Chapter VI: Part 6

_Cleaveland_ again his sacred head doth raise,
Even in the dust crown'd with immortal Bayes,
Again with verses arm'd that once did fright
_Lycambe's_ Daughters from the hated Light,
Sets his bold foot on Reformations neck,
And triumphs o'er the vanquisht Monster _Smec_;
That _Hydra_ whose proud heads did so encrease,
That it deserv'd no less an _Hercules_.
This, this is he who in Poetick Rage,
With Scorpions lash'd the Madness of the age;
Who durst the fashions of the times despise,
And be a Wit when all Mankind grew wise.
When formal Beards at Twenty one were seen,
And men grew Old almost as soon as Men:
Who in those daies when reason, wit, and sence
Were by the Zealots grave Impertinence
_Ycliped_ Folly, and in Ve-ri-ty
Did savour rankly of Carnality.
When each notch'd Prentice might a Poet prove.
For warbling through the Nose a Hymn of Love,
When sage _George Withers_ and grave _William Prin_,
Himself might for a Poets share put in:
Yet then could write with so much art and skill,
That _Rome_ might envy his Satyrick Quill;
And crabbed _Persins_ his hard lines give ore,
And in disdain beat his brown Desk no more.
How I admire the _Cleaveland_! when I weigh
Thy close-wrought Sense, and every line survey!
They are not like those things which some compose,
Who in a maze of Words the Sense do lose.
Who spin one thought into so long a thread,
And beat their Wit we thin to make it spread;
Till 'tis too fine for our weak eyes to find,
And dwindles into Nothing in the end.
No; they'r above the Genius of this Age,
Each word of thine swells pregnant with a Page.
Then why do some Mens nicer ears complain,
Of the uneven Harshness of thy strain?
Preferring to the vigour of thy Muse
Some smooth weak Rhymer, that so gently flowes,
That Ladies may his easy strains admire,
And melt like Wax before the softning fire.
Let such to Women write, you write to Men;
We study thee, when we but play with them.

* * * * *

Sir _JOHN BERKENHEAD_.

Sir _John Berkenhead_ was a Gentleman, whose Worth and deserts were too high for me to delineate. He was a constant Assertor of his Majesties Cause in its lowest Condition, painting the Rebels forth to the life in his _Mercurius Aulicus_ and other Writings; his _Zany Brittanicus_ who wrote against him, being no more his Equal, than a Dwarf to a Gyant, or the goodness of his cause to that of the Kings; for this his Loyalty he suffered several Imprisonments, yet always constant to his first Principles. His skill in Poetry was such, that one thus writes of him.

Whil'st Lawrel sprigs anothers head shall Crown,
Thou the whole Grove mayst challenge as thy Own.

He survived to see his Majesties happy Restoration, and some of them hanged who used their best endeavor to do the same by him. As for his learned Writings, those who are ignorant of them, must plead ignorance both to Wit and Learning.

* * * * *

Dr. _ROBERT WILD_.

He was one, and not of the meanest of the Poetical Cassock, being in some sort a kind of an _Anti-Cleaveland_, writing as high, and standing up as stifly for the _Presbyterians_, as ever _Cleaveland_ did against them: But that which most recommended him to publick fame, was his _Iter Roreale_, the same in Title though not in Argument, with that little, but much commended Poem of Dr. _Corbets_ mentioned before. This being upon General _Monk's_ Journey out of _Scotland_, in order to his Majesties Restoration, and is indeed the Cream and flower of all his Works, and look't upon for a lofty and conceited Stile. His other things are for the most part of a tepid and facetious nature, reflecting on others, who as sharply retorted upon him, for he that throwes stones at other, 'tis ten to one but is hit with a stone himself; one of them playing upon his red face thus. I _like the Man that carries in his Face,_ _the tincture of that bloody banner he fights under, and would not have any Mans countenance, prove so much an Hypocrite to cross a French Proverb._

His Nose plainly proves,
What pottage he loves.

Hear one of their reflections upon him, on his humble thanks, for his Majesties Declaration for Liberty of Confidence.

When first the _Hawkers_ bawl'd 'ith' streets _Wild_'s name,
A lickerish longing to my Pallat came;
A feast of Wit I look't for, but, alass!
The meat smelt strong, and too much _Sawce_ there was, _&c._

Indeed his strain, had it been fitted to a right key, might have equal'd the chiefest of his age.

* * * * *

Mr. _ABRAHAM COWLEY_.

This Gentleman was one, who may well be stil'd the glory of our Nation, both of the present and past ages, whole early Muse began to dawn at the Thirteenth year of his age, being then a Scholar at _Westminster_-School which produc'd two little Poems, the one called _Antonius_ and _Melida_, the other _Pyramus_ and _Thisbe_; discovering in them a maturity of Sence far above the years that writ them; shewing by these his early Fruits, what in time his stock of worth would come to. And indeed Fame was not deceived in him of its Expectation, he having built a lasting Monument of his worth to posterity, in that compleat Volume of his Works, divided into four parts: His Mistress, being the amorous Prolusions of his youthful Muse; his Miscelanies, or Poems of various arguments; his most admired Heroick Poem _Davideis_, the first Books whereof he compos'd while but a young Student at _Trinity_-Colledge in _Cambridge_; and lastly, that is, in order of time though not of place, his _Pindaric Odes_, so call'd from the Measure, in which he translated the first _Ithmian_ and _Nemean Odes_, where as the form of those _Odes_ in the _Original_ is very different, yet so well were they approved by succeeding Authors, that our primest Wits have hitherto driven a notable Trade in _Pindaric Odes_. But besides these his _English_ Poems, there is extant of his writing a Latine Volume by it self, containing a Poem of Herbs and Plants: Also he Translated two Books of his _Davideis_ into Latine Verse, which is in the large Volume amongst the rest of his Works.

* * * * *

Mr. _EDMOND WALLER_.

