The Lives of the Most Famous English Poets (1687) by William Winstanley

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He wrote also two Comedies, _The Tryal of Chivalry_, and _The longer
thou livest, the more Fool thou art_.

* * * * *

_NICHOLAS BRETON_.

_Nicholas Breton_, a writer of Pastoral Sonnets, Canzons, and
Madrigals, in which kind of writing he keeps company with several other
contemporary Emulators of _Spencer_ and Sir _Philip Sidney_, in a
publish'd Collection of several Odes of the chief Sonneters of that
Age. He wrote also several other Books, whereof two I have by me, _Wits
Private Wealth_, and another called _The Courtier and the Country-man_,
in which last, speaking of _Vertue_, he hath these Verses:

There is a Secret few do know,
And doth in special places grow,
A rich mans praise, a poor mans wealth,
A weak mans strength, a sick mans health,
A Ladies beauty, a Lords bliss,
A matchless Jewel where it is;
And makes, where it is truly seen,
A gracious King, and glorious Queen.

* * * * *

_THOMAS KID, THOMAS WATSON_, &c.

_Thomas Kid_, a writer that seems to have been of pretty good esteem
for versifying in former times, being quoted among some of the more
fam'd Poets, as _Spencer_, _Drayton_, _Daniel_, _Lodge_ &C. with whom
he was either contemporary, or not much later: There is particularly
remembred his Tragedy, _Cornelia_.

There also flourish'd about the same time _Thomas Watson_, a
contemporary immitater of Sir _Philip Sidney_, as also _Tho. Hudson_,
_Joh. Markham_, _Tho. Achelly_, _Joh. Weever_, _Ch. Middleton_, _Geo.
Turbervile_, _Hen. Constable_, with some others, especially one _John
Lane_, whose Works though much better meriting than many that are in
print, yet notwithstanding had the ill fate to be unpublish'd, but they
are all still reserved in Manuscript, namely, his _Poetical Vision_,
his _Alarm to the Poets_ his _Twelve Months_, his _Guy of Warwick_, a
Heroick Poem; and lastly, his Supplement to _Chaucer's Squires Tale_.

* * * * *

Sir _THOMAS OVERBURY_.

Sir _Thomas Overbury_, a Knight and Wit, was Son to Sir _Nicholas
Overbury_ of _Burton_ in _Glocester-shire_, one of the Judges of the
Marches; who, to his natural propension of ingenuity, had the addition
of good Education, being bred up first in _Oxford_, afterwards, for a
while a Student of the Law in the _Middle Temple_; soon after he cast
Anchor at Court, the Haven of Hope for all aspiring Spirits; afterwards
travell'd into _France_, where having been some time, he returned
again, and was entertained into the respects of Sir _Rob. Carre_, one
who was newly initiated a Favourite to King _James_; where, by his wise
carriage, he purchased to himself not only the good affection and
respect of Sir _Robert_, but also of divers other eminent persons.

During his abode with Sir _Robert Carre_, he composed that excellent
Poem of his, entituled, _A Wife_; which, for the excellency thereof,
the Author of the Epistle to the Reader, prefixed before his Book, thus
writes, _Had such a Poem been extant among the ancient_ Romans, _altho'
they wanted our easie conservation of Wit by Printing, they would have
committed it to Brass, lest injurious time might deprive it of due
eternity_. Nor was his Poem of _A Wife_ not only done to the life, but
also those Characters which he wrote, to this day not out-witted by
any.

But to return from the Work to the Workman; Mr. _Overbury_ is by the
King knighted, and Sir _Rob. Carre_ made a Viscount, and such a
reciprocal Love pass'd betwixt them, that it was questionable, whether
the Viscount were more in favour with King _James_, or Sir _Thomas
Overbury_ in the favour of the Viscount? But what estate on earth is so
firm, that is not changeable, or what friendship is so constant, that
is not dissolvable? Who would imagine this Viscount should be
instrumental to his death, who had done him so faithful service, and to
whom he had embosom'd his most secret thoughts? Yet so it was, for Sir
_Thomas_, out of an unfeigned affection which he bare to the Viscount,
diswaded him from a motion of a Marriage which was propounded betwixt
him and the Lady _Francis Howard_, who was lately divorced from the
Earl of _Essex_, as a Match neither for his credit here, nor comfort
hereafter. This Counsel, though it proceeded from an unfeigned love in
Sir _Thomas_, yet where Beauty commands, all discretion being
sequestred, created in the Viscount a hatred towards him; and in the
Countess the fury of a woman, a desire of revenge, who perswaded the
Viscount, _That it was not possible that ever she should endure those
injuries, or hope for any prosperity so long as he lived; That she
wondred how he could be so familiar, so much affected to his man_
Overbury; _that without him he could do nothing, as it were making him
his right hand, seeing he being newly grown into the Kings favour, and
depending wholly upon his greatness, must expect to be clouded if not
ruined, when his servant that knew his secrets should come to
preferment._ The Viscount, apt enough of his own inclination to
revenge, being thus further exasperated by the Countess, they joyntly
resolve upon his death, and soon a fit opportunity came to their hands.
He being by King _James_ (and as it is thought by the Viscount's
Counsel) nominated to be sent Embassador to the Emperor of _Russia_,
was by the said Viscount, whom he especially trusted, persuaded to
decline the employment, as no better than an _honourable Grave_; Better
lie some days in the _Tower_, than more months in a worse Prison; a
Ship by Sea, and a barbarous cold Country by Land. _You are now_ (Said
he) _in credit at home, and have made tryal of the dangers of travel,
why then should you hazard all upon uncertainties, being already in
possession of that you can probably expect by these means_; promising
him, that within a small time he would so work with the King, that he
should have a good of opinion him. But he (saith Dr. _Fuller_) who
willingly goes into a Prison out of hope to come easily out of it, may
stay therein so long till he be too late convinced of his error.

