Life of Cowley - Part B

  • Give an account of Cowley's engagement at Paris.

Abraham Cowley was appointed as secretary to Lord Jermyne at Paris. Here he was engaged in transacting things of real importance such as negotiations between England and France, as well as managing Lord Jermyne's affairs with real men and women in the French capital. He did not much employ his thoughts upon "phantoms of gallantry". He used to write letters to Mr. Bennet who became the Earl of Arlington. These letters exposed the qualities of minds which were more on things than words. They contribute to his reputation. Some passages seem to be worthy of notice. It relates to the Scotch treaty in agitation. Cowley said that the Scotch treaty was the only thing which made us concerned. He was not very much hopeful that an agreement would be made. The Scotch will moderate their demands and there would be an accord (agreement) visible and the king should be persuaded.