An Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton / Comprising All the Autobiographic Passages in His Works, the More Explicit Presentations of His Ideas of True Liberty.

by John Milton

P. [79]. sleekstone: a smoothing stone; a toothed sleekstone would fail of its purpose as much as a toothless satire.

P. [79]. this champion from behind the arras: probably an allusion to Polonius, who, in the closet scene (A. III. S. iv.), conceals himself behind the arras to overhear the interview between Hamlet and his mother.

P. [80]. Socrates: surnamed Scholasticus; a Greek ecclesiastical historian; b. about 379, d. after 440; author of a 'History of the Church from 306 to 439 A.D.'

P. [81]. St. Martin: there are two saints of the name; which one is alluded to is uncertain, but probably Bishop of Tours, 4th century.

P. [81]. Gregory Nazianzen: a Greek father, surnamed the Theologian; b. about 328, d. 389 A.D.

P. [81]. Murena: Roman consul, 63 B.C.; charged with bribery by Servius Sulpicius; defended by Cicero, in his oration Pro Murena. In Cicero's answer to Sulpicius, 'three months,' as given by Milton, should be 'three days': 'itaque, si mihi, homini vehementer occupato, stomachum moveritis, triduo me jurisconsultum esse profitebor.'

To Carlo Dati. (Familiar Letters, No. X.)

P. [83]. tomb of Damon: i.e. of Carolo Diodati.

P. [83]. that poem: 'Epitaphium Damonis.'