you no more than a succession of trouble; unless you are resolved to
be continually patient, and courteous to afflicted men, and agree in
your judgment with the late wise Cardinal, who was wont to say, If he
had not spent as much time in civilities, as in business, he had
undone his master. But whilst I endeavour to excuse this present
thankfulness, I should rather ask your pardon, for going about to make
a present to you of myself; for it may argue me to be incorrigible,
that, after so many afflictions, I have yet so much ambition, as to
desire to be at liberty, that I may have more opportunity to obey your
lordship's commands, and shew the world how much

"I am,
"My Lord,
"Your lordship's most
"Obliged, most humble,
"And obedient servant,

"Wm. Davenant."

Our author was so far happy as to obtain by this letter the favour of
Whitlocke, who was, perhaps, a man of more humanity and gentleness of
disposition, than some other of the covenanters. He at last obtained
his liberty entirely, and was delivered from every thing but the
narrowness of his circumstances, and to redress these, encouraged by
the interest of his friends, he likewise made a bold effort. He was
conscious that a play-house was entirely inconsistent with the
gloominess, and severity of these times; and yet he was certain that
there were people of taste enough in town, to fill one, if such a
scheme could be managed; which he conducted with great address, and at
last brought to bear, as he had the countenance of lord Whitlocke, Sir