We base this view on several incidents.
In a letter Jonson addressed in 1605, from his place of confinement,
to Lord Salisbury (_Ben Jonson_, edited by Cunningham, vol. i. xlix.),
he says that he regrets having once more to apply to his kindness
on account of a play, after having scarcely repented 'his first
error' (most probably _Eastward Hoe_).' Before I can shew myself
grateful in the least for former benefits, I am enforced to provoke
your bounties for more.' In this letter, Jonson uses a tone similar
to the one which pervades his Dedication of _Volpone_. We therefore
believe that both letter and Dedication have reference to one and
the same matter. In the letter, Jonson addresses Lord Salisbury in
this way:--'My noble lord, they deal not charitably who are witty in
another man's work, and utter sometimes their own malicious meanings
under our words.' He then continues, protesting that since his first
error, which was punished more with his shame than with his bondage,
he has only touched at general vice, sparing particular persons. He
goes on:--'I beseech your most honourable Lordship, suffer not other
men's errors or faults past to be made my crimes; but let me be
examined by all my works past and this present; and trust not to
Rumour, but my books (for she is an unjust deliverer, both of
great and of small actions), whether I have ever (many things I
have written private and public) given offence to a nation, to a
public order or state, or any person of honour or authority; but
have equally laboured to keep their dignity, as my own person,
safe.
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