Defense of the English People Against Salmasius

John Milton's Defense of the English People Against Salmasius (1651) was a Latin tract written in response to Claudius Salmasius, a French scholar. Salmasius had published a work defending the executed King Charles I, which was likely commissioned by Charles II. Milton, serving as secretary for foreign tongues for the English Commonwealth, was tasked with refuting Salmasius's arguments.12

In his defense, Milton reiterated his belief that tyrannical kingship should be abolished and tyrants executed. He cited various authorities from classical antiquity, scripture, and early modern political philosophers to support his stance. Milton's work also addressed inconsistencies in Salmasius's arguments and defended the actions of the English Commonwealth. This tract was part of Milton's broader effort to act as an apologist for the Commonwealth against foreign criticism.13