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"Oh, do not read history, for that I _know_ must be false."--SIR
ROBERT WALPOLE.
Sir,--I have, from time to time, made a few _notes_ on our historical
writers--rather I should say the conflicting opinions of critical
writers on their relative value, and the dependence to be placed on
them as historical guides. They are so opposite, as would in a great
measure confirm the opinion of the celebrated statesman above quoted.
I send, as a specimen, the opinions upon Burnet, and should its
insertion in your "NOTES AND QUERIES" be deemed advisable, I will
from time to time send others which I have in my note-book.
M.
Burnet, "A good historian and an honest man."--_Lord Brougham_.
"The History of his Own Times, which Burnet left behind him, is a work
of great instruction and amusement.... His ignorance of parliamentary
forms has led him into some errors, it would be absurd to deny,
but these faults do not detract from the general usefulness of his
work."--_Lord John Russell_.
"The most partial, malicious heap of scandal and misrepresentation,
that was ever collected for the laudable design of giving a false
impression of persons and things to all future ages.
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