Chapter V: Part 5

* * * * *

_PHILIP MASSINGER_.

_Philip Massinger_ was likewise one who in his time was no mean contributer unto the Stage, wherein he so far excell'd as made his Name sufficiently famous, there being no less than sixteen of his Plays printed, _viz. The Bondman, the bashful Lover, the City Madam, the Emperour of the East, the-Great Duke of Florence, the Guardian, Maid of Honour, New Way to pay Old Debts, the Picture, the Renegado_, and _the merry Woman_, Comedies: _The Duke of Millain, Fatal Dowry, Roman Actor, Unnatural Combat_, and _the Virgin Martyr_, Tragedies.

* * * * *

_JOHN WEBSTER_.

_John Webster_ was also one of those who in that plentiful age of Dramatick Writers contributed his endeavours to the Stage; being (as we said before) associated with _Thomas Decker_, in several Plays, which pass'd the Stage with sufficient applause, as also in two Comedies with _William Rowley_; besides what he wrote alone, _the Devil's Lam-Case_, a Tragi Comedy, and _the white Devil_, and _Dutchess of Malfy_, Tragedies.

* * * * *

_WILLIAM BROWN_.

Mr. _William Brown_ was a Gentleman (as I take it) of the _Middle Temple_, who besides his other ingenious Employments, had his excursions to those sweet delights of Poetry, writing a most ingenious Piece, entituled, _Britain's Pastorals_, it being for a Subject of an amorous and rural Nature, worthily deserving commendations, as any one will confess who shall peruse it with an impartial eye. Take a view of his abilities, out of his Second Book, first Song of his Pastorals, speaking of a deform'd Woman.

And is not she the Queen of Drabs,
Whose Head is perriwigg'd with scabs?
Whose Hair hangs down incurious flakes,
All curl'd and crisp'd, like crawling Snakes;
The Breath of whose perfumed Locks
Might choke the Devil with a Pox;
Whose dainty twinings did entice
The whole monopoly of Lice;
Her Forehead next is to be found,
Resembling much the new-plough'd ground,
Furrow'd like stairs, whose windings led
Unto the chimney of her head;
The next thing that my Muse descries,
Is the two Mill-pits of her Eyes,
Mill-pits whose depth no plum can sound,
For there the God of Love was drown'd,
On either side there hangs a Souse,
And Ear I mean keeps open house,
An Ear which always there did dwell,
And so the Head kept sentinel,
Which there was placed to descry,
If any danger there was nigh,
But surely danger there was bred
Which made them so keep off the head;
Something for certain caus'd their fears,
Which made them so to hang their ears;
But hang her ears; _Thalia_ seeks
To suck the bottle of her cheeks, &c.

* * * * *

_THOMAS RANDOLPH_.

This Famous Poet was born at _Houghton_ in _Northampton-shire_, and was first bred in _Westminster-School_, then Fellow in _Trinity-Colledge_ in _Cambridge_; He was one of such a pregnant Wit, that the Muses may seem not only to have smiled, but to have been tickled at his Nativity, such the festivity of his Poems of all sorts. Yet was he also sententiously grave, as may appear by many of his Writings, not only in his _Necessary Precepts_, but also in several other of his Poems; take one instance in the conclusion of his Commendatory Verses to Mr. _Feltham_, on his excellent Book of _Resolves_.

'Mongst thy Resolves, put my Resolves in too;
Resolve who will, this I resolve to do,
That should my Errors chuse anothers line
Whereby to write, I mean to live by thine.

His extraordinary indulgence to the too liberal converse with the multitude of his applauders, drew him to such an immoderate way of living, that he was seldom out of Gentlemens company, and as it often happens that in drinking high quarrels arise, so there chanced some words to pass betwixt Mr. _Randolf_ and another Gentleman, which grew to be so high, that the Gentleman drawing his Sword, and striking at Mr. _Randolph_, cut off his little finger, whereupon, in an extemporary humour, he instantly made these Verses:

Arithmetick nine digits and no more
Admits of, then I have all my store;
But what mischance hath tane from my Lefthand,
It seems did only for a cypher stand,
Hence, when I scan my Verse if I do miss,
I will impute the fault only to this,
A fingers loss, I speak it not in sport,
Will make a Verse a foot too short.

That he was of a free generous disposition, not regarding at all the Riches of the World, may be seen in the first Poem of his Book, speaking of the inestimable content he enjoyed in the Muses, to those of his friends which dehorted him from Poetry.

Go sordid earth, and hope not to bewitch
My high born Soul, which flies a nobler pitch;
Thou canst not tempt her with adulterate show,
She bears no appetite that flags so low, &c.

His Poems publish'd after his death, and usher'd into the World by the best Wits of those times, passed the Test with general applause, and have gone through several Impressions; To praise one, were in some sort to dispraise the other, being indeed all praise-worthy. His _Cambridge Duns_ facetiously pleasing, as also his _Parley with his Empty Purse_, in their kind not out-done by any. He was by _Ben. Johnson_ adopted for his Son, and that as is said upon this occasion.

Mr. _Randolph_ having been at _London_ so long as that he might truly have had a parley with his _Empty Purse_, was resolved to go see _Ben. Johnson_ with his associates, which as he heard at a set-time still kept a Club together at the _Devil-Tavern_ near _Temple-Bar_; accordingly at the time appointed he went thither, but being unknown to them, and wanting Money, which to an ingenious spirit is the most daunting thing in the World, he peep'd in the Room where they were, which being espied by _Ben. Johnson_, and seeing him in a Scholars thredbare habit, _John Bo-peep_, says he, come in, which accordingly he did, when immediately they began to rime upon the meanness of his Clothes, asking him, If he could not make a Verse? and withal to call for his Quart of Sack; there being four of them, he immediately thus replied,

I _John Bo-peep_, to you four sheep,
With each one his good fleece,
If that you are willing to give me five shilling,
'Tis fifteen pence a piece.

By _Jesus_ quoth _Ben. Johnson_, (his usual Oath) I believe this is my Son _Randolph_, which being made known to them, he was kindly entertained into their company, and _Ben. Johnson_ ever after called him Son.

