_Milton and the Calves-Head Club_ (Vol. iii., p. 390).--Dr. Todd, in his
edition of Milton's _Works_, in 1809, p. 158., mentions the rumour,
without expressing any opinion of its truth. I think he omits all
mention of it in his subsequent edition in 1826, and therefore hope he
has adopted the prevailing opinion that it is a contemptible libel. In a
note to the former edition is a reference to Kennett's _Register_, p.
38., and to _"Private forms of Prayer fitted for the late sad times,"
&c._, 12mo., Lond., 1660, attributed to Dr. Hammond. An anonymous
author, quoting the verbal assurance of "a certain active Whigg," would
be entitled to little credit in attacking the character of the living,
and ought surely to be scouted when assailing the memory of the dead. In
Lowndes' _Bib. Man._ it is stated that
"This miserable trash has been attributed to the author of
Hudibras."