This Gentleman is one of the most fam'd Poets, and that not undeservedly of the present age, excelling in the charming Sweets of his Lyrick Odes, or amorous Sonnets, as also in his other occasional Poems both smooth and strenuous, rich of Conceit, and eloquently adorned with proper Similies: view his abilities in this Poem of his, concerning the Puissance of our Navies, and the _English_ Dominion at Sea.

Lords of the Worlds great Wast, the Ocean, we
Whole Forrests send to reign upon the Sea;
And every Coast may trouble or relieve,
But none can visit us without our leave;
Angels and we have this Prerogative,
That none can at our happy Seat arrive,
While we descend at pleasure to invade
The bad with Vengeance, or the good to aid:
Our little world the image of the great,
Like that amidst the boundless Ocean set,
Of her own growth has all that Nature craves,
And all that's rare as Tribute from the waves.
_As AEgypt_ does not on the Clouds rely,
But to her _Nyle_ owes more then to the sky;
So what our Earth, and what our Heaven denies,
Our ever constant friend, the Sea supplies.
The tast of hot _Arabia's_ Spice we know,
Free from the Scorching Sun that makes it grow;
Without the worm, in _Persian_ Silks we shine,
And without Planting drink of every Vine;
To dig for wealth we weary not our limbs,
Gold, though the heaviest metal, hither swims.
Ours is the Harvest where the _Indians_ mow,
We plough the deep, and reap what others Sow.

I shall only add two lines more of his, quoted by several Authors.

All that the Angels do above,
Is that they sing; and that they love.

In sum, this our Poet was not Inferior to _Carew_, _Lovelace_, nor any of those who were accounted the brightest Stars in the Firmament of Poetry.

* * * * *

Sir _JOHN DENHAM_.

Sir _John Denham_ was a Gentleman, who to his other Honors had this added; that he was one of the Chief of the _Delphick Quire_, and for his Writings worthy to be Crowned with a wreath of Stars. The excellency of his Poetry may be seen in his _Coopers Hill_, which whosoever shall deny, may be accounted no Friends to the Muses: His Tragedy of the _Sophy_, is equal to any of the Chiefest Authors, which with his other Works bound together in one Volume, will make his name Famous to all Posterity.

* * * * *

Sir _WILLIAM DAVENANT_.

Sir _William Davenant_, may be accounted one of the Chiefest of _Apollo's_ Sons, for the great Fluency of his Wit and Fancy: Especially his _Gondibert_, the Crown of all his other Writings; to which Mr. _Hobbs_ of _Malmsbury_ wrote a Preface, wherein he extolleth him to the Skyes; wherein no wonder (sayes one) if Compliment and Friendly Compliance do a little biass and over-sway Judgment. He also wrote a Poem entituled _Madagascur_, also a _Farrago_ of his Juvenile, and other Miscelaneous Pieces: But his Chiefest matter was what he wrote for the _English_ Stage, of which was four Comedies, _viz._ _Love and Honour_, _The Man is the Master_; _The Platonick Lovers_; and _The Wits_. Three Tragedies; _Albovine_, _The Cruel Brother_, and _The unfortunate Lovers_. Two Tragi-Comedies, the _Just Italian_; and the _Lost Lady_. And Six Masques, _viz._ _Brittania Triumphans_; _The Cruelty of the_ Spaniards _in_ Peru; _Drakes_ History First Part; _Siege of Rhodes_ in two Parts, and _The temple of Love_; Besides his Musical Drama's, when the usual Playes were not suffered to be Acted, whereof he was the first Reviver and Improver by painted Scenes after his Majesties Restoration; erecting a new Company of Actors, under the Patronage of the Duke of _York_.

Now this our Poet, as he was a Wit himself, so did several of the Wits play upon him; amongst others Sir _John Suckling_ in his Session of the Poets hath these Verses.

_Will Davenant_ asham'd of a Foolish mischance
That he had got lately Travelling into _France_;
Modestly hoped the Handsomness of's Muse,
Might any Deformity about him excuse.

And

Surely the Company would have been content,
If they could have found any President;
But in all their Records either in Verse or Prose,
There was not one Laureat without a Nose.

His Works since his Death have been fairly Published in a large Volume; to which I refer my Reader.

* * * * *

Sir _GEORGE WHARTON_.

He was one was a good Souldier, Famous Mathematician, and an excellent Poet; alwayes Loyal to his Prince: For whose Service he raised a Troop of Horse at his own Charge, of which he became Captain himself; and with much Gallantry and Resolution behaved himself. Nor was he less serviceable to the Royal Cause with his Pen, of which he was a resolute Assertor: Suffering very much by Imprisonment, even to the apparent hazard of his Life. He having so Satyrically wounded them in his _Elenctichus_, as left indelible Characters of Infamy upon their Actions. His Excellent Works collected into one Volume, and Published in the Year, 1683. By the Ingenious Mr. _Gadbury_, are a sufficient Testimony of his Learning, Ingenuity and Loyalty; to which I refer the Reader.

In sum, as he participated of his Masters Sufferings; So did he enjoy the Benefit of his Restoration, having given him a Place of great Honor and Profit, with which he lived in Credit and Reputation all the days of his Life.

* * * * *

_Sir ROBERT HOWARD_.

Sir _Robert Howard_, of the Noble Family of the Earls of _Berk-shire_, a Name so reverenced, as it had Six Earls at one time of that Name. This Noble Person to his other Abilities, which Capacitated him for a Principal Office in his Majesties Exchequer; attained to a considerable Fame by his Poetical Works: Especially for what he hath written to the Stage, _viz_. The _Blind Lady_; _The Committee_; and _The Surprizal_, Comedies; The _Great Favorite_, and _The Vestal Virgin_, Tragedies; _Inforc'd Marriage_, a Tragi-Comedy, and _The Indian Queen_ a Dramatick History.