He wrote besides his Poems, the _Muses Looking-glass, Jealous Lovers_, and _Hey for Honesty, down with Knavery_, Comedies; _Amintas_, a Pastoral, and _Aristippus_, an Interlude.

* * * * *

Sir _JOHN BEAUMONT Baronet_.

Sir _John Beaumont_ was one who Drank as deep Draughts of _Helicon_ as any of that Age; and though not many of his Works are Extant, yet those we have be such as are displayed on the Flags of highest Invention; and may justly Stile him to be one of the chief of those great Souls of Numbers. He wrote besides several other things, a Poem of _Bosworth Field_, and that so Ingeniously, as one thus writes of it.

Could divine _Maro_, hear his Lofty Strain;
He would condemn his Works to fire again.

I shall only give you an Instance of some few lines of his out of the aforesaid Poem, and so conclude.

Here Valiant _Oxford_, and Fierce _Norfolk_ meet;
And with their Spears, each other rudely greet:
About the Air the shined Pieces play,
Then on their Swords their Noble Hand they lay.
And _Norfolk_ first a Blow directly guides,
To _Oxfords_ Head, which from his Helmet slides
Upon his Arm, and biteing through the Steel,
Inflicts a Wound, which _Vere_ disdains to feel.
But lifts his Faulcheon with a threatning grace,
And hews the Beaver off from _Howards_ Face,
This being done, he with compassion charm'd,
Retires asham'd to strike a Man disarm'd.
But strait a deadly Shaft sent from a Bow,
(Whose Master, though far off, the Duke could know:
Untimely brought this combat to an end,
And pierc'd the Brains of _Richards_ constant Friend.
When _Oxford_ saw him Sink his Noble Soul,
Was full of grief, which made him thus condole.
_Farewel true Knight, to whom no costly Grave
Can give due honour, would my Tears might save
Those streams of Blood, deserving to be Spilt
In better service, had not_ Richard's _guilt
Such heavy weight upon his Fortune laid,
Thy Glorious vertues had his Sins outweigh'd_.

* * * * *

_Dr. PHILEMON HOLLAND_.

This worthy Doctor, though we find not many Verses of his own Composing, yet is deservedly placed amongst the Poets; for his numerous Translations of so many Authors: insomuch that he might be called the Translator General of his Age; So that those Books alone of his turning into English, are sufficient to make a Country Gentleman a Competent Library for Historians. He is thought to have his Birth in _Warwick-shire_, but more certain to have his Breeding in _Trinity Colledge_ in _Cambridge_; where he so Profited, that he became Doctor of Physick: and practised the same in _Coventry_ in his (if so it were) native Country. Here did he begin and finish the Translation of so many Authors, that considering their Voluminousness, a Man would think he had done nothing else; which made one thus to descant on him.

_Holland_ with his Translations doth so fill us,
He will not let _Suetonius_ be _Tranquillus_.

Now as he was a Translator of many Authors, so was he very Faithful in what he did; But what commended him most in the Praise of Posterity, was his Translating _Cambdens Britania_, a Translation more then a Translation: he adding to it many more notes then what were first in the Lattin Edition, but such as were done by Mr. _Cambden_ in his Life time, discoverable in the former part with Astericks in the Margent; But these Additions with some Antiquaries obtain not equal Authenticalness with what was set forth by Mr. _Cambden_ himself.

Some of these Books (notwithstanding their Gigantick bigness) he wrote with one Pen, where he himself thus pleasantly versified.

With one sole Pen, I writ this Book,
Made of a Gray Goose quill:
A Pen it was when I it took,
And a Pen I leave it still.

This Monumental Pen he kept by him, to show Friends when they came to visit him, as a great Rarity.

* * * * *

_THOMAS GOFF_.

_Thomas Goff_ was one whose Abilities rais'd him to a high Reputation in the Age he lived in; chiefly for his Dramatick Writings: Being the Author of the _Couragious Turk_, _Rageing Turk_, _Selimus_ and _Orestes_ Tragedies; the _Careless Shepherdess_ a Tragi-Comedy, and _Cupids Whirligig_ a Comedy.

* * * * *

_THOMAS NABBES_.

_Thomas Nabbes_ was also one who was a great Contributer to the _English_ Stage, chiefly in the Reign of King _Charles_ the First; His Comedies were _the Brides, Covent-Garden, Totnam Court_, and the _Woman-hater Arraigned_. His Tragedies, _The Unfortunate Mother_, _Hannibal_ and _Scipio_, and _The Tragedy of King_ Charles _the First_; besides two Masques, _The Springs Glory_, and _Microcosmus_, and an _Entertainment on the Princes Birth-day_, an interlude.

* * * * *

_RICHARD BROOME_.

_Richard Broome_ was a Servant to Mr. _Benjamin Johnson_, a Servant (saith one) suitable to such a Master; having an excellent Vain fitted for a Comique Strain, and both natural Parts and Learning answerable thereunto; though divers witty only in reproving, say, That this _Broome_ had only what he swept from his Master: But the Comedies he Wrote, so well received and generally applauded, give the Lie to such Detractors; three of which, _viz._ His _Northern Lass, The Jovial Crew_, and _Sparagus Garden_, are little inferior if not equal to the writings of _Ben. Johnson_ himself; besides these three Comedies before mentioned he wrote twelve others, _viz._ The _Antipodes, Court Beggar, City Wit, Damoyselle, Mock Marriage, Love Sick Court, Mad Couple well Matcht, Novella, New Exchange, Queens Exchange, Queen and Concubine, Covent Garden Wedding_, and a Comedy called the _Lancaster Witches_, in which he was joyned with _Heyward_.

Now what Account the Wits of that Age had of him, you shall hear from two of his own Profession in Commendation of two of his Plays; and first those of Mr. _James Shirley_ on his Comedy the _Jovial Crew_.

