In december 1648, King Charles the first, being in great trouble, and prisoner at Caeresbroke, or to be brought to London for his trial; Charles prince of Wales being then at Paris and in profound sorrow for his father, Mr Abraham Cowley went to wait on him ; his Hightness asked him whether he could play at cards, to diverse his sad thoughts. Mr Cowley replied, he did not care to play at cards, but if his Highness pleased, they would use Sortes Virgilianae (Mr Cowley always had a Virgil in his pocket).