* * * * *

_WILLIAM CAVENDISH_ Duke of _New-Castle_

This Honourable Person, for his eminent Services to his Prince and Country, preferred from Earl to Duke of _New-Castle_; was a Person equally addicted both to Arms and Arts, which will eternize his Name to all Posterity, so long as Learning, Loyalty, and Valour shall be in Fashion. He wrote a splendid Treatise of the Art of Horsemanship, in which his Experience was no less than his Delight; as also two Comedies, _The Variety_, and the _Country Captain_. Nor was his Dutchess no less busied in those ravishing Delights of Poetry, leaving to Posterity in Print three ample Volumes of Her studious Endeavors; one of Orations, the second of Philosophical Notions and Discourses, and the third of Dramatick and other kinds of Poetry, of which five Comedies, _viz._ _The Bridalls_; _Blazing World_; _Covent of Pleasure_; _the Presence_; and _The Sociable Companions, or Female Wits_.

* * * * *

Sir _WILLIAM KILLIGREW_.

Sir _William Killigrew_ was one whose Wings of Fancy displayed as high Invention, as most of the Sons of _Phoebus_ of his time; contributing to the Stage five Playes, _viz._ _Ormardes_, _The Princess, or Love at first sight_; _Selindra_, and _The Seige_ of _Urbin_, Tragi-Comedies; and a Comedy called _Pandora_. To whom we may joyn Mr. _Thomas Killigrew_, who also wrote five Plays, _viz._ _The Parsons Wedding_; and _Thomaso, or the Wanderer_, Comedies; the _Pilgrim_ a Tragedy; and _Clarasilla_, and _The Prisoners_, Tragi-Comedies.

* * * * *

_JOHN STUDLEY_.

Was one who besides other things which he wrote, contributed to the Stage four Tragedies, _viz._ _Agamemnon_, _Hyppolitus_, _Hercules Oetes_, and _Medea_, and therefore thought worthy to have a Place amongst the rest of our _English_ Poets.

* * * * *

_JOHN TATHAM_.

_John Tatham_ was one, whose Muse began to bud with his Youth, which produced early Blossomes, of not altogether Contemptible Poetry, in a Collection of Poems entituled _Fancys Theater_; which was usher'd into the World by divers of the Chief Wits of that age. He was afterwards City Poet, making those Speeches and Representations used at the Lord Mayors show, and other Publick Meetings. He also contributed to the Stage four plays, _viz_. The _Scots Fegaries_ and _The Rump, or Mirror of the late times_, Comedies; the _Distracted State_, a Tragedy, and _Love crowns the End_; a Tragy-Comedy. Here a tast of his juvenile wit in his _Fancys Theater_ speaking in the Person of _Momus_.

How now presumptuous Lad, think st thou that we
Will be disturb'd with this thy Infancy
Of Wit?--
Or does thy amorous Thoughts beget a flame,
(Beyond its merit) for to court the name
Of Poet; or is't common row a days
Such slender Wits dare claim such things as Bays? _&c._

* * * * *

_THOMAS JORDEN_.

Contemporary with him was _Thomas Jorden_, and of much like equal Fame; indulging his Muse more to vulgar Fancies, then to the high flying wits of those times, yet did he write three Plays, _viz._ _Mony's an Ass_; and _The Walks of_ Islington _and_ Hogsden, Comedies; and _Fancys Festivals_, a Mask.

* * * * *

_HUGH CROMPTON_.

He was born a Gentleman, and bred up a Scholar, but his Father not leaving him Means enough to support the one, and the Times in that Condition, that without Money Learning is little regarded; he therefore betook him to a Gentile Employment, which his Learning had made him capable to do; but the succession of a worse fate disemploying him, as he himself saith in his Epistle to the Reader of his Book, entituled, _Pierides, or the Muses Mount_, he betook him to his Pen, (that Idleness might not sway) which in time produced a Volume of Poems, which to give you a tast of the briskness of his Muse, I shall instance in a few lines, in one or two of them.

When I remember what mine eyes have seen,
And what mine Ears have heard,
Concerning Muses too young and green;
And how they have been jear'd,
T' expose my own I am afear'd.

And yet this fear decreases, when I call
To my tempestuous mind,
How the strong loins of _Phoebus_ Children all,
Have faln by Censures mind:
And in their road what Rocks they find.

He went over afterwards into _Ireland_, where he continued for some time; but whether he dyed there or no, I am not certain.

* * * * *

_EDMUND PRESTWICH_.

_Edmund Prestwich_, was one who deservedly cometh in as a Member of the Noble Society of Poets, being the Author of an ingenious Comedy called the _Hectors_, or _False Challenge_; as also _Hippolytus_ a Tragedy; what ever he might have written besides, which may not have come to my knowledge.

* * * * *

_PAGAN FISHER_.

_Paganus Piscator_, vulgarly _Fisher_, was a notable Undertaker in Latin Verse, and had well deserved of his Country, had not lucre of Gain and private Ambition over-swayed his Pen, to favour successful Rebellion. He wrote in Latin his _Marston-Moor; A Gratulatory Ode of Peace_; Englished afterwards by _Thomas Manley_, and other Latin pieces, besides English ones, not a few, which (as we said) might have been meriting, had not those worldly Considerations over-swayed the Dictates of his own Conscience. But this his temporizing with the Times, preferred him to be Poet Laureat (if that were any Preferment) to that notorious Traytor _Oliver Cromwell_; to whom being Usurper, if his Muse did homage, it must be considered (saith Mr. _Phillips_) that Poets in all times have been inclinable to ingratiate themselves with the highest in Power, by what Title so ever.

However it was, I have heard him often confess his Unhappiness therein: and imparted to me a design he had, of committing to memory the Monuments of the several Churches in _London_ and _Westminster_; not only those mentioned by _Stow_ and _Weaver_, but also those who have been erected since, which might have been of great use to Posterity, had it been done before the great Conflagration of the Fire, thereby preserving many Monuments, endangered since to be lost, but Death interposing hindred him of his Design.

