Works of Thomas Vaughan (Eugenius Philalethes)

Henry Vaughan, he knew still less of his descents. I mention these matters to indicate the kind of race and royalty to which the triad belongs in literature. Herbert is still the known poet whose popularity is witnessed by innumerable editions. Henry Vaughan, designated the Silurist,¹ is known indeed—but after another manner and one much more restricted. His works have been collected twice and the selections are few. As regards Thomas Vaughan, with a single exception in respect of the tract entitled EUPHRATES, he has been edited in modern times by myself only, and the volume to which the present words are prefixed represents the only attempt to produce his writings in collected form.

In the vicinity of Newton and Tretower is the little town of Llangattock, still within the voices of the Usk, and there at the period dwelt the Rev. Matthew Herbert, a kinsman perhaps also, to whom Thomas² and Henry wrote Latin and English verses, and to whom the former may have dedicated AULA LUCIS,³ addressing him as Seleucus Abantiades—or such at least is my suspicion. The records⁴ on which I depend tell me that the boys were placed in his charge at the age of eleven years for schooling, and so profited therein that in 1638 they proceeded—apparently together—to Jesus College, Oxford,⁵ where Thomas in due course took "one Degree in Arts."⁶ This is stated by Wood and seems final on

¹ Thomas Vaughan is as much entitled to be termed Silurist as his brother. In a sense, it was a family designation, belonging to that branch which had its home in South-East Wales, where dwelt once the warlike Silures.
² See APPENDIX II, p. 475.
³ The tract entitled THE MAN-MOUSE in reply to Henry More was also dedicated to Matthew Herbert by his "pupil and servant," Eugenius Philalethes.
⁴ In addition to the researches of Grosart there are those of E. K. Chambers in his WORKS of Henry Vaughan, 2 vols., MUSES' LIBRARY, 1906. It must not be said that the discoveries made by either editor are considerable in respect of Thomas Vaughan, the materials being wanting.
⁵ The University Register says that "Thos. Vaughan . . . matriculated from Jesus College on 14 Dec., 1638, aged 16."
⁶ ATHENÆ OXONIENSES.