This Comedy (ingenious Friends) will raise
Itself a Monument, without a praise.
Beg'd by the Stationer, who, with strength of purse,
And Pens, takes care, to make his Book sell worse.
And I dare calculate thy Play, although
Not Elevated unto _fifty two_;
It may grow old as time or wit, and he
That dares dispise may after envy thee.
Learning the file of Poesy may be
Fetch'd from the Arts and University:
But he that writes a Play, and good must know,
Beyond his Books, Men, and their Actions too.
Copies of Verse, that makes the new Men sweat,
Reach not a Poem, nor the Muses heat;
Small Brain Wits, and wood may burn a while,
And make more noise then Forrests on a Pile.
Whose Finers shrunk, ma' invite a Piteans Stream,
Not to Lament, but to extinguish them,
Thy fancies Mettal, and thy stream's much higher,
Proof 'gainst their wit, and what that dreads the Fire.

The other of Mr. _John Ford_ on the _Northern Lass_.

_Poets_ and _Painters_ curiously compar'd
Give life to Fancy, and Atchieve reward,
By immortality of name, so thrives
_Arts Glory_, that All, which it breaths on lives.
Witness this _Northern Piece_, The Court affords
No newer Fashion, or for wit, or words.
The Body of the Plot is drawn so fair,
That the Souls language quickens with fresh Air.

This well Limb'd Poem, by no rule, or thought
Too dearly priz'd, being or sold, or bought.

We could also produce you _Ben. Johnsons_ Verses, with other of the prime Wits of those times; but we think these sufficient to shew in what respect he was held by the best Judgments of that Age.

* * * * *

_ROBERT CHAMBERLAIN._

This _Robert Chamberlain_ is also remembred amongst the Dramatick Writers of that time for two Plays which he wrote; the _Swaggering Damosel_, a Comedy: and _Sicelides_ a Pastoral. There was also one _W. Chamberlain_ who wrote a Comedy called _Loves Victory_.

* * * * *

_WILLIAM SAMPSON._

About the same time also Flourisht _William Sampson_, who wrote of himself two Tragedies; The _Vow Breaker_, and _the Valiant Scot_: and joyned with _Markham_ a Tragedy called _Herod_ and _Antipater, and how to choose a good Wife from a Bad_, a Tragi-Comedy.

* * * * *

_GEORGE SANDYS, Esquire._

This worthy Gentleman was youngest Son of _Edwin Sandys_ Arch-Bishop of _York_, and born at _Bishops Throp_ in that County. He having good Education, proved a most Accomplished Gentleman, and addicting his mind to Travel, went as far as the Sepulcher at _Jerusalem_; the rarities whereof, as also those of _AEgypt_, _Greece_, and the remote parts of _Italy_: He hath given so lively a Description, as may spare others Pains in going thither to behold them; none either before or after him having more lively and truly described them. He was not like to many of our _English_ Travellers, who with their Breath Suck in the vices of other Nations, and instead of improving their Knowledge, return knowing in nothing but what they were ignorant of, or else with _Tom. Coriat_ take notice only of Trifles and Toyes, such Travellers as he in his most excellent Book takes notice of, the one sayes he

Do Toyes divulge----

The other carried on in the latter part of the Distick.

----Still add to what they hear,
And of a Mole-hill do a Mountain rear.

But his Travels were not only painful, but profitable, living piously, and by that means having the blessing of God attending on his endeavours, making a holy use of his viewing those sacred places which he saw _Jerusalem_; Take an instance upon his sight of that place where the three wise men of the _East_ offered their Oblations to our Saviour.

Three Kings to th'King of Kings three gifts did bring,
Gold, Incense, Myrrh, as Man, as God, as King;
Three holy gifts be likewise given by thee
To _Christ_, even such as acceptable be;
For Myrhah, Tears; for Frankincense impart
Submissive Prayers; for pure Gold, a pure Heart.

He most elegantly translated _Ovid_ his _Metamorphosis_ into English Verse, so that as the Soul of _Aristotle_ was said to have transfigured into _Thomas Aquinas_, so might _Ovid_'s Genius be said to have passed into Mr. _Sandys_, rendring it to the full heighth, line for line with the Latin, together with most excellent Annotations upon each Fable. But his Genius directed him most to divine subjects, writing a Paraphrase on the Book of _Job_, _Psalms_, _Ecclesiastes_, _Canticles_, &c. as also a divine Tragedy on _Christs Passion_. He lived to be a very aged man, having a youthful Soul in a decayed Body, and died about the year 1641.

* * * * *

Sir _JOHN SUCKLING_.

Sir _John Suckling_, in his time, the delight of the Court and darling of the Muses, was one so filled with _Phoebean_ fire, as for excellency of his wit, was worthy to be Crowned with a Wreath of Stars, though some attribute the strength of his lines to favour more of the Grape than the Lamp; Indeed he made it his Recreation, not his Study, and did not so much seek fame as it was put upon him: In my mind he gives the best Character of himself in those Verses of his in the _Sessions of the Poets_:

_Suckling_ next was call'd, but did not appear,
But strait one whisper'd _Apollo_ i'th'ear,
That of all men living he cared not for't,
He lov'd not the Muses so well as his sport.

And prized black eyes, or a lucky hit
At Bowles, above all the Trophies of wit.
But _Apollo_ was angry, and publickly said,
Twere fit that a fine were set upon's head.

Besides his Poems, he wrote three Plays, the _Goblins_ a Comedy, _Brenovalt_ a Tragedy, and _Aglaura_ a Tragi-Comedy. He was a loyal person to his Prince, and in that great defection of Scotch Loyalty in 1639. freely gave the King a hundred Horses. And for his Poems, I shall conclude with what the Author of his Epistle to the Reader saies of them, _It had been a Prejudice to posterity, and an_ _injury to his own Ashes, should they have slept in Oblivion._

* * * * *

Mr. _WILLIAM HABINGTON_.

He was one of a quick wit and fluent language, whose Poems coming forth above thirty years ago, under the Title of _Castara_, gained a general fame and estimation, and no wonder, since that human Goddess by him so celebrated, was a person of such rare endowments as was worthy the praises bestowed upon her, being a person of Honour as well as Beauty, to which was joyned a vertuous mind, to make her in all respects compleat. He also wrote the History of the Reign of King _Edward_ the Fourth, and that in a style sufficiently florid, yet not altogether pleasing the ear, but as much informing the mind, so that we may say of that Kings Reign, as Mr. _Daniel_ saith in his Preface to his History of _England, That there was never brought together more of the main_. He also wrote a Tragi-Comedy, called, _the Queen of_ Arragon, which as having never seen, I can give no great account of it.

