek. But the post is this instant going,
Farewell.

"Westminster: December 18, 1657."

Too much is not to be made of certain phrases in this note. Milton
was declining, in as civil terms as possible, a request which might
perhaps have been troublesome even if the Secretaryship to Mr.
Downing had been vacant; and, though it would have been enough, as
far as Heimbach's present application was concerned, to tell him that
Mr. Downing was already provided, the other reason may have been
thrown in by way of discouragement of such applications in future.
We have had proof that Milton liked Heimbach; but we do not know
what estimate he had formed of Heimbach's abilities. Still, any words
used by Milton about himself are always to be taken as in
correspondence with f