Reflections on the civil war. The first edition of John Whitehall's (fl.1679-1685) Miscellaneous Poems, a collection of seven lyrical verses published on the death of Charles II and touching upon themes including 'faith', 'patience' and 'ambition'. The work opens with an ode to the late king, and praising the 'happy succession' of his brother James turns to reflect on those 'Who do the Justice of their Monarch fear / Such who can teach Rebellion with a Zeal / Who inward motions of Sedition feel / Who bless the Halcyon-days of Anarchy.../ Let them despond this day to see' (pp.2-3).

A royalist, Whitehall had earlier participated in the criticism of Hobbes' philosophical ideas, attacking Leviathan for creating 'Monsters in policy' at a time 'when our Nation groaned under the Dissolution of all Ligaments of our ancient Government' (The Leviathan Found Out, 1679). Although no great friend of the Commonwealth, Hobbes' irregular views on religion and wavering commitment to the monarchy, not to mention his irascible temperament, had bought him little in the way of friendship come the Restoration.

The Miscellaneous Poems were evidently popular, with a second edition commissioned in 1690 by which time James' 'happy succession' had resulted in the Glorious Revolution of 1688, deposing the king from power, and ending the line of Stuart monarchs who had reigned since 1603.



First edition; 4to (23 x 19 cm); initial blank, MS pagination to upper right margin; later speckled calf, ruled in gilt, gilt spine in compartments with contrasting red morocco title-piece, very minor rubbing to extremities, otherwise internally very clean; [8], 28pp. A fine copy.

ESTC R24550; Wing W1867.