[Dryden's attack on Milbourne occurs in his preface to the Fables
(Scott's edition of his _Works_, vol. xi. p. 235.). "As a corollary to
this preface," says Dryden, "in which I have done justice to others, I
owe somewhat to myself; not that I think it worth my time to enter the
lists with one Milbourne and one Blackmore, but barely to take notice
that such men there are, who have written scurrilously against me
without any provocation. Milbourne, who is in orders, pretends, amongst
the rest, this quarrel to me, that I have fallen foul on priesthood; if
I have, I am only to ask pardon of good priests, and am afraid his part
of the reparation will come to little. Let him be satisfied that he
shall not be able to force himself upon me for an adversary. I contemn
him too much to enter into competition with him." A little lower down
Dryden hints that Milbourne lost his living for writing a libel upon
his parishioners.]
_Portrait Painters of the last Century._--I am anxious to obtain some
information respecting the portrait painters of the last century. I have in
my collection a picture by H. Smith, 1736. Can any of your readers give me
an account of him?