or **RYCAUT**, Sir Paul, an eminent English traveller, of the time of whose birth we find no account; but in 1661, he was appointed secretary to the earl of Winchelsea, who was sent ambassador extraordinary to the Ottoman Porte. During his continuance in that station, he wrote, "The present State of the Ottoman empire, in three-books, containing the maxims of the Turkish policy, their religion, and military discipline," London, folio, 1670. He afterwards resided 11 years as consul at Smyrna, where, at the command of Charles II, he composed "The present state of the Greek and Armenian Churches, anno Christi 1678." On his return, Lord Clarendon being appointed lord-lieutenant of Ireland, made him his principal secretary for Leinster and Connaught; King James II knighted him; and made him one of the privy council in Ire-

land, and judge of the court of admiralty; all which he held to the Revolution. He was employed by King William as resident at the Hanse-towns in Lower Saxony, where he continued for ten years; but being worn out with age and infirmities, he obtained leave to return in 1700, and died the same year. Ricaut continued "Knolles's History of the Turks," and "Platina's Lives of the Popes;" besides which, there are some other productions under his name.