And now having him in the place where they would, their next study to
secure their revenge, was closely to make him away; which they
concluded to be by poyson. To this end, they consult with one Mrs.
_Turner_ (the first inventer of that horrid Garb of yellow Ruffs and
Cuffs, and in which Garb she was after hanged) she having acquaintance
with one _James Franklin_, a man skilled for that purpose, agreed with
him to provide that which should not kill presently, but cause one to
languish away by degrees, a little and a little. Sir _Gervas Yelvis_,
Lieutenant of the Tower, being drawn into the Conspiracy, admits one
_Weston_, Mrs. _Turners_ man, who under pretence of waiting upon Sir
_Thomas_, was to act the horrid Tragedy. The Plot thus continued,
_Franklin_ buyes certain Poysons, _viz. Sosater_, _white Arsenic_,
_Mercury sublimate_, _Cantharides_, red _Mercury_, with three or four
other deadly Ingredients, which he delivered to _Weston_, with
instructions how to use them. _Weston_, (an apt Scholar in the Devil's
School) tempers them in his Broth and Meat, increasing or diminishing
their strength according as he saw him affected. Besides these,
poyson'd Tarts & Jellies are sent him by the Viscount. Nay, they
poysoned his very Salt, Sauce, Meat and Drink; but being of a very
strong Constitution, he held out still: At last they effected their
work by a poysoned Clyster which they administed unto him, so that the
next day he died thereof; and because there were some Blisters and ugly
Botches on his Body, the Conspirators gave it out he died of the
_French Pox_.

Thus by the Malice of a Woman this worthy Knight was murdered, who yet
still lives in that witty Poem of his, entituled, _a Wife_; as is well
expressed by these Verses under his Picture.

A man's best Fortune, or his worst's a Wife:
Yet I that knew no Marriage, Peace, nor Strife,
Live by a good one, by a bad one lost my Life.

But God, who seldom suffers Murder to go unrevenged, revealed the same;
for notwithstanding what the Conspirators had given out, Suspitions grew
high that Sir_ Thomas_ was poysoned: Whereupon _We port_ is examined by
the Lord _Cook_, who at first flatly denied the same; but being
perswaded by the Bishop of _London_, he tells all: How Mrs. _Turner_
and the Countess came acquainted; what relation she had to Witches,
Sorcerers and Conjurers; and discovers all those who had any hand in
it: whereupon they were all apprehended; some sent to the _Tower_,
others to _Newgate_. Having thus confessed, being convicted according
to course of Law, he was hanged at _Tyburn_; after him Mrs. _Turner_,
after her _Franklin_, then Sir _Gervas Yelvis_, upon their several
Arraignments, were found guilty, and executed. Some of them died very
penitent: The Earl and his Countess were both condemned, but through
the King's gracious Pardon had their Lives saved, but were never
admitted to the Favour of the Court.

We shall conclude all with this his Epitaph written by himself.

The span of my days measur'd, here I rest,
That is, my Body; but my Soul, his Guest,
Is hence ascended, whither, neither Time,
Nor Faith, nor Hope, but only Love can clime;
Where being now enlightned, she doth know
The Truth of all men argue of below:
Only this Dust doth here in pawn remain,
That, when the world dissolves, she come again.

* * * * *

Mr. _MICHAEL DRAYTON_.

Mr. _Drayton_, one who had drunk as deep a Draught at _Helicon_ as any
in his time, was born at _Athelston_ in _Warwickshire_, as appeareth in
his Poetical Address thereunto, _Poly-Olbion_, Song 13. p. 213.

My native Country then, which so brave Spirits hast bred,
If there be virtue yet remaining in thy earth,
Or any good of thine thou breath'st into my Birth,
Accept it as thine own whilst now I sing of thee,
Of all thy latter Brood th'unworthiest tho' I be.

He was in his time for fame and renown in Poetry, not much inferior, if
not equal to Mr. _Spencer_, or Sir _Philip Sidney_ himself. Take a
taste of the sprightfulness of his Muse, out of his _Poly-Olbion_,
speaking of his native County _Warwickshire_.

Upon the Mid-lands now th'industrious Muse doth fall,
That Shire which we the Heart of _England_ well may call,
As she herself extends (the midst which is _Deweed_)
betwixt St. _Michael's Mount_ and _Barwick_-bordering
_Tweed_,
Brave _Warwick_ that abroad so long advanc'd her _Bear_,
By her illustrious Earls renowned every where,
Above her neighbouring Shires which always bore her Head.

