_Milton's Rib-bone._--In Vol. v., p. 275., mention is made of Cromwell's
skull; so it may not be out of place to tell you that I have handled one
of Milton's ribs. Cowper speaks indignantly of the desecration of our
divine poet's grave, on which shameful occurrence some of the bones were
clandestinely distributed. One fell to the lot of an old and esteemed
friend, and between forty-five and forty years ago, at his house, not
many miles from London, I have often examined the said rib-bone. That
friend is long since dead; but his son, now in the vale of years, lives,
and I doubt not, from the reverence felt to the great author of
_Paradise Lost_, that he has religiously preserved the precious relic.
It might not be agreeable to him to have his name published; but from
his tastes he, being a person of some distinction in literary pursuits,
is likely to be a reader of "N. & Q.," and if this should catch his eye,
_he_ may be induced to send you some particulars. I know he is able to
place the matter beyond a doubt.