of _Monmouth_ with that height of impudence, that his Sense is far
blacker than his Ink, exposing him to all the censures that a Murderer,
a Traytor, or what a Subject of most ambitious evil can possibly
comprehend: and it is some wonder, that his Lines also had not hang'd
him on a Tree, to make the intended _Absalom_ more compleat.

As to my Lord _Shaftsbury_ (in his collusive _Achitophel_), what does he
other than exceed Malice it self? or that the more prudent deserts of
that Peer were to be so impeach'd before hand by his impious Poem, as
that he might be granted more emphatically condign of the Hangman's Ax;
And which his Muse does in effect take upon her to hasten.

And if the season be well observ'd, when this Adulterate Poem was
spread, it will be found purposely divulg'd near the time when this
Lord, with his other Noble Partner, were to be brought to their Tryals.
And I suppose this Poet thought himself enough assur'd of their
condemnation; at least, that his _Genius_ had not otherwise ventur'd
to have trampled on persons of such eminent Abilities, and Interest in
the Nation. A consideration, I confess, incited my Pen (its preceding
respect being paid to the Duke of _Monmouth_) to vindicate their
Reputations where I thought it due.

And some are not a little mistaken in their judgments of persons, if any
Kingdom has at this time Two men of their Dignity, of more extraordinary
Understandings: Which may (if well consider'd) be some inducement to
their future preservation and esteem. As I have endeavour'd chiefly to
clear their abuse, so I have pass'd divers considerable persons, under
as malign inclinations of this Author's; conceiving, that what I have
said for the Principals, may remove such smaller prejudices as are on
the value of others on the same concern.