CHAPTER XIII. LAON AND CYTHNA 329

Origin of the Free-Contract Party--Divorce in Catholic England--Nullification of Marriage--Consequences of the Reformation--Edward the Sixth’s Commissioners for the Amendment of Ecclesiastical Laws--Martin Bucer’s _Judgment touching Divorce_--John Milton on Freedom of Divorce-- Denunciations of Marriage by the Godwinian Radicals--Poetical Fruits of the Genevese Scandal--Byron’s Timidity--Shelley’s Boldness--His most extravagant Conclusions touching Liberty of Affection--Appalling Doctrine of _Laon and Cythna_-- Shelley’s Purpose in publishing the Poem--Alarm of the Olliers--Shelley’s Instructions to the frightened Publishers--Suppression of the monstrous Poem--Friends in Council--_Laon and Cythna_ manipulated into the _Revolt of Islam_--The _Quarterly Review_ on the original Poem-- Consequences to Shelley’s Reputation--Irony of Fate.