* * * * *

_EDWARD SHIRBURN_, Esq;

_Edward Shirburn_ (saith a learned Author) was intimately knowing as well of the ancient Greek and Latin, as of the choicest of modern Poets, both _Italian_, _French_, and _Spanish_; and in what he hath elegantly and judiciously Translated either of the former or latter; in the Translating of which he hath discovered a more pure Poetical Fancy, than many others can justly pretend to in their Original Works. Nor was his Genius confined only to Poetry, his Version of those Books of _Manilius_, which relate meerly to Astronomy, is a very Noble Work, being set forth with most exact Notes, and other learned and proper Illustrations. Besides many other genuine Pieces which he wrote.

* * * * *

_JOHN QUARLES_.

_John Quarles_, Son to _Francis Quarles_, Esq; may be said to be born a Poet, and that his Father's Genius was infused into him; nor was he less Loyal in his Principles to his Prince, writing besides several other Works, an Elegy on the Lord _Capell_, and _A Curse against the Enemies of Peace_; of which I remember those were the two last lines.

That all the world may hear them hiss and cry,
Who loves no peace, in peace shall never die.

He was also addicted to Arms, as well as Arts, and, as I have been informed, was a Captain in the King's Army, but then Loyalty suffering an Eclipse, he came up to _London_, and continued there till the great Sickness, which swept away of the Pestilence no fewer than 68586 persons, amongst whom this unfortunate Gentleman was one, tho to my knowledge, to prevent it, he might have been kindly welcom to his worthy Kinsman, Mr. _William Holgate_ of _Saffron-Walden_ in _Essex_, but Fate had decreed it otherwise.

* * * * *

_JOHN MILTON_.

_John Milton_ was one, whose natural parts might deservedly give him a place amongst the principal of our English Poets, having written two Heroick Poems and a Tragedy; namely, _Paradice Lost_, _Paradice Regain'd_, and _Sampson Agonista_; But his Fame is gone out like a Candle in a Snuff, and his Memory will always stink, which might have ever lived in honourable Repute, had not he been a notorious Traytor, and most impiously and villanously bely'd that blessed Martyr King _Charles_ the First.

* * * * *

_JOHN OGILBY_.

_John Ogilby_ was one, who from a late Initiation into Literature, made such a Progress therein, as might well stile him to be the Prodigy of his time, sending into the world so many large and learned Volumes, as well in Verse as in Prose, as will make posterity much indebted to his Memory. His Volumes in Prose were his _Atlas_, and other Geographical Works, which gained him the Style and Office of the King's Cosmographer. In Verse his Translations of _Homer_ and _Virgil_, done to the Life, and adorned with most excellent Sculptures; but above all, as composed _Propria_ _Minerva_; his Paraphrase upon _AEsop's_ Fables, which for Ingenuity and Fancy, besides the Invention of new Fables, is generally confest to have exceeded what ever hath been done before in that kind. He also set forth King _Charles_ the Second his Entertainment through _London_, when he went to his Coronation, with most admirable Cuts of the several Pageants as he passed through, and Explanations upon them. And that which added a great grace to his Works, he printed them all on special good Paper, and had them printed on very good Letter.

* * * * *

Sir _RICHARD FANSHAW_.

This worthy Gentleman, one of _Apollo's_ chiefest Sons, was Secretary to King _Charles_ the Second, when Prince of _Wales_, and after his Restoration, his Embassadour to _Spain_, where he died. His Employments were such, as one would think he should have had no time for Poetical Diversions, yet at leisure times he Translated _Guarini's Pastor Fido_ into English Verse, and _Spencer's Shepherds Callendar_ into Latin Verse.

* * * * *

_ROGER BOILE_, Lord _Broghil_, Earl of _Orrery_.

This Noble Person, the credit of the _Irish_ Nobility for Wit and ingenious Parts, and who had the command of a smooth Stile, both in Prose and Verse; in which last he hath written several Dramatick Histories, as _Mustapha_, _Edward_ the Third, _Henry_ the Fifth, and _Tryphon_, all of them with good success and applause, as writing after the French way of Rhyme, now of late very much in Fashion.

* * * * *

_THOMAS HOBBS_ of _Malmsbury_.

This noted Person, who gave occasion for so many Pens to band against him, is of the more consideration, for what he hath either judged or writ in Poetry; but his _Leviathan_, which he wrote in Prose, caused the Pen of a no less than a learned Bishop to write against him. He wrote a Preface to _Davenant's Gondibert_, where no wonder if Complement and friendly Compliance do a little byass and over-sway Judgment. His Latin Poem _De Mirabilibus Pexi_, wanteth not due Commendation. After many bustles in the world, he sequestred himself wholly to _Malmsbury_, where he died better inform'd (as I have heard) of the Deity, than in the former part of his life he seemeth to have been.

* * * * *

Earl of _ROCHESTER_.

This Earl for Poetical Wit, was accounted the chief of his time; his Numbers flowing with so smooth and accute a Strain, that had they been all confined within the bounds of Modesty, we might well affirm they were unparallel'd; yet was not his Muse altogether so loose, but that with his Mirth he mixed Seriousness, and had a knack at once to tickle the Fancy, and inform the Judgement. Take a taste of the fluency of his Muse, in the Poem which he wrote _in Defence of Satyr_.

When _Shakespeare_, _Johnson_, _Fletcher_ rul'd the Stage,
They took so bold a freedom with the Age,
That there was scarce a Knave, or Fool in Town,
Of any note, but had his Picture shown;
And (without doubt) tho some it may offend.
Nothing helps more than Satyr, to amend
Ill Manners, or is trulier Vertues Friend.
Princes may Laws ordain, Priests gravely preach,
But Poets most successfully will teach.
For as the Passing-Bell frights from his meat
The greedy Sick-man, that too much wou'd eat;
So when a Vice ridiculous is made,
Our Neighbours Shame keeps us from growing bad.
But wholsom Remedies few Palats please,
Men rather love what flatters their Disease.

Pimps, Parasites, Buffoons, and all the Crew
That under Friendship's name weak man undo;
Find their false service kindlier understood,
Than such as tell bold Truths to do us good.
Look where you will, and you shall hardly find
A man without some sickness of the Mind.
In vain we wise wou'd seem, while every Lust
Whisks us about, as Whirlwinds do the Dust.