* * * * *

Mr. _FRANCIS QUARLES_.

_Francis Quarles_, son to _James Quarles_, Esq; was born at _Stewards_ at the Parish of _Rumford_, in the County of _Essex_, and was bred up in the University of _Cambridge_, where he became intimately acquainted with Mr. _Edward Benlowes_, and Mr. _Phineas Fletcher_, that Divine Poet and Philosopher, on whose most excellent Poem of the _Purple Island_, hear these Verses of Mr. _Quarles_, which if they be as delightful to you in the reading, as to me in the writing, I question not but they will give you content.

Mans _Body's_ like a _House_, his greater _Bones_
Are the main _Timber_; and the lesser ones
Are smaller _splints_: his _ribs_ are _laths_ daub'd o're
Plaister'd with _flesh_ and _blood_: his _mouth's_ the door,
His _throat's_ the narrow _entry_, and his _heart_
Is the great _Chamber_, full of curious art:
His _midriff_ is a large _Partition-wall_
'Twixt the great _Chamber_, and the spacious _Hall_:
His _stomach_ is the _Kitchin_, where the meat
Is often but half sod for want of heat:
His _Spleen's_ a _vessel_ Nature does allot
To take the _skum_ that rises from the Pot:
His _lungs_ are like the _bellows_, that respire
In every _Office_, quickning every fire:
His _Nose_ the _Chimny_ is, whereby are vented
Such _fumes_ as with the _bellowes_ are augmented:
His _bowels_ are the _sink_, whose part's to drein
All noisom _filth_, and keep the _Kitchin_ clean:
His _eyes_ are Christal _windows_, clear and bright;
Let in the object and let out the sight.
And as the _Timber_ is or great, or small,
Or strong, or weak, 'tis apt to stand or fall:
Yet is the likeliest _Building_ sometimes known
To fall by obvious chances; overthrown
Oft times by _tempests_, by the full mouth'd _blasts_
Of _Heaven_; sometimes by _fire_; sometimes it wafts
Through unadvis'd _neglect_: put case the stuff
Were ruin-proof, by nature strong enough
To conquer time, and age; put case it should
Nere know an end, alas, our _Leases_ would;
What hast thou then, _proud flesh and blood_, to boast
Thy daies are evil, at best; but few, at most;
But sad, at merriest; and but weak, at strongest;
Unsure, at surest; and but short, at longest.

He afterwards went over into _Ireland_, where he became Secretary to the Reverend _James Usher_, Arch-bishop of _Armagh_: one suitable to his disposition, having a Genius byassed to Devotion; Here at leisure times did he exercise himself in those ravishing delights of Poetry, but (alwaies with the _Psalmist_) his _heart was inditing a good matter_; these in time produced those excellent works of his, _viz._ his Histories of _Jonas_, _Esther_, _Job_, and _Sampson_; his _Sions Songs_ and _Sions Elegies_, also his _Euchyridion_, all of them of such a heavenly strain, as if he had drank of _Jordan_ instead of _Helicon_, and slept on Mount _Olivet_ for his _Pernassus_. He had also other excursions into the delightful walks of Poetry, namely, his _Argulus_ and _Parthenia_, a Science (as he himself saith) taken out of Sir _Philip Sidney's_ Orchard, likewise his _Epigrams_, _Shepherds Oracles_, Elegies on several persons, his _Hierogliphicks_, but especially his _Emblems_, wherein he hath _Out-Alciated Alcialus_ himself. There hath been also acted a Comedy of his called, _The Virgin Widdow_, which passed with no ordinary applause. But afterwards the Rebellion breaking forth in _Ireland_ (where his losses were very great) he was forced to come over; and being a true Loyalist to his Soveraign, was again plundred of his Estate here, but what he took most to heart (for as for his other losses he practiced the patience of _Job_ he had described) was his being plundred of his Books, and some rare Manuscripts which he intended for the Press, the loss of which, as it is thought, facilitated his death, which happned about the year of our Lord, 1643. to whose memory one dedicated these lines by way of Epitaph.

To them that understand themselves so well,
As what, and who lies here, to ask, I'll tell,
What I conceive Envy dare not deny,
Far both from falshood, and from flattery.

Here drawn to Land by Death, doth lie
A Vessel fitter for the Skie,
Than _Jason's Argo_, though in _Greece_
They say, it brought the Golden Fleece.
The skilful Pilot steered it so,
Hither and thither, too and fro.
Through all the Seas of Poverty,
Whether they far or near do lie,
And fraught it so with all the wealth
Of wit and learning, not by stealth,
Or privacy, but perchance got
That this whole lower World could not
Richer Commodities, or more
Afford to add unto his store.
To Heaven then with an intent
Of new Discoveries, he went
And left his Vessel here to rest,
Till his return shall make it blest.
The Bill of Lading he that looks
To know, may find it in his Books.

* * * * *

Mr. _PHINEAS FLETCHER_.

This learned person, Son and Brother to two ingenious Poets, himself the third, not second to either, was son to _Giles Fletcher_, Doctor in Law, and Embassadour from Queen _Elizabeth_ to _Theodor Juanowick_ Duke of _Muscovia_; who though a Tyranick Prince, whose will was his Law, yet setled with him very good Terms for our Merchants trading thither. He was also brother to two worthy Poets, _viz._ _George Fletcher_, the Author of a Poem, entituled, _Christs Victory and Triumph over and after Death_; and _Giles Fletcher_, who wrote a worthy Poem, entituled, _Christs Victory_, made by him being but Batchelor of Arts, discovering the piety of a Saint, and divinity of a Doctor. This our _Phineus Fletcher_ was Fellow of _Kings Colledge_ in _Cambridge_, and in Poetick fame exceeded his two Brothers, in that never enough to be celebrated Poem, entituled, _The Purple Island_, of which to give my Reader a taste (who perhaps hath never seen the Book) I shall here add two Stanza's of it.

