Hunter, Jr., have been pervasively instructive in both large matters and small. But the decisions underlying the texts and commentary—and thus the faults—are my own. I am indebted also to William R. Parker for a number of suggestions.

Biographical Table

1608

Born (Dec. 9), Bread St., Cheapside, London.

1618 ?–1620 ?

Tutored by Thomas Young.

1620 ?–1624

At St. Paul’s School, London, under Alexander Gill. C. 1623 or 1624 family moved to home in St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields, Westminster (?).

1625–1632 July

At Christ’s College, Cambridge, ostensibly to enter clerical life. Plague closed Cambridge from Apr. 17, 1630, to c. Jan. 1631. C. 1631 family moved to home in Hammersmith.

1625

Admitted to Christ’s College (Feb. 12), from which he matriculated on Apr. 9.

1626

Period of rustication (Lent term through spring vacation).

1629

Bachelor’s degree conferred (Mar. 26).

1632

Master’s degree conferred (July 3).

1632 July–1635 ?

At Hammersmith with parents. “A Mask” (“Comus”) performed, Sept. 29, 1634.

1635 ?–1638

At Horton, Bucks, with family. Frequently in London after death of mother, Apr. 3, 1637. Publications: A Mask (1637/8 ?); “Lycidas” in Justa Edovardo King naufrago (1638).

1638 Apr. ?–1639 Aug. ?

Continental tour to France and Italy.

1639 autumn–1648

Tutoring until c. 1647. Studies continued; prose and poetic writings, some published and others begun. Residence: St. Bride’s Churchyard (a few months) and Aldersgate St., London (1640–Sept. ? 1645).

1641

Publications: “Postscript” (?) in Smectymnuus, An Answer to a Booke entituled, An Humble Remonstrance (Mar.); Of Reformation (May ?); Of Prelatical Episcopacy (July ?); Animadversions upon the Remonstrants Defence, against Smectymnuus (July).

1642

Publications: The Reason of Church Government (Feb.