Here for some needless gain a Wretch is hurld
From Pole to Pole, and slav'd about the World;
While the reward of all his pains and cares,
Ends in that despicable thing, his Heir.

There a vain Fop mortgages all his Land
To buy that gaudy Play-thing, a Command;
To ride a Cock-horse, wear a Scarf at's ----
And play the Pudding in a _May-pole Farce_.

Here one, whom God to make a Fool thought fit,
In spight of Providence, will be a Wit:
But wanting strength t'uphold his ill made choice,
Sets up with Lewdness, Blasphemy, and Noise.

There at his Mistress feet a Lover lies,
And for a Tawdry painted Baby dies;
Falls on his knees, adores and is afraid
Of the vain Idol he himself has made.
These, and a thousand Fools unmention'd here,
Hate Poets all, because they Poets fear.
Take heed (they cry) yonder mad Dog will bite,
He cares not whom he falls on in his fit:
Come but in's way, and strait a new _Lampoon_
Shall spread your mangled fame about the Town

This Earl died in the Flower of his Age, and though his Life might be somewhat Extravagant, yet he is said to have dyed Penitently; and to have made a very good End.

* * * * *

Mr. _THOMAS FLATMAN_.

Mr. _Thomas Flatman_, a Gentleman once of the middle Temple, of Extraordinary Parts, equally ingenious in the two Noble Faculties of Painting and Poetry; as by the several choice Pieces that have been seen of his Pourtraying and Limning, and by his Book of Poems, which came out about Fourteen or Fifteen Years ago, sufficiently appeareth: The so much Celebrated Song of the Troubles of Marriage, is ascribed to him.

Like a Dog with a Bottle tyed close to his Taile,
Like a Tory in a Bog, or a Thief in a Jail, _&c._

* * * * *

_MARTIN LUELLIN_.

This Gentleman was bred up a Student in _Christ-Church_ in _Oxford_; where he addicted his Mind to the sweet Delights of Poetry, writing an Ingenious Poem, entituled, _Men Miracles_, which came forth into the World with great applause. The times being then when there was not only _Cobling Preaching_, but _Preaching Coblers_; he followed the practice of Physick, and whether he be yet living is to me unknown.

* * * * *

_EDMOND FAIRFAX_.

_Edmond Fairfax_, a most judicious, elegant, and approved Poet, and who we should have remembred before: But better out of due place, than not at all. This judicious Poet Translated that most exquisite Poem of _Torquato Tasso_, the Prince of _Italian_ Heroick Poets, which for the Exactness of his Version, is judged by some not inferior to the Original it self. He also wrote some other things of his own Genius, which have passed in the World with a general applause.

* * * * *

_HENRY KING_ Bishop of _Chichester_.

This Reverend Prelate, a great lover of Musick, Poetry, and other ingenious Arts; amongst his other graver Studies, had some Excursions into those pleasing Delights of Poetry; and as he was of an Obliging Conversation for his Wit and Fancy; so was he also very Grave and Pious in his Writings; Witness his Printed Sermons on the Lords Prayer, and others which he Preached on several Occasions. His Father was _John King_, Bishop of _London_; one full fraught with all Episcopal Qualities; who died _Anno_ 1618. and was Buried in the Quire of St. _Paul's_, with the plain Epitaph of _Resurgam_: But since a prime Wit did enlarge thereon, which for the Elegancy of it, I cannot but commit it to Posterity.

Sad Relique of a blessed Soul, whose Trust
We Sealed up in this religious Dust.
O do not thy low Exequies suspect,
As the cheap Arguments of our neglect.
Twas a commanded Duty that thy Grave
As little Pride as thou thy self should have.
Therefore thy Covering is an humble Stone,
And but a Word[A] for thy Inscription.
When those that in the same Earth Neighbour thee,
Have each his Chronicle and Pedigree.
They have their waving Penons, and their Flags,
Of Matches and Alliance formal Brags.
When thou (although from Ancestors thou came,
Old as the Heptarchy, great as thy Name;)
Sleepest there inshrin'd in thy admired Parts,
And hast no Heraldry but thy Deserts.
Yet let not them their prouder Marbles boast,
For they rest with less Honour though more Cost.
Go search the World, and with your Mattock wound,
The groaning Bosom of the patient Ground:
Dig from the hidden Veins of her dark Womb,
All that is rare and precious for a Tomb.
Yet when much Treasure, and more time is spent,
You must grant his the Nobler Monument;
Whose Faith stands o're him for a Hearse, and hath
The _Resurrection_ for his _Epitaph_.

[Footnote A: _Resurgam_]

This worthy Prelate was born in the same County, Town, House, and Chamber with his Father; Namely, at _Warn hall_ nigh _Tame_ in _Buckingham-shire_, and was Bred up at _Christ-Church_ in _Oxford_. in _Anno_ 1641. when Episcopacy was beheld by many in a deep _Consumption_, and hoped by others that it would prove Mortal. To cure this, it was conceived the most probable Cordial to prefer Persons into that Order, not only unblameable for their Life, and eminent for their Learning; but also generally, beloved, by all disegaged People; and amongst these, King _Charles_ advanced this our Doctor, Bishop of _Chichester_.

But all would not do, their Innocency was so far from stopping the Mouth of Malice; that Malice had almost swallowed them down her Throat. Yet did he live to see the Restitution of his Order, live a most religious Life, and at leisure times Composed his generally admired and approved Version of _Davids_ Psalms into _English_ Meetre.

* * * * *

_THOMAS MANLEY_.

_Thomas Manley_ was (saith my Author) one of the Croud of Poetical writers of the late King's Time. He wrote among other things the History of _Job_ in verse; and Translated into _English_, _Pagan Father_ his _Congratulatory Ode of Peace_.

* * * * *

Mr. _LEWYS GRIFFIN_.