Thrice happy was the worlds first infancy,
Nor knowing yet, nor curious ill to know:
Joy without grief, love without jealousie:
None felt hard labour, or the sweating Plough:
The willing earth brought tribute to her King:
_Bacchus_ unborn lay hidden in the cling
Of big swollen Grapes; their drink was every silver spring.

And in another place, speaking of the vanity of ambitious Covetousness.

Vain men, too fondly wise, who plough the Seas,
With dangerous pains another earth to find:
Adding new Worlds to th'old, and scorning ease,
The earths vast limits daily more unbind!
The aged World, though now it falling shows,
And hasts to set, yet still in dying grows,
Whole lives are spent to win, what one Deaths hour must lose.

Besides this _Purple Island_, he wrote divers _Piscatorie Eclogues_, and other _Poetical Miscelanies_, also a Piscatory Comedy called _Sicelides_, which was acted at _Kings-Colledge_ in _Cambridge_.

* * * * *

Mr. _GEORGE HERBERT_.

This divine Poet and person was a younger brother of the Noble Family of the _Herberts_ of _Montgomery_, whose florid wit, obliging humour in conversation, fluent Elocution, and great proficiency in the Arts, gained him that reputation at _Oxford_, where he spent his more youthful Age, that he was chosen University Orator, a place which required one of able parts to Mannage it; at last, taking upon him Holy Orders, not without special Encouragement from the King, who took notice of his extraordinary Parts, he was made Parson of _Bemmerton_ near _Salisbury_, where he led a Seraphick life, converting his Studies altogether to serious and Divine Subjects; which in time produced those his so generally known and approved Poems entituled, _The Temple_.

Whose Vocal notes tun'd to a heavenly Lyre,
Both learned and unlearned all admire.

I shall only add out of his Book an Anagram, which he made on the name of the Virgin _Mary_.

M A R Y.
A R M Y.

And well her name an Army doth present,
In whom the Lord of Hosts did pitch his Tent.

* * * * *

Mr. _RICHARD CRASHAW_.

This devout Poet, the Darling of the _Muses_, whose delight was the fruitful Mount _Sion_, more than the barren Mount _Pernassus_, was Fellow first of _Pembrook-Hall_, after of St. _Peters-Colledge_ in _Cambridge_; a religious pourer forth of his divine Raptures and Meditations, in smooth and pathetick Verse. His Poems consist of three parts, the first entituled, _Steps to the Temple_, being for the most part Epigrams upon several passages of the New Testament, charming the ear with a holy Rapture. The Second part, _The delights of the Muses_, or Poems upon several occasions, both English and Latin; such rich pregnant Fancies as shewed his Breast to be filled with _Phoebean_ Fire. The third and last part _Carmen Deo nostro_, being Hymns and other sacred Poems, dedicated to the Countess of _Denbigh_, all which bespeak him,

The learned Author of Immortal Strains.

He was much given to a religious Solitude, and love of a recluse Life, which made him spend much of his time, and even lodge many Nights under _Tertullian's_ roof of Angels, in St. _Mary's_ Church in _Cambridge_. But turning _Roman Catholick_, he betook himself to, that so zealously frequented place, _Our Lady's of Lorretto in Italy_; where for some years he spent his time in Divine Contemplations, being a Canon of that Church, where he dyed.

* * * * *

Mr. _WILLIAM CARTWRIGHT_.

Mr. _William Cartwright_ a Student of _Christ Church_ in _Oxford_, where he lived in Fame and Reputation, for his singular Parts and Ingenuity; being none of the least of _Apollo's_ Sons; for his excelling vein in Poetry, which produc'd a Volume of Poems, publisht not long after his Death, and usher'd into the World by Commendatory Verses of the choicest Wits at that time; enough to have made a Volume of it self: So much was he reverenced by the Lovers of the Muses. He wrote, besides his Poems, _The Ordinary_, a Comedy; the _Royal Slave_, _Lady Errant_, and _The Seige, Or, Loves Convert_, Tragi-Comedies.

* * * * *

Sir _ASTON COCKAIN_.

Sir _Aston Cockain_ laies Claim to a place in our Book, being remembred to Posterity by four Plays which he wrote, _viz._ _The Obstinate Lady_, a Comedy; _Trapolin supposed a Prince_, _Tyrannical Government_, Tragi-Comedies; and _Thersites_ an Interlude.

* * * * *

_Sir JOHN DAVIS_.

This worthy Knight, to whom Posterity is indebted for his learned Works, was well beloved of Queen _Elizabeth_, and in great Favour with King _James_. His younger Years he addicted to the study of Poetry, which produced two excellent Poems, _Nosce Teipsum_, and _Ochestra_: Works which speak themselves their own Commendations: He also wrote a judicious Metaphrase on several of _David's_ Psalms, which first made him known at Court: afterwards addicting himself to the Study of the Common-Law of _England_; he was first made the Kings Serjeant, and after his Attorney-General in _Ireland_.

* * * * *

_THOMAS MAY_.

_Thomas May_ was one in his time highly esteemed, not only for his Translation of _Virgils Georgicks_ and _Lucans Pharsalia_ into English, but what he hath written _Propria Minerva_, as his Supplement to _Lucan_, till the Death of _Julius Caesar_: His History of _Henry_ the Second in Verse; besides what he wrote of Dramatick, as his Tragedies of _Antigone_, _Agrippina_, and _Cleopatra_; _The Heir_, a Tragi-Comedy; _The Old Couple_, and _the Old Wives Tale_, Comedies; and the History of _Orlando Furioso_; of these his Tragi-Comedy of _The Heir_ is done to the life, both for Plot and _Language_; and good had it been for his Memory to Posterity, if he had left off Writing here; but taking disgust at Court for being frustrated in his Expectation of being the Queens Poet, for which he stood Candidate with Sir _William Davenant_, who was preferred before him, out of meer Spleen, as it is thought for his Repulse, he vented his Spite in his History of the late Civil Wars of _England_; wherein he shews all the Spleen of a Male-contented Poet, making thereby his Friends his Foes, and rendring his Fame odious to Posterity; such is the Nature of Malice, that as the Poet saith,

Impoison'd with the Drugs of cruel Hate,
Draw on themselves an unavoided Fate.

