Note AL — AUBREY'S 'BRIEF LIVES' (continued 2)

Aubrey came near being employed on this survey. Writing on Aug. 12, 1672, MS. Wood F. 39, fol. 181, he says:—

'I had gone sooner into Kent, but Dr. Wren, my deare friend, without my knowledge contrived an employment for me, which he referred to me to consider of it. So I shall till Michaelmas terme.

'Tis this.—Mr. Ogilby is writing the history of all England: the map is mending already. Now the Dr. told him if that were all, it would be no very great matter. He was pleased to tell him that he could not meet with a fitter man for that turne then J. A. Now it's true it suites well enough with my genius; but he is a cunning Scott, and I must deale warily with him, with the advice of my friends. It will be February next before I begin, and then between that and November followeing I must <s>curry over all England and Wales.... The king will give me protection and letters to make any inquiries, or etc.'