He was born (as he informed me himself) in _Rutland shire_, and bred up in the University of _Cambridge_; where proving an Excellent Preacher, he was after some time preferred to be a Minister of St. _George's_ Church in _Southwark_; where being outed for Marrying two Sisters without their Friends Consent, He was afterwards beneficed at _Colchester_ in _Essex_; where he continued all the time during a sore Pestilence raged there. He wrote a Book of _Essays and Characters_, an excellent Piece; also _The Doctrine of the Ass_, of which I remember these two lines.

Devils pretences always were Divine,
A Knave may have an Angel for a Sign.

He wrote also a Book called _The Presbyterian Bramble_; with several other Pieces, in Defence of the King and the Church. Now to shew you the Acuteness of his Wit, I will give you an Instance: The first year that _Poor Robin_'s Almanack came forth (about Six and Twenty Years ago) there was cut for it a Brass Plate; having on one side of it the Pictures of King _Charles_ the First, the Earl of _Stafford_, the Arch-Bishop of _Canterbury_, the Earl of _Darby_, the Lord _Capel_, and Dr. _Hewit_; all six adorned with Wreaths of Lawrel. On the other side was, _Oliver Cromwell_, _Bradshaw_, _Ireton_, _Scot_, _Harrison_, and _Hugh Peters_, hanging in Halters: Betwixt which was placed the Earl of _Essex_, and Mr. _Christopher Love_; upon which plate he made these Verses.

Bless us, what have we here! What sundry Shapes
Salute our Eyes! have Martyrs too their Apes?
Sure 'tis the War of Angels, for you'd Swear
That here stood _Michael_, and the _Dragon_ there.
_Tredescan_ is out vy'd, for we engage
Both _Heaven_ and _Hell_ in an Octavo Page.
_Martyrs_ and _Traytors_, rallied six to six,
Half fled unto _Olimpus_, half to _Styx_.
Joyn'd with two Neuters, some Condemn, some Praise,
They hang betwixt the _Halters_ and the _Bayes_;
For 'twixt _Nolls_ Torment, and Great _Charles's_ Glory,
There, there's the _Presbyterian_ purgatory.

He died (as I am informed) at _Colcester_, about the Year of our Lord 1670.

* * * * *

_JOHN DAUNCEY_.

_John Dauncey_, a true Son of _Apollo_, and _Bacchus_; was one who had an Excellent Command of his Pen, a fluent Stile, and quick Invention: nor did any thing come amiss to his undertaking. He wrote a compleat History of the late times; a Chronicle of the Kingdom of _Portugal_; the _English Lovers_, a Romance; which for Language and Contrivance, comes not short of either of the best of French or Spanish. He Translated a Tragi Comedy out of French, called _Nichomede_, equal in English to the French Original; besides several other things, too long to recite. His _English Lovers_ was Commended by divers of sound Judgment; amongst others, Mr. _Lewis Griffin_, our forementioned Poet, made these verses in commendations of it.

Rich Soul of Wit and Language, thy high strains
So plunge and puzzle unrefined brains;
That their Illiterate Spirits do not know,
How much to thy Ingenious Pen they owe,
Should my presumptuous Muse attempt to raise
Trophies to thee, she might as well go blaze
Bright Planets with base Colours, or display
The Worlds Creation in a Puppet-Play.
Let this suffice, what Calumnies may chance,
To blur thy Fame, they spring from Ignorance.

When _Old Orpheus_ drew the Beasts along,
By sweet Rhetorick of his learned Tongue,
'Twas deafness made the Adder sin; and this
Caus'd him, who should have hum'd the Poet, hiss.

* * * * *

_RICHARD HEAD_.

_Richard Head_, the Noted Author of the _English Rogue_, was a Ministers Son, born in _Ireland_, whose Father was killed in that horrid Rebellion in 1641. Whereupon his Mother with this her Son came into _England_; and he having been trained up in Learning, was by the help of some Friends, for some little time brought up in the University of _Oxford_, in the same Colledge wherein his Father had formerly been a Student. But means falling short, he was taken away from thence, and bound Apprentice to a Latin Bookseller in _London_; attaining to a good Proficiency in that Trade. But his Genius being addicted to Poetry, and having _Venus_ for his Horoscope, e're his time were fully out, he wrote a Piece called _Venus Cabinet Unlock'd_: Afterwards he married, and set up for himself: But being addicted to play, a Mans Estate then runs in _Hazard_, (for indeed that was his Game) until he had almost thrown his Shop away. Then he betook himself to _Ireland_, his Native Country; where he composed his _Hic & Ubique_, a noted Comedy; and which gained him a general Esteem for the worth thereof. And coming over into _England_, had it Printed, dedicating it to the then Duke of _Monmouth_; But receiving no great Incouragement from his Patron, he resolved to settle himself in the World, and to that purpose, with his Wife took a House in _Queens-Head Alley_, near _Pater-Noster-Row_; and for a while followed his Business, so that contrary to the Nature of a Poet, his Pockets began to be well lined with Money: But being bewitched to that accursed vice of Play, it went out by handfuls, as it came in piece by piece. And now he is to seek again in the World, whereupon he betook him to his Pen; and wrote the first part of the _English Rogue_: which being too much smutty, would not be Licensed, so that he was fain to refine it, and then it passed stamp. At the coming forth of this first part, I being with him at three Cup Tavern in _Holborn_, drinking over a glass of _Rhenish_, made these verses upon it.

What _Gusman_, _Buscon_, _Francion_, _Rablais_ writ,
I once applauded for most excellent Wit;
But reading thee, and thy rich Fancies store,
I now condemn what I admir'd before.
Henceforth Translations pack away, be gone,
No Rogue so well-writ as the _English_ one.

There was afterwards three more parts added to it by him, and Mr. _Kirkman_ with a promise of a fifth, which never came out.

He wrote several other Books besides, as _The art of Whedling_; _The Floating Island_; or a Voyage from _Lambethania to Ramalia_; _A discovery of O Brazil_; _Jacksons Recantation_, _The Red Sea_, &c. Amongst others, he had a great Fancy in Bandying against Dr. _Wild_; (although I must confess therein over Matcht) yet fell he upon him tooth and nail in Answer to his Letter directed to his Friend Mr. _J.J._ upon Occasion of his Majesties Declaration for Liberty of Conscience; concluding in this manner.