* * * * *

_CHARLES ALEYN_.

_Charles Aleyn_ was one and that no despicable Poet, as may be seen by his Works, which still live in Fame and Reputation, writing in Heroick verse the Life of King _Henry_ the Seventh, with the Battle of _Bosworth_; and also the Battle of _Crescy_ and _Poietiers_, in which he is very pithy and sententious: I shall only give you two instances, the first out of his Battle of _Crescy_.

They swell with love who are with valour fill'd,
And _Venus_ Doves may in a Head-piece build.

The other out of his History of King _Henry_ the Seventh.

Man and Money a mutual Falshood show,
Man makes false Mony, Mony makes man so.

* * * * *

_GEORGE WITHERS_.

_George Withers_ was one who loved to Fish in troubled Waters, being never more quiet then when in Trouble, of a restless Spirit, and contradicting Disposition; gaining more by Restraint then others could get by their Freedom, which his ungoverned (not to say worse) Pen often brought him unto, so that the _Marshalsea_ and _Newgate_ were no Strangers unto him. He was born in _Hantshire_ (if it be every whit the more honour to the County for his Birth) a prodigious Pourer forth of Rhime, which he spued from his Maw, as _Tom Coriat_ formerly used to spue _Greek_, and that with a great pretence to a Poetical Zeal, against the Vices of the Times; which he mightily exclaim'd against in his _Abuses Stript and Whipt_, his _Motto_, _Brittains Remembrancer_, &c. with other Satyrical Works of the like nature: He turn'd also into _English_ Verse the Songs of _Moses_, and other Hymns of the Old Testament; besides these he wrote a Poem called _Philaret_, the _Shepherds Hunting_, his _Emblems_, _Campo Musae_, _Opo-Balsamum_, the _Two Pitchers_, and others more then a good many, had not his Muse been more Loyal than it was; he was living about the Year 1664. when I saw him, and suppose he lived not long after.

* * * * *

_ROBERT HERRIC_.

_Robert Herric_ one of the Scholars of _Apollo_ of the middle Form, yet something above _George Withers_, in a pretty Flowry and Pastoral Gale of Fancy, in a vernal Prospect of some Hill, Cave, Rock, or Fountain; which but for the Interruption of other trivial Passages, might have made up none of the worst Poetick Landskips. Take a view of his Poetry in his Errata to the Reader in these lines.

For these Errata's, Reader thou do'st see,
Blame thou the Printer for them, and not me:
Who gave him forth good Grain, tho he mistook,
And so did sow these Tares throughout my Book.

I account him in Fame much of the same rank, as he was of the same Standing, with one _Robert Heath_, the Author of a Poem, Entituled, _Clarastella_, the ascribed Title of that Celebrated Lady, who is supposed to have been both the Inspirer and chief Subject of them.

* * * * *

_JOHN TAYLOR_ the Water-Poet.

Some perhaps may think this Person unworthy to be ranked amongst those Sons of _Apollo_ whom we mentioned before; but to them we shall answer, That had he had Learning according to his natural Parts, he might have equal'd, if not exceeded, many who claim a great share in the Temple of the Muses. Indeed, for ought I can understand, he never learned no further then his _Accidence_, as we may learn from his own Words in one of his Books.

I must confess I do want Eloquence,
And never Scarce did learn my _Accidence_;
For having got from _Possum_ to _Posset;_
I there was gravel'd, could no further get.

He was born in _Glocester-shire_, where he went to School with one _Green_; who, as _John Taylor_ saith, loved new Milk so well, that to be sure to have it new, he went to the Market to buy a Cow; but his Eyes being Dim, he cheapned a Bull, and asking the price of the Beast, the Owner and he agreed; and driving it home, would have his Maid to Milk it, which she attempting to do, could find no Teats: and whilst the Maid and her Master were arguing the matter, the Bull very fairly pist into the Pail; whereupon his Scholar _John Taylor_ wrote these Verses.

Our Master _Green_ was over-seen
In buying of a Bull,
For when the Maid did mean to milk,
He pist the Pail half full.

He was afterwards bound Apprentice to a Waterman of _London_, a Laborious Trade: and yet though it be said, that _Ease is the Nurse of Poetry_, yet did he not only follow his Calling, but also plyed his Writings, which in time produced above fourscore Books, which I have seen; besides several others unknown to me; some of which were dedicated to King _James_, and King _Charles_ the First, and by them well accepted, considering the meanness of his Education to produce works of Ingenuity. He afterwards kept a Publick House in _Phoenix Alley_ by _Long-Acre_ continuing very constant in his Loyalty to the King, upon whose doleful Murther he set up the Sign of the _Mourning Crown_; but that being counted Malignant in those times of Rebellion, he pulled down that, and hung up his own Picture, under which were writ these two lines.

There's many a King's Head hang'd up for a Sign,
And many a Saint's Head too, then why not Mine?

He dyed about the Year 1654. upon whom one bestowed this Epitaph.

Here lies the Water-Poet, honest _John_,
Who rowed on the Streams of _Helicon_;
Where having many Rocks and dangers past,
He at the Haven of Heaven arriv'd at last.

* * * * *

_THOMAS RAWLINS_.

_Thomas Rawlins_ my old Friend, chief Graver of the Mint to King _Charles_ the First, as also to King _Charles_ the Second till the Year 1670. in which he died. He was an Excellent Artist, perhaps better then a Poet, yet was he the Author of a Tragedy called _The Rebellion_, which hath been acted not without good Applause; besides some other small things which he wrote.

* * * * *

_Mr. THOMAS CAREW_.

This learned Gentleman Mr. _Carew_, one of the Bed-Chamber to King _Charles_ the First, was in his time reckoned among the chiefest for delicacy of wit and Poetick Fancy, which gained him a high Reputation amongst the most ingenious persons of that Age. He was a great acquaintance of Mr. _Thomas May_, whom none can deny to be an able Poet, although Discontent made him warp his Genius contrary to his natural Fancy, in commentation of whose Tradi-Comedy called _The Heir_, Mr. _Carew_ wrote an excellent paper of Verses. His Books of Poems do still maintain their fame amongst the Curious of the present age.

