This group met each night at the Turk's Head Coffee House to debate proposals by Milton's opponent, the republican James Harrington, and was often chaired by Skinner.
[2] Cyriack Skinner has been identified as the author of the anonymously published book The Life of Mr. John Milton, an important source of first-hand information on the poet.
[5] Two of Milton's Sonnets are addressed to Skinner:[6] Cyriack, whose Grandsire on the Royal Bench Of British Themis, with no mean applause Pronounc't and in his volumes taught our Lawes, Which others at their Barr so often wrench: To day deep thoughts resolve with me to drench In mirth, that after no repenting drawes; Let Euclid rest and Archimedes pause, And what the Swede intend, and what the French.
To measure life, learn thou betimes, and know Toward solid good what leads the nearest way; For other things mild Heav'n a time ordains, And disapproves that care, though wise in show, That with superfluous burden loads the day, And when God sends a cheerful hour, refrains.
Yet I argue not Against Heav'n's hand or will, not bate a jot Of heart or hope, but still bear up and steer Right onward.