(Antonio de), an ingenious Spanish writer, of an ancient and illustrious family, born at Placenza in Old Castile, in 1610. He was intended for the law; but his inclination toward poetry prevailed, and he cultivated it with great success. Philip IV. of Spain made him one of his secretaries; and after his death the queen-regent appointed him historiographer of the Indies, a place of great profit and honour: his History of the Conquest of Mexico shows that she could not have named a fitter person. He is better known by this history at least abroad, than by his poetry and dramatic writings, though in these he was also distinguished. He turned priest at 57 years of age, and died in 1686.

SOLITARY, that which is remote from the company or commerce of others of the same species.