cution, for on Monday last (altho' I had no warning before hand of it, except a little hint from one who I thought at the same time had spoke in jest) I was sent for to appear before the Heads of Houses (some of them I mean, for all were not there) to answer about my book. They told me I had reflected upon the Jurors, had called one of Mr. Dodwell's books tractatus aureus, had animadverted upon a certain bishop, and they alledged other things of that nature. At length they came to this Resolution that I should either soften my expressions, and quite alter what they judged to be Reflection, or else have my book suppressed. I told them what I had written was true, and therefore would not bring such a dis grace upon myself as to change what I had written, since to do so would be to act contrary to my conscience; but that I would rather permit the book (although I had disposed of but 43 copies) to be suppressed. Accordingly therefore, after they had sat about two hours, they resolved that it should be suppressed, and drew up an order for it, a copy of which was brought to me by the Register the next morning, and runs as follows:

At a Meeting of the Heads of Houses of the University of Oxford in the Apodyterium, the 23d of March, Anno Domini, 1712.

Ordered that a Book entituled "Henrici Dod"welli de Parma Equestri Woodwardiana

Dissertatio, &c. Recensuit Ediditque Tho

mas Hearne, A.M. Oxoniensis, qui et "Dodwelli Operum editorum Catalogum

66

præmisit. Oxonii e Theatro Sheldoniano "MDCCXIII. Impensis Editoris." Printed without Licence, in which there are several offensive expressions, be suppressed; And the said Mr. Hearne is hereby forbidden to sell, or any otherwise disperse or dispose of the said book under penalty of the Statutes. In præsentia mei

GEO: COOPER, Not Publici

et Registri Univers. Oxon.

This being done, and a loss of above 50 pounds (most of which I had borrowed) being brought upon me, I moved the Vice-Chancellor to permit me to sell the book itself without the preliminary parts, which at length (upon calling a Meeting of the Delegates of the Press) was allowed me. I could have urged several objections why I might not submit to the order, but having given my word for it, I will not presume (nor indeed will it be safe) to deliver the book with the Preliminary leaves. I shall therefore send you two copies bound as they have granted me a power of disposing of them; altho' I heartily wish that they

had not used this severity to me, which I am afraid will at some time or other redound much to their disgrace. I have been mightily commended by many honest as well as very sensible and learned men for refusing to recant; and I am so well satisfied in what I have done, that I desire no other reward from any man whatsoever. Some thought they would have proceeded to expulsion, at least that they would deprive me of my little place. But this they did not pretend to do; neither do I think that they will attempt it. On the contrary they all appear now very civil to me, and I hope they will repent of what they have done. Be pleased to give my humble service to Mrs. Dodwell, and to tell her that I will send two books in large paper next week, and the week after you may be pleased to send the money both for them and the Lelands to,

Honoured Sir,

Your most obliged humble Servt.

Oxon, March

30, 1713.

THO. HEARNE.

LETTER XCV.

From the same to the same.

HONORD SIR,

By this I return you and Mrs. Dodwell my thanks for the money (30s.) for the Diss. de Parma Equestri Woodwardiana, and for the 3 copies of the IXth Vol. of Leland's Itinerary, which was paid me by your daughter on Saturday last.

The Heads of Houses that suppressed my book, and were present when the order was made arè, (1) Dr. Gardiner, Vice-Chancellor, and Warden of All Souls. (2) Dr. Adams, Rector of Lincoln. (3) Dr. Turner, President of Corpus Christi. (4) Dr. Charlett, Master of University. (5) Dr. Baron, Master of Balliol. (6) Dr. Holland, Warden of Merton. (7) Dr. Carter, Provost of Oriel. (8) Dr. Brickenden, Master of Pembroke. (9) Dr. Cobb, Warden of New Coll. (10) Dr. Hudson, Principal of St. Mary Hall. (11) Dr. Pearson, Principal of Edm. Hall. (12) Dr. Brabourn, Principal of New Inn Hall. Mr. Perriam also of Christ Church, the Junior Proctor was present; but he was my friend.

Just before they came to a resolution of suppressing it they urged me to retract; but that I absolutely refused. And indeed, if I had been prevailed with to have written any thing to sig

nify my sorrow, it should have been only in some such form as this:

I, Thomas Hearne, A.M. of the University of Oxford, having, ever since. my Matriculation, followed my studies with as much application as I have been capable of, and having published several books for the honour and credit of Learning, and for the reputation of the foresaid University, am very sorry that by my declining to say any thing but what I knew to be true, and particularly in the last book I published, intituled, Henrici Dodwelli de Parma Equestri Woodwardiana Dissertatio, &c. I should incur the displeasure of the Heads of Houses, and as a token of my sorrow for their being offended at Truth, I subscribe my name to this paper, and permit them to make what use of it they please.

THO. HEARNE.

I have disposed of 65 copies, so there are 175 remaining, there having been only 240 printed. I had disposed of only 43 when the book was suppressed; the other 22 I have got clandestinely

off. But woe be to me if once it should come to the ears of my judges. What method to take for disposing of the rest I cannot tell, and therefore should be extremely glad if you could put me in

a way.

VOL. I.