a town of Germany, seated on the river Maine, in the circle of the lower Rhine, and territory of the elector of Mecklenburg, who has a palace there. It is memorable for being the place where the king of Great Britain took up his quarters the night before. ASCAM (Roger) was born at Kirby-Wilke, near North-Allerton in Yorkshire, in the year 1516. His father was steward to the noble family of Scroop. Our author Roger was educated in the family of Sir Anthony Wingfield, who, about the year 1530, sent him to St. John's College, Cambridge, where he was soon distinguished for his application and abilities. He took his degree of bachelor of arts at the age of eighteen, was soon after elected fellow of his college, and in 1536 proceeded master of arts. In 1544, he was chosen university orator; and, in 1548, was sent for to court, to instruct the lady Elizabeth (afterwards queen) in the learned languages. In the year 1550, he attended Sir Richard Moryline, as secretary, on his embassy to the emperor Charles V., at whose court he continued three years, and in the meantime was appointed Latin secretary to king Edw. VI. But, upon the death of that prince, he lost his preferment and all his hopes, being professedly of the reformed religion; yet, contrary to his expectations, he was soon after, by the intercession of his friend lord Paget, made Latin secretary to the king and queen. In June 1554, he married Mrs Margaret How, a lady of a good family, with whom he had a considerable fortune. It is very remarkable of Mr. Ascham, that, though he was known to be a Protestant, he continued in favour not only with the ministry of those times, but with queen Mary herself. Upon the accession of queen Elizabeth, he was not only confirmed in his post of Latin secretary, but was constantly employed as preceptor to her majesty in the Greek and Latin languages. He died in the year 1568, much regretted, especially by the queen, who said she had rather lost ten thousand pounds. Camden and some other writers tell us, that he had a great propensity to dice and cock-fighting. He certainly died poor.—He wrote,

1. Toxophilus. The school or partitions of shooting, contained in two books, written by Roger Ascham, 1544, and now newly perused. Pleasant for all gentlemen and yeomen of England, &c. Lond. 1571. Whilst at the university he was fond of archery by way of exercise and amusement, for which he was censured; and on that account he sat down to write this book, which was dedicated to Hen. VIII. who settled a pension of 10l. per annum on the author. It is rather whimsical; but is admirably well written, and full of learning.

2. A report and discourse, written by Roger Ascham, of the affairs and state of Germany, and the emperor Charles his court, &c. 4to. A valuable curiosity.

3. The schoolmaster. First printed in 1573, 4to. Mr Upton published an edition with notes in 1711. It has uncommon merit; abounding in great good sense, as well as knowledge of ancient and modern history: it is also expressive of the great humanity of the author, who was for making the paths of knowledge as level and pleasant as possible, and for trying every gentle method of enlarging the mind and winning the heart.

4. Latin epistles. First published by Mr Grant in 1576; have since passed many editions: the best is that of Oxford in 1703. Much admired on account of the style, and esteemed almost the only classical work of that kind written by an Englishman.

5. Apologia contra misam. 1577, 8vo.