* * * * *

Col. _RICHARD LOVELACE_.

I can compare no Man so like this Colonel _Lovelace_ as Sir _Philip Sidney_, of which latter it is said by one in an Epitaph made of him,

Nor is it fit that more I should acquaint,
Lest Men adore in one
A Scholar, Souldier, Lover, and a Saint.

As for their parallel, they were both of noble Parentage, Sir _Philips_ Father being Lord Deputy of _Ireland_, and President of _Wales_; our Colonel of a Vicount's name and Family; Scholars none can deny them both: The one Celebrated his Mistress under the bright name of _Stella_, the other the Lady Regent of his Affections, under the Banner of _Lucasta_, both of them endued with transcendent Sparks of Poetick Fire, and both of them exposing their Lives to the extreamest hazard of doubtful War; both of them such Soldiers as is expressed by the Poet.

Undaunted Spirits, that encounter those
Sad dangers, we to Fancy scarce propose.

To conclude, Mr. _Lovelace's_ Poems did, do, and still will live in good Esteem with all knowing true Lovers of Ingenuity.

* * * * *

_ALEXANDER BROOME_.

_Alexander Broome_ our English _Anacreon_, was an Attorney in the Lord Mayors Court; who besides his practice in Law, addicted himself to a Jovial strain in the ravishing Delights of Poetry; being the ingenious Author of most of those Songs, which on the Royalists account came forth during the time of the _Rump_, and _Oliver's_ Usurpation; and were sung so often by the Sons of Mirth and _Bacchus_, and plaid to by the sprightly Violin. Take for a tast a verse of one of his Songs.

Come, come, let us drink,
'Tis in vain to think,
Like fools, on grief or Sadness;
Let our Money fly,
And our Sorrows die,
_All worldly care is Madness_:
But Sack and good Chear,
Will in spight of our fear,
Inspire our Souls with Gladness.

I shall only add his Poem which he made on the great Cryer at _Westminster-Hall_, by which you may judge of his Abilities in Poetry.

When the Great Cryer in that greater Room,
Calls _Faunt-le-roy_, and _Alexander Broome_,
The people wonder (as those heretofore,
When the Dumb spoke) to hear a Cryer Roar.
The kitling Crue of Cryers that do stand
With _Eunuchs_ voices, squeaking on each hand,
Do signifie no more, compar'd to him,
Then Member _Allen_ did to Patriot _Pim_.
Those make us laugh, while we do him adore;
Their's are but _Pistol_, his Mouths _Cannon-Bore_.
Now those same thirsty Spirits that endeavor,
To have their names enlarg'd, and last for ever,
Must be Attorneys of this Court, and so
His voice shall like Fame's loudest Trumpet blow
Their names about the world, and make them last,
While we can lend an Ear, or he a Blast.

He wrote besides those airy Fancies, several other Serious Pieces; as also a Comedy called the _Cunning Lover_.

* * * * *

_Mr. JOHN CLEVELAND_.

This eminent Poet, the Wit of our age, was born at _Hinckley_, a small Market Town in the County of _Leicester_, where his Father was the Reverend and Learned Minister of the place. _Fortes creantur e fortibus_, and bred therein under Mr. _Richard Vines_ his School-master, where he attained to a great perfection in Learning, by choicest Elegancies in Greek and Latin, more elegantly English; so that he may be said to have lisped wit, like an English _Bard_, and early ripe accomplished for the University.

From a loving Father and learned School-Master, he was sent to _Christ Colledge_ in _Cambridge_, where he proved such an exquisite Orator, and pure Latinist, as those his Deserts preferred him to a Fellowship in St. _Johns_. There he lived about the space of nine Years, the Delight and Ornament of that Society; what service as well as reputation he did it, let his excellent Orations and Epistles speak: To which the Library oweth much of its Learning, the Chapel much of its pious Decency, and the Colledge much of its Renown.

He was (saith Dr. _Fuller_) a general Artist, pure Latinist, exquisite Orator, and (which was his Master-Piece) eminent Poet; whose verses in the time of the Civil War begun to be in great request, both for their Wit and Zeal to the King's Cause, for which indeed he appeared the first, if not only Champion in verse against the _Presbyterian_ party. His Epistles were pregnant with Metaphors, carrying in them a difficult plainness, difficult at the hearing, plain at the considering thereof. His lofty Fancy may seem to stride from the top of one Mountain to the top of another, so making to it self a constant Level and Champian of continued Elevations.

These his eminent parts preferr'd him to be Rhetorick Reader, which he performed with great Applause; and indeed, what was it in which he did not excel? This alone may suffice for his Honour, that after the Oration which he addressed to that incomparable Prince of Blessed Memory, _Charles_ the First; His Majesty called for him, gave him his hand to Kiss, and (with great expressions of kindness) commanded a Copy to be sent after him, whither he was hasting that night.

Such who have _Clevelandiz'd_, that is, endeavoured to imitate his Masculine stile, yet could never go beyond his Poem of the _Hermaphrodite_; which though inserted into Mr. _Randolphs_ Poems (one of as high a tow'ring Wit as most in that age;) yet is well known to be Mr. _Clevelands_; it being not only made after Mr. _Randolph's_ death, but hath in it the very _vein_ and strain of Mr. _Cleveland's_ Writing, walking from one height to another, in a constant Level of continued Elevation. And indeed so elaborate are all his other pieces of Poetry, as to praise one were to detract from the rest, and are not to be the less valued by the Reader, because most studyed by the Writer: Take but a taste of the Loftiness of his stile, in those verses of his called _Smectymnuus_.

_Smectymnuus!_ the Goblin makes me start,
I'th'name of Rabbi _Abraham_, what art?
_Syriack?_ or _Arabick?_ or _Welsh?_ what skilt?
Ap all the Brick-layers that _Babel_ built.
Some Conjurer translate, and let me know it;
Till then 'tis fit for a _West-Saxon_ Poet.
But do the Brother-hood then play their prizes,
Like Mummers in Religion with Disguizes?
Out-brave us with a name in rank and file,
A name which if't were train'd would spread a mile;
The Saints Monopoly, the zealous Cluster,
Which like a Porcupine presents a Muster.

