[124] This seems to imply a suspicion, though an odd one, that Jacob, being bent to convert Dryden to his own views of politics, intercepted his sons’ letters from Rome, as proceeding from an interest hostile to his views. (See p. 140.) His earnest wish was, that the Æneid should be inscribed to King William.
[125] The translation of Virgil.
[126] In MS. Harl. p. 35, in the Museum, are the following verses, occasioned by this circumstance:
“To be published in the next edition of Dryden’s Virgil.
“Old Jacob, by deep judgment swayed,
To please the wise beholders,
Has placed old Nassau’s book-nosed head
On poor Æneas’ shoulders,
“To make the parallel hold tack,
Methinks there’s little lacking;
One took his father pick-a-pack,
And t’other sent his packing.”
In a copy I have seen of this epigram, “poor” Æneas is improved into “young” Æneas.”
[127] This Dryden never effected, nor was Howard’s play ever printed.
[128] Probably the clergy of England.
[129] This probably alludes to the proposition which appears to have been made to him, concerning the dedication of his Virgil to King William; for which a valuable pecuniary reward might have been expected. Malone.