OF HIS

Life and times,

From the year 1602 to 1681.

* * * * *

Written by Himself,

In the sixty-sixth year of his age, to his worthy friend,

Elias Ashmole, Esq.

* * * * *

Published from the original Ms.

LONDON, 1715.

* * * * *

London: 

Re-printed for Charles Baldwyn,

Newgate street.

* * * * *

M.DCCC.XXII.

Maurice, printer, PENCHURCH-street.

LIST OF PLATES.

William Lilly, (from Marshall’s Print)

Ditto (from the Picture)

Dr. Simon Forman 34

John Booker 68

Charles the Second 95

Charles the First 107

Hugh Peters 134

Speaker Lenthall 159

Oliver Cromwell 175

Dr. John Dee 223

Edward Kelly 226

Napier of Merchiston 236

ADVERTISEMENT.

Prefixed to the lives of Elias Ashmole & William Lilly.

In 1 vol. 8vo. 1772.

Although we cannot, with justice, compare Elias Ashmole to that excellent Antiquary John Leland, or William Lilly to the learned and indefatigable Thomas Hearne; yet I think we may fairly rank them with such writers as honest Anthony Wood, whose Diary greatly resembles that of his cotemporary, and intimate friend, Elias Ashmole.

Some anecdotes, connected with affairs of state; many particulars relating to illustrious persons, and antient and noble families; several occurrences in which the Public is interested, and other matters of a more private nature, can only be found in works of this kind.  History cannot stoop to the meanness of examining the materials of which Memoirs are generally composed.

And yet the pleasure and benefit resulting from such books are manifest to every reader.

I hope the admirers of the very laborious Thomas Hearne will pardon me, if I should venture to give it as my opinion, and with much deference to their judgment, that William Lilly’s Life and Death of Charles the first contains more useful matter of instruction, as well as more splendid and striking occurrences, than are to be found in several of those monkish volumes published by that learned Oxonian.