Chapter Hume to Hunnis of H by Biographical Dictionary of English Literature

it must always retain a place among the masterpieces of historical literature. In character Hume was kindly, candid, and good-humoured, and he was beloved as a man even by many who held his views in what was little short of abhorrence.

Summary.—B. 1711, educated at Edinburgh, tries law and commerce, but decides for literature, goes to France 1734-37, published Human Nature 1739, Essays Moral and Philosophical 1741-2, governor to M. of Annandale 1745, accompanies expedition to L’Orient, engaged diplomatically 1748, published Philosophical Essays, including Miracles 1748, Enquiry into Principles of Morals 1751, Political Discourses 1752, Keeper of Advocates’ Library 1752, published History of England 1754-62, Four Dissertations 1757, Chargé d’ Affaires at Paris 1763, became acquainted with Rousseau, under-sec. of State 1767-8, retires and settles in Edinburgh 1769.

Life by Hill Burton (2 vols., 1846), shorter ones by Huxley, Knight, and Calderwood. Works edited by Green and Grose (4 vols., 1874). History often reprinted with Smollett’s continuations.

Hunnis, William (died 1597).—Poet, was a gentleman of the Chapel Royal to Edward VI., imprisoned during the reign of Mary, but after the accession of Elizabeth was released, and in 1566 made “master of the children” of the Chapel Royal. He wrote metrical versions of the Psalms, and some vols. of verse, A Hiveful of Honey, and A Handful of Honeysuckles.