Thus he shined with equal Light and Influence, until that great defection of Loyalty over-spread the Land, and Rebellion began to unvizard it self; of which no Man had more sagacious Prognosticks, of which take this one instance; when _Oliver Cromwell_ was in Election to be Burgess for the Town of _Cambridge_, as he ingaged all his Friends and Interests to oppose it; so when it was passed, he said with much passionate zeal, _That single vote ruined both Church and Kingdom_; such fatal events did he presage from his bloody Beak: For no sooner did that _Harpey_ appear in the University, but he made good what was predicted of him, and he amongst others, that were outed for their Loyalty, was turned out of his Fellowship at St. _Johns_; out of which Loyal Colledge was then ejected Dr. _Beal_ the Master, thirteen Batchellors of Divinity, and fourteen Masters of Art, besides Mr. _Cleveland_.

And now being forced from the Colledge, he betook himself to the Camp, and particularly to _Oxford_ the Head quarter of it, as the most proper and proportionate Sphere for his Wit, Learning, and Loyalty; and added no small Lustre to that famous University, with which it shined before.

Here he managed his Pen as the highest Panegyrist (witness his _Rupertismus_, his Elegy on the Bishop of _Canterbury_, &c.) on the one side to draw out all good inclinations to vertue: and the smartist Satyrist, exemplifi'd in the _Rebel Scot_, the _Scots Apostacy_, which he presented with such a Satyrical Fury, that the whole Nation fares the worse for it, lying under a most grievous Poetical Censure. Such also were his Poem of _The mixt Assembly_, his Character of a _London_ Diurnal, and a _Committee-Man_; Blows that shakes triumphing Rebellion, reaching the Souls of those not to be reached by Law or Power, striking each Traytor to a Paleness, beyond that of any Loyal Corps, that bled by them; such Characters being as indelible as Guilt stabs beyond Death.

From _Oxford_, his next stage was the Garrison of _Newark_, where he was Judge Advocate until the Surrender thereof; and by an excellent temperature of both, was a just and prudent Judge for the King, and a faithful Advocate for the Country. Here he drew up that excellent Answer and Rejoynder to a Parliament Officer, who had sent him a Letter by occasion of one _Hill_, that had deserted their side, and brought with him to _Newark_ the sum of 133 _l._ and 8_d._ I shall only give you part of Mr. _Clevelands_ Answer to his first Letter, by which you may give an Estimate of the rest.

Sixthly, _Beloved it is so, that our Brother and fellow-Labourer in the Gospel is Start aside; then this may serve for an use of instruction, not to trust in Man, or in the Son of Man. Did not_ Demas _leave_ Paul, _did not_ Onesimus _run from his Master_ Philemon? _Also this should teach us to employ our Talents, and not to lay them up in a Napkin_; _had it been done among the Cavaliers, it had been just, then the_ Israelite _had spoiled the_ AEgyptian: _but for_ Simeon _to plunder_ Levi, _that_--that--_&c._

This famous Garrison was maintained with much courage and resolution against the Besiegers, and not surrendred but by the King's special Command, when first he had surrendred himself into the hands of the _Scots_; in which action of that Royal Martyr, we may conclude our _Cleveland Vates,_ both Poet and Prophet: For besides his passionate resentment of it in that excellent Poem, _The Kings disguise_; upon some private intelligence, three days before the King reached them, he foresaw the pieces of Silver paying upon the banks of _Tweed_, and that they were the price of his Sovereigns Blood, and predicted the Tragical events.

Thenceforth he followed the fate of distressed Loyalty, subject to the Malice and Vengeance of every Fanatick Spirit, which seldom terminates but in a Goal, which befel this learned Person, being long imprisoned at _Yarmouth_: where living in a lingering Condition, and having small hopes of coming out, he composed an Address to that Idol at _White-Hall, Oliver Cromwell_, written with such Tow'ring Language, and so much gallant Reason, as looked bigger than his Highness, shrinking before the Majesty of his Pen, as _Felix_ trembled before _Paul_. So obtaining his Liberty, not by a servile Submission, but rather a constrained Violence, neither injuring his Conscience, nor betraying his Cause.

And so now with _Daniel_ being delivered out of the Lyons Den, he was courted to several places, (which contended as emulously for his abode, as the seven _Grecian_ Cities for _Homers_ Birth;) at last he setled in _Grays-Inn_, which when he had enobled with some short time of his residence, an intermitting Fever seized him, whereof he dyed, on _Thursday_ Morning, _April_ the 29. 1658. from whence his Body was brought to _Hunsden-House_, and on _Saturday_ being _May-day_, was buried at _Colledgehill-Church_; His dear Friend Dr. _John Pearson_ (afterwards Lord Bishop of _Chester_) preached his Funeral Sermon, who rendred this Reason; why he cautiously declined all commending of the Party deceased, Because such praising of him would not be adequate to any expectation in that Auditory; seeing some, who knew him not, would think it far above him, while those, who knew him must needs know it far below him.

Many there were who sought to eternize their own Names by honouring his; some by Elegies, and other Devices, amongst the rest one made this Anagram upon his name.

_JOHN CLEAVELAND_.

_HELICONIAN DEW_.

The difficult Trifle (saith one) is rather well endeavoured, than exactly performed. More happy were those Wits, who descanted on him and his works in Verse, although so eminent a Poet was never interred with fewer Elegies than he; for which we may assign two Reasons, One that at that time the best Fancies of the _Royal Party_ were in restraint, so that we may in part think their Muses confin'd, as well as their Bodies. Secondly, not to do it to the heighth, were in a manner to dispraise him. However I shall adventure to give you an instance in two, whereof the first of Mr. _Edward Martin_ of _London_.

Ye Muses do not me deny;
I ever was your Votary.
And tell me, seeing you do daign
T'inspire and feed the hungry Brain;
With what choice Cates? With what choice Fare?
To _Cleaveland's_ fancy still repair?
Fond Man, say they, why do'st thou question thus?
Ask rather with what Nectar he feeds us.

The other by Mr. _A.B._ printed before Mr. _Cleveland's_ Works.