Thus Sir you have my Story, but am Sorry
(_Taunton_ excuse) it is no better for ye,
However read it, as you Pease are shelling;
For you will find, it is not worth the telling.
Excuse this boldness, for I can't avoid
Thinking sometimes, you are but ill Imploy'd.
_Fishing for Souls_ more fit, then _frying Fish_;
That makes me throw, _Pease Shellings_ in your _Dish_.
You have a study, Books wherein to look,
How comes it then the Doctor's turn'd a Cook?
Well _Doctor Cook_, pray be advis'd hereafter
Don't make your Wife the Subject of our Laughter.
I find she's careless, and your Maid a slut,
To let you grease your _Cassock_ for your gut.
You are all three in fault, by all that's blest;
Mend you your manners first, then teach the rest.

He was one who met with a great many Crosses and Afflictions in his Life; and was (as I am informed) at last cast away at Sea, as he was going to the Isle of _Wight_.

* * * * *

_JOHN PHILLIPS_.

_John Philips_, the Brother of _Edward Phillips_, the Famous Continuator of Sir _Richard Bakers_ Chronicle; and Author of _The New World of English Words_. He was also Nephew to the before mention'd _John Milton_, the Author of _Paradice lost_, and _Paradice Regain'd_; so that he might be said to have Poetical Blood run in his Veins. He was Accounted one of the exactest of Heroical Poets either of the Ancients or Moderns, either of our own or what ever other Nation else; having a Judicious command of Style both in Prose and Verse. But his chiefest Vein lay in _Burlesque_, and facetious Poetry, which produc'd that Ingenious Satyr against Hypocrites.

He also Translated the Fifth and Sixth Books of _Virgils AEniedes_ into English _Burlesque_; of which that we may give you a Draught of his Method, take these few lines.

While _Dido_ in a Bed of Fire,
A new-found way to cool desire,
Lay wrapt in Smoke, half Cole, half _Dido_,
Too late repenting Crime _Libido_,
_Monsieur AEneas_ went his waies;
For which I con him little praise,
To leave a Lady, not i'th'Mire,
But which was worser, in the Fire.
He Neuter-like, had no great aim,
To kindle or put out the flame.
He had what he would have, the Wind;
More than ten _Dido's_ to his mind.
The merry gale was all in Poop,
Which made the _Trojans_ all cry Hoop!

He it was who wrote that Jovial Almanack of _Montelion_; besides several other things in a serious Vein of Poetry. Nor must we forget his Song made on the Tombs at _Westminster_; which for a witty drolling Invention, I hold it to be past Compare, being Printed in a Book called _The Miseries of Love and Eloquence_.

You may reckon among these his Elegy upon our late Soveraign, and his Anniversary to His Majesty; Composed all by Dr. _Blow_.

* * * * *

Mr. _JOHN OLDHAM_.

Mr. _John Oldham_, the delight of the Muses, and glory of those last Times; a Man utterly unknown to me but only by Works, which none can read but with Wonder and Admiration; So Pithy his Strains, so Sententious his Expressions, so Elegant his Oratory, so Swimming his Language, so Smooth his Lines, in Translating out-doing the Original, and in Invention matchless; whose praise my rude Pen is not able to Comprehend: Take therefore a small Draught of his Perfections in a Funeral Elegy, made by the Laureat of our Nation, Mr. _John Dryden_.

Farewel, too little and too lately known,
Whom I began to think and call my own;
For sure our Souls were near ally'd; and thine
Cast in the same Poetick Mould with mine.
One common note on either Lyre did strike,
And Knaves and Fools we both abhorr'd alike:
To the same Goal did both our Studies drive,
The last set out the soonest did arrive.
Thus _Nisus_ fell upon the Slippery place,
While his young Friend perform'd and won the race.
O early ripe! to thy abundant store,
What could advancing age have added more?
It might (what Nature never gives the young)
Have taught the numbers of thy Native Tongue.
But Satyr needs not those, and wit will shine
Through the harsh cadence of a rugged line,
A noble error, and but seldom made,
When Poets are by too much force betray'd.
Thy generous Fruits, though gather'd e're their Prime,
Still shew'd a quickness; and maturing time;
But Mellows what we write to the dull sweets of Rhime.
Once more, hail and farwel, farwel thou young,
But all too short _Marcellus_ of our Tongue;
Thy brows with Ivy, and with Lawrels bound;
But flat and gloomy Night encompass thee around.

This wittily learned Gentleman was of _Edmund-Hall_ in _Oxford_, and dyed in the Earl of _Kingston's_ Family in the prime of his Years; whose life had it been lengthened, might have produced as large a Volume of learned Works, as any this latter Age have brought forth.

* * * * *

And thus have we given you an Account of all the most Eminent _English_ Poets that have come to our knowledge; although we question not but many and those well deserving have slipped our Pen; which if these our Labours shall come to a Second Impression, as we question nothing to the contrary, we shall endeavour to do them right. In the mean time we shall give you a short Account of some of the most eminent that are now (or at least thought by us so to be) living at this time, and so conclude, beginning first with

_Mr. JOHN DRIDEN._

Poet Laureat and Historiographer to his Royal Majesty; whose Poetry hath passed the World with the greatest Approbation and acceptance that may be, especially what he hath written of Dramatick, _viz._ _The Maiden Queen_; _The Wild Gallant_; _The Mock Astrologer_; _Marriage Ala-mode_; _The Amorous Old Woman_; and _The Assignation_, Comedies; _Tyranick Love_; and _Amboyna_, Tragedies; and _The Indian Emperor_; and two Parts of the Conquests of _Granada_; Historical Drama's. Besides several other Pieces, which speak their own worth, more than any Commendations my Pen can bestow upon them.

* * * * *

Mr. _ELKUNAH SETTLE_.

An Ingenious Person, who besides his other Works hath contributed to the Stage two Tragedies, _viz._ _Cambises_, and _The Empress of Morrocco_, which notwithstanding the severe censure of some, may deservedly pass with good Approbation.

