Ti THE LIFE AND WRITINGS OF 



writings would be named ; and that ignorant of Cotton's vicious 

 folly, he judged him rather by the truly beautiful sentiments 

 breathed through the " Stanzes Irreguliers." 



The reader can scarcely have forgotten the language of Wal- 

 ton (2d chap., 1st part), in answer to Venator's question whether 

 their host of the night before was not "a witty man;" but, to 

 save the trouble of a reference, I shall repeat, what cannot too 

 often be repeated, here : " He is not to me a good companion, for 

 most of his conceits were Scripture jests, or lascivious jests ; for 

 which I count no man witty, for the devil will help a man that 

 way inclined to the first ; and his own corrupt nature, which he 

 always carries with him, to the latter ; but a companion that 

 feasts the company with wit and mirth, and leaves out the sin 

 that is usually mixed with it, is the man ; and indeed such a 

 companion should have his charges borne, and to such company 

 I hope to bring you this night. . . . And let me tell you, such 

 company and good discourse are the very sinews of virtue ; but 

 for such company as we heard last night, it infects others ; the 

 very boys will learn to talk and swear as they heard mine host 

 and another of the company that shall be nameless ; I am sorry 

 the other is a gentlemen, for less religion will not save their souls 

 than a beggar's ; I think more will be required at the last great 

 day. Well you know \\hat example is able to do, and I know 

 what the poet says in the like case, which is worthy to be noted 

 by all parents and people of civility : 



* Many a one 

 Owes to his country his religion : 

 And in another would as strongly grow, 

 Had but his nurse or mother taught him so.' 



" This is reason put into verse, and worthy the consideration 

 of a wise man. But of this no more ; for though I love civility, 

 yet I hate severe censures." Cotton himself gives the same 

 character of Walton when he says : " My father Walton will be 

 seen in no man's company twice he does not like, and likes none 

 but such as he believes to be very honest men ; which is one of 

 the best arguments, or at least of the best testimonies I have, that 

 I either am or that he thinks me one of those, seeing I have never 



