His want of means proved an advancement unto him ; for, not having whence to buy books, he borrowed the best authors of his tutor, read over, abridged into note books, and returned them. He was as able to express himself in Latin or Greek, as English ; and that, stylo imperatorio. He was chosen one of the disputants before King James, at his first coming to the university, and performed it with great applause.

Thus far I have followed my author mentioned in the margin ; but we must depart from him a little in one particular. Though Mr. Bolton's parents were not overflowing with wealth, they had a competent estate, (as I am informed by credible intelligence) wherein their family had comfortably continued long time in good repute.

Sir Augustine Nicolls presented him to the rectory of Broughton, in Northamptonshire : sending him his presentation unexpectedly, from his chamber in Sergeant's Inn, where Dr. King, Bishop of London, being accidentally present, thanked the judge for his good choice : but told him withal, that he had deprived the university of a singular ornament. Besides his constant preaching, he hath left behind him, many useful books, the witnesses of his piety and learning; and died, in the 59th year of his age, December 17, 163L

The following epitaph is engraven on his monument in Broughton church Northamptonshire :

ROBERTUS JACET HIC B0LT0NU3.

•- " -■ CiETERA NOVIT, . '

OCCUBITUS DEFLENS ANGLU TQTA

DIEM,

PRIMUS ET OPTIMUS HUJUg, EC . - ,