[210] See the Dedication of "Tyrannic Love," addressed to Monmouth, Vol. III. p. 346; and the "Vindication of the Duke of Guise," where Dryden says, "The obligations I have had to him were those of his countenance, his favour, his good word, and his esteem, all of which I have likewise had in a greater measure from his excellent Duchess, the patroness of my poor unworthy poetry." Vol. VII. p. 162.
[211] By recommending, it is said, his son to the charter-home, of which Shaftesbury is said to have been a governor. But, from the records of the foundation, it appears that Erasmus Henry Dryden, the third son of the poet, to whom, if to any, the story must apply, was not admitted a scholar till more than a year after the publication of the second edition of the poem, containing the additional lines above quoted, to which the said admission is stated to have given occasion. There are, besides, two admirable reasons for believing that Shaftesbury had no hand in this matter, since, first, young Dryden was admitted on the recommendation of the king himself; secondly, Shaftesbury happened to be dead at the time. See Malone's Dryden, Vol. I. p. 148. The following is the note of admissions referred to by Mr. Malone:
"October 6th, 1681, [six weeks before the publication of 'Absalom and Achitophel'] Samuel Weaver, admitted for the Lord Shaftesbury.
"Feb. 5th, 1682-3, Erasmus-Henry Dryden, admitted for his majesty (in the room of Orlando Bagnall); aged 14 years, 2d of May next.
"Nov. 2d, 1685, Erasmus Dryden and Richard Tubb left the house.
"Elected to the University."
[212] Of this it would be endless to quote proofs: The following four extracts from the libels of the time are more than sufficient.
"A Congratulatory Poem upon the Happy Arrival of his Royal Highness James Duke of York, at London, April 8th, 1682:"
And Absalom, thou piece of ill-placed beauty,
As happy be as fair, and know thy duty;