y, pursued his studies
through a life of want--and this great orientalist (I grieve
to degrade the memoirs of a man of learning by such
mortifications), when he quitted his studies too often wanted
a change of linen, and often wandered in the streets in search
of some compassionate friend who would supply him with the
meal of the day!

[129] The following are extracts from Ockley's letters to the Earl of
Oxford, which I copy from the originals:--

"_Cambridge Castle, May 2, 1717._

"I am here in the prison for debt, which must needs be an
unavoidable consequence of the distractions in my family.
I enjoy more repose, indeed, here, than I have tasted
these many years, but the circumstance of a family obliges
me to go out as soon as I can."

"_Cambridge, Sept. 7, 1717._

"I have at last found leisure in my confinement to finish
my Saracen history, which I might have hoped for in vain
in my perplexed circumstances."

DANGER INCURRED BY GIVING THE RESULT OF LITERARY INQUIRIES.

An author occupies a critical situation, for, while he is presenting
the world with the result of his profound studies and his honest
inquiries, it may prove pernicious to himself. By it he may incur the
risk of offending the higher powers, and witnessing his own days
embittered. Liable, by his moderation or his discoveries, by his
scruples or his assertions, by his adherence to truth, or by the
curiosity of his speculations, to be persecuted by two opposite
parties, even when the accusations of the one necessarily nullify the
other; such an author will be fortunate to be permitted to retire out
of the circle of the bad passions; but he crushes in silence and
voluntary obscurity all future efforts--and thus the nation loses a
valued author.

This case is exemplified by the history of Dr. COWEL'S curious work
"The Interpreter." The book itself is a treasure of our antiquities,
illustrating our national manners. The author was devoted to his
studies, and the merits of his work recommended him to the Archbishop
of Canterbury; in the Ecclesiastical Court he practised as a civilian,
and became there eminent as a judge.[130]

Cowel gave his work with all the modesty of true learning; for who
knows his deficiencies so well in the subject on which he has written
as that author who k