Note CX — AUBREY'S 'BRIEF LIVES' (continued 6)

Wren was one of the people from whose patronage Aubrey, in his evil days, hoped for some official post. On a slip pasted to fol. 27v of MS. Aubr. 9 is this note:—

'Mr. Secretary Wren's indefinite (?) kindnesse is valuable if our lord P. <? William lord Brouncker, Pres. Roy. Soc. 1663-1677> know it, and Mr. <John> Collins, but cave. They might between them determine somewhat certaine. There are peaceable places among souldiers; and now the navy offices thrive, and a man can nowhere so well hide himselfe in an office as there, 'cause 'tis out of the way.

'I cannot get Quillettus here, but would you could find Gallus Veridicus, which you must enquire for privately. I never saw it, but Mr. Oldenburg may possibly have heard of it.

'The want of the Royal Society is the greatest defect of our parts[1285]: possibly you may have some one that for money will informe mee as you doe for love. If you find any such, fix him for[1286] J.†'