* * * * *

Sir _GEORGE ETHERIDGE_.

The Author of Two Comedies, _viz. Love in a Tub_; and _She Would if she Could_; which for pleasant Wit, and no bad Oeconemy, are judged not unworthy the applause they have met with.

* * * * *

Mr. _JOHN WILSON_.

The noted Author of that so Celebrated a Comedy entituled _The Cheats_; which hath passed the Stage and Press with so general an applause, also another Comedy called _The Projectors_ and the Tragedy of _Andronicus Commenius_.

* * * * *

Mr. _THOMAS SHADWELL_.

One whose Pen hath deserved well of the Stage, not only for the number of the Plays which he hath writ; but also for the sweet Language and Contrivance of them. His Comedies are, _The Humorist_; _The Sullen Lovers_; _Epsom Wells_, &c. Besides his _Royal Shepherdess_, a Pastoral Tragi-Comedy; and his Tragedy of _Psyche_, or rather Tragical _Opera_, as vying with the _Opera's_ of _Italy_, in the Pomp of Scenes, Marchinry and Musical performance.

* * * * *

_THOMAS STANLEY_.

_Thomas Stanley_ Esquire, of _Cumberlo Green_ in _Hartfordshire_; a general Scholar, one well known both in Philosophy, History, and Poetry. Witness his learned Edition of _AEschylus_, and his lives of the Philosophers; But for that which we take the most notice of him here, his smooth Air and gentile Spirit in Poetry; which appears not only in his own Genuine Poems, but also from what he hath so well Translated out of Ancient Greek, and Modern Italian, Spanish, and French Poets; So that we may well conclude him to be both the Glory and Admiration of his time.

* * * * *

_EDWARD PHILLIPS_.

_Edward Phillips_ Brother to _John Phillips_ aforesaid, the Judicious Continuator of Sir _Richard Bakers_ Chronicle; which will make his name Famous to Posterity, no less than his Genuine Poems upon several occasions, in which he comes not far short of his Spritely Brother.

* * * * *

Mr. _THOMAS SPRAT_.

Mr. _Thomas Sprat_, whose judicious History of the _Royal Society_, for the Smoothness of the Stile, and exactness of the Method, deserveth high Commendations; He hath also writ in Verse a very applauded, tho little Poem, entitled _The Plague of_ Athens.

* * * * *

_WILLIAM SMITH_.

_William Smith_ the Author of a Tragedy entituled _Hieronymo_; as also _The Hector of Germany_.

* * * * *

Mr. _JOHN LACEY_.

Mr. _John Lacy_, one of the noted'st Wits of these Times, who as _William Shakespeare_ and _Christopher Marlow_ before him, rose from an Actor to be an Author to the Stage, having written two ingenious Comical Pieces, _viz._ _Monsieur Ragou_, and _the Dumb Lady_.

* * * * *

Mr. _WILLIAM WHICHERLY_.

Mr. _William Whicherly_, a Gentleman of the Inner _Temple_, who besides his other learned Works, hath contributed largely to the Stage, in his Comedies of _Love in a Wood_, _The Gentleman Dancing-Master_, _The Country Wife_, &c.

* * * * *

Sir _ROGER L'ESTRANGE_.

And so we have reckoned up all the most Eminent Poets which have come to our knowledge, craving pardon for those we have omitted. We shall conclude all with Sir _Roger L'Strange_, one whose Pen was never idle in asserting the Royal Cause, as well before the King's Restoration, against his open Enemies, as since that time against his Feigned Friends. Those who shall consider the Number and Greatness of his Books, will admire he should ever write so many, and those who have Read them, considering the Stile and Method they are writ in, will more admire he should Write so well. And because some people may imagine his Works not to be so many as he hath written, we will give you a Catalogue of as many as we can remember of them.

_Collections In Defence of the King._
_Tolleration Discussed._
_Relapsed Apostate._
_Apology for Protestants._
Richard _against_ Baxter.
_Tyranny and Popery._
_Growth of Knavery._
_Reformed Catholique._
_Free-born Subjects._
_The Case Put_.
_Seasonable Memorials._
_Answer to the Appeal._
_No Papist._
_The Shammer Shamm'd._
_Account Cleared._
_Reformation Reformed._
_Dissenters Sayings in Two Parts._
_Notes on_ Colledge.
_Citizen and Bumkin in Two Parts._
_Further Discovery of the Plot._
_Discovery on Discovery._
_Narrative of the Plot._
Zekiel _and_ Ephraim.
_Appeal to the King and Parliament._
_Papist in Masquerade._
_Answer to the Second Character of a Popish Successor._

These Twenty Six, with divers others, he writ in Quarto; Besides which he wrote divers others, _viz._

_The History of the Plot, in_ Folio.
Quevedo's _Visions Englished_, Octavo.
Erasmus's _Coloquies Eng._. Oct.
Seneca's _Morals_, Oct.
Cicero's _Offices in English_.
_The Guide to Eternity_, _in_ Twelves.
_Five Love Letters from a Nun to a Cave_, &c.
_The Holy Cheat._
_Caveat to the Cavaliers._
_Plea for the Caveat and the Author._

Besides his indefatigable pains taken in writing the _Observator_, a Work, which for Vindicating the Royal Interest, and undeceiving the People, considering the corruption of the Times, of as great use and behoof as may be, mens minds having been before so poysoned by Fanatical Principles, that it is almost an _Herculean_ Work to reduce them again by Reason, or as we may more properly say, to Reason. Of which useful Work he hath done already Two large Volumes, and a Third almost compleated, his Pen being never weary in Service of his Country.

But should I go about to enumerate all the Works of this worthy Gentleman, I should run my self into an irrecoverable Labyrinth. Nor is he less happy in his Verse than Prose, which for Elegancy of Language, and quickness of Invention, deservedly entitles him to the honour of a Poet; and therefore I shall forbear to write more of him, since what I can do upon that account, comes infinitely far short of his deservings.

_FINIS._