In the time of the rebellion, we find Howel tampering with the prevailing power, and ready to have embraced their measures; for which reason, at the reiteration, he was not contin[u]ed in his place of clerk to the council, but was only made king’s historiographer, being the first in England, says Wood, who bore that title; and having no very beneficial employment, he wrote books to the last.

He had a great knowledge in modern histories, especially in those of the countries in which he had travelled, and he seems, by his letters, to have been no contemptible politician:  As to his poetry, it is smoother, and more harmonious, than was very common with the bards of his time.

As he introduced the trade of writing for bread, so he also is charged with venal flattery, than which nothing can be more ignoble and base.  To praise a blockhead’s wit because he is great, is too frequently practised by authors, and deservedly draws down contempt upon them.  He who is favoured and patronized by a great man, at the expence of his integrity and honour, has paid a dear price for the purchase, a miserable exchange, patronage for virtue, dependance for freedom.

Our author died the beginning of November, 1666, and was buried on the North side of the Temple church.

We shall not trouble the reader with an enumeration of all the translations and prose works of this author; the occasion of his being introduced here, is, his having written

Nuptials of Peleus and Thetis, consisting of a Masque and a Comedy, [f]or the Great Royal Ball, acted in Paris six times by the King in person, the Duke of Anjou, the Duke of York, with other Noblemen; also by the Princess Royal, Henrietta Maria, Princess of Conti, &c. printed in 4to. 1654, and addressed to the Marchioness of Dorchester.  Besides this piece, his Dodona’s Grove, or Vocal Forest, is in the highest reputation.

His entertaining letters, many of whom were written to the greatest personages in England, and some in particular to Ben Johnson, were first published in four volumes; but in 1737, the tenth edition of them was published in one volume, which is also now become scarce.  They are interspersed with occasional verses; from one of these little pieces we shall select the following specimen of this author’s poetical talent.

On the Author’s Valentine, Mrs. Metcalf.

  Could I charm the queen of love,
  To lend a quill of her white dove;
  Or one of Cupid’s pointed wings
  Dipt in the fair Caftalian Springs;
    Then would I write the all divine
    Perfections of my Valentine.

  As ’mongst, all flow’rs the Rose excells,
  As Amber ’mongst the fragrant’st smells,
  As ’mongst all minerals the Gold,
  As Marble ’mongst the finest mold,
  As Diamond ’mongst jewels bright
  As Cynthia ’mongst the lesser lights[3]: 
    So ’mongst the Northern beauties shine,
    So far excels my Valentine.