studies with my Master Milton, which this would give at least a
present diversion from, and for how long I could not foresee.

But the sense I had of the manifold obligations I lay under to these
worthy friends of mine shut out all reasonings, and disposed my mind
to an absolute resignation of their desire that I might testify my
gratitude by a willingness to do them any friendly service that I
could be capable of.

And though I questioned my ability to carry on that work to its due
height and proportion, yet as that was not proposed, but an
initiation only by accidence into grammar, I consented to the
proposal as a present expedient till a more qualified person should
be found, without further treaty or mention of terms between us than
that of mutual friendship. And to render this digression from my
own studies the less uneasy to my mind, I recollected and often
thought of that rule in Lilly:


Qui docet indoctos, licet indoctissimus esset,
Ipse brevi reliquis doctior esse queat.

He that the unlearned doth teach may quickly be
More learned than they, though most unlearned he.


With this consideration I undertook this province, and left it not
until I married, which was not till the year 1669, near seven years
from the time I came thither. In which time, having the use of my
friend's books, as well as of my own, I spent my leisure hours much