object to be passed over unnoticed by the popular party. In May, 1641, he was accused of being implicated in a plot set on foot to induce the army to desert the Parliament for the King. Davenant, aware of the inevitable consequence of such an accusation at such a time, sought safety in flight, and a proclamation was issued for his arrest. He was overtaken at Faversham, brought back to London, and consigned to the custody of the Serjeant-at-Arms. In the month of July, he was released on bail, and a second time betook himself to flight. His second attempt was as unsuccessful as the former one, as he was seized and detained by the Mayor of Canterbury. Sir John Mennis thus introduces the circumstance in some indifferent verses addressed to a friend:
"To make amends,
There's news for Jack to tell his friends.
You heard of late what chevaliers,
(Who durst not tarry for their ears)
Proscribed were for laying a plot,
Which might have ruin'd God knows what!
Suspected for the same 's Will Davenant,
Whether he have been in't or haven't.
He is committed, and like sloven,
Lolls on his bed in Garden Coven;
He had been rack'd, as I am told,
But that his body would not hold.
Soon as in Kent they saw the bard,
(As, to say truth, it is not hard,
For Will has in his face the flaws
Of wounds received in 's country's cause.)
They flew on him, like lions passant,
And tore his nose, as much as was on't:
They call'd him superstitious groom,
And Popish dog, and curre of Rome;
But this I'm sure was the first time
That Will's religion was a crime.
Whate'er he is in outward part,
He's sure a poet in his heart.
But 'tis enough: he is my friend,
And so am I, and there's an end."
Eventually, Davenant contrived to effect his escape, and
