Introduction. [The introduction has yet to be written.]

Cyriack. Cyriack Skinner was the grandson of Sir Edward Coke, who served as Chief Justice of the King's Bench from 1613-16 and authored the famous The Institutes of the Law of England. He served Milton as a reader and amanuensis.

sight appear. Milton also mourns his loss of sight in Paradise Lost 3.22-55.

overply'd. Overworked.