Page:Cousins's Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature.djvu/296

 284 Dictionary of English Literature

sula and in the South of France from 1807-14 (1828-40) at once took rank as a classic, and superseded all existing works on the subject. Though not free from prejudice and consequent bias, it remains a masterpiece of historical writing, especially in the description of military operations. It was translated into French, German, Spanish, Italian, and Persian. N. also pub. The Conquest of Scinde (1844-46), mainly a defence of his brother Charles, whose life he subsequently wrote. He became K.C.B. in 1848, and General 1859.

NASH, THOMAS (1567-1601). Satirist, etc., b. at Lowe-

stoft, ed. at Camb. A reckless life kept him in perpetual poverty, and a bitter and sarcastic tongue lost him friends and patrons. He cherished an undying hatred for the Puritans, and specially for Gabriel Hervey, with whom he maintained a lifelong controversy, and against whose attacks he defended Robert Greene (q.v.). Among his writings are Anatomy of Absurdities (1589), Have with you to Saffron Walden, and Pierce Pennilesse, his Supplication to the Divell (1592), all against the Puritans. In Summer's (a jester of Henry VIII.) Last Will and Testament occurs the well-known song, " Spring, the sweet Spring, is the year's pleasant King." Christ's Tears over Jerusalem (1593) rnay have indicated some movement towards re pentance. Another work in a totally different style, The Unfortu nate Traveller, or the Life of Jack Wilton (1594), a wild tale, may* be regarded as the pioneer of the novel of adventure. It had, however, so little success that the author never returned to this kind of fiction. A comedy, The Isle of Dogs (now lost), adverted so pointedly tc abuses in the state that it led to his imprisonment. His last work was Lenten Stuff e (1599), a burlesque panegyric on Yarmouth and its red herrings. N.'s verse is usually hard and monotonous, but he was a man of varied culture and great ability.

NAYLER, JAMES (i6i7?-i66o). Quaker theologian, s. oi

a Yorkshire yeoman, who, after serving in the Parliamentary army, joined the Quakers in 1651, became one of Foxe's most trustee] helpers, and exercised a powerful influence. By some of the more enthusiastic devotees of the sect he was honoured with such blas phemous titles as " the Lamb of God," which, however, he did noi arrogate to himself, but asserted that they were ascribed to " Chrisl in him." He was found guilty of blasphemy, pilloried, whipped, anc branded, and cast into prison, from which he was not released unti after the death of Cromwell, when he made public confession anc resumed preaching. He was the author of a number of short works both devotional and controversial. He ranks high among the Quakers for eloquence, insight, and depth of thought.

NEAL, JOHN (1793-1876). Novelist and poet, b. at Port land, Maine, was self-educated, kept a dry goods store, and was after wards a lawyer. He wrote several novels, which show considerable native power, but little art, and are now almost forgotten. Amonj those which show the influence of Byron and Godwin are Keep Coo* (1818), Logan (1822), and Seventy-six (1823). His poems have th< same features of vigour and want of finish. In 1823 he visited England, and became known to Jeremy Bentham. He contributed some articles on American subjects to Blackwood's Magazine.