Also in the Beginning of his _Poly-Olbion_ he thus writes;

Of _Albions_ glorious Isle the wonders whilst I write,
The sundry varying Soyls, the Pleasures infinite,
Where heat kills not the cold, nor cold expells the heat,
The calms too mildly small, nor winds too roughly great.
Nor night doth hinder day, nor day the night doth wrong;
The summer not too short, the winter not too long:
What help shall I invoke to aid my Muse the while? _&c._

However, in the esteem of the more curious of these times, his Works
seem to be antiquated, especially this of his _Poly-Olbion_ because of
the old-fashion'd kind of Verse thereof, which seems somewhat to
diminish that respect which was formerly paid to the Subject, although
indeed both pleasant and elaborate, wherein he took a great deal both
of study and pains; and thereupon thought worthy to be commented upon
by that once walking Library of our Nation, Mr. _John Selden_: His
_Barons Wars_ are done to the Life, equal to any of that Subject. His
_Englands Heroical Epistles_ generally liked and received, entituling
him unto the appellation of the _English Ovid_. His Legends of _Robert_
Duke of _Normandy_. _Matilda_, _Pierce Gaveston_, and _Thomas Cromwel_,
all of them done to the Life. His _Idea_ expresses much Fancy and
Poetry. And to such as love that Poetry, that of _Nymphs_ and
_Shepherds_, his _Nymphals_, and other things of that nature, cannot be
unpleasant.

To conclude, He was a Poet of a pious temper, his Conscience having
always the command of his Fancy; very temperate in his Life, flow of
speech, and inoffensive in company. He changed his Lawrel for a Crown
of Glory, _Anno_ 1631. and was buried in _Westminster-Abbey_, near the
South-door, by those two eminent Poets, _Geoffry Chaucer_ and _Edmond
Spencer_, with this Epitaph made (as it is said) by Mr. _Benjamin
Johnson_.

_Do, pious Marble, let thy Readers know
What they, and what their Children ow
To Drayton's Name, whose sacred Dust
We recommend unto thy Trust_

_Protect his Memory, and preserve his Story,
Remain a lasting Monument of his Glory:
And when thy Ruines shall disclaim
To be the Treasurer of his Name,
His Name that cannot fade shall be
An everlasting Monument to thee_.

* * * * *

_JOSHUA SYLVESTER_.

_Joshua Sylvester_, a very eminent Translator of his time, especially
of the Divine _Du Bartus_, whose six days work of Creation, gain'd him
an immortal Fame, having had many great Admirers even to these days,
being usher'd into the world by the chiefest Wits of that Age; amongst
others, the most accomplisht Mr. _Benjamin Johnson_ thus wrote of him.

If to admire, were to commend my Praise
might then both thee, thy work and merit raise;
But, as it is (the Child of Ignorance
And utter stranger to all Ayr of _France_)
How can I speak of thy great pains, but err;
Since they can only judge that can confer?
Behold! the reverend shade of _Bartus_ stands
Before my thought and (in thy right) commands
That to the world I publish, for him, this:
_Bartus doth with thy_ English _now were his_,
So well in that are his Inventions wrought,
As his will now be the _Translation_ thought,
Thine the Original; and _France_ shall boast
No more those Maiden-Glories she hath lost.

He hath also translated several other Works of _Du Bartus_; namely,
_Eden_, the _Deceipt_, the _Furies_, the _Handicrafts_, the _Ark_,
_Babylon_, the _Colonies_, the _Columns_, the _Fathers_, _Jonas_,
_Urania_, _Triumph of Faith_, _Miracle of Peace_, the _Vocation_, the
_Fathers_, the _Daw_, the _Captains_, the _Trophies_, the
_Magnificence_, &c. Also a Paradox of _Odes de la Nove_, Baron of
_Teligni_, with the Quadrains of _Pibeac_; all which Translations were
generally well received: but for his own Works which were bound up with
them, they received not so general an approbation; as you may perceive
by these Verses;

We know thou dost well
As a Translator,
But where things require
A Genius and a Fire,
Not kindled before by others pains,
As often thou hast wanted Brains.

* * * * *

Mr. _SAMUEL DANIEL_.

Mr. _Daniel_ was born nigh to the Town of _Taunton_ in _Somersetshire_;
his Father was a Master of Musick, and his harmonious Mind (saith Dr.
_Fuller_) made an impression in his Son's Genius, who proved to be one
of the Darlings of the Muses, a most excellent Poet, whose Wings of
Fancy displayed the Flags of highest Invention: Carrying in his
_Christian_ and _Sirname_ the Names of two holy Prophets; which, as
they were Monitors to him, for avoyding Scurrility, so he qualified his
Raptures to such a strain, as therein he abhorred all Debauchery and
Prophaneness.

Nor was he only one of the inspired Train of _Phoebus_, but also a most
judicious Historian, witness his Lives of our _English_ Kings since the
Conquest, until King _Edward_ the Third, wherein he hath the happiness
to reconcile brevity with clearness, qualities of great distance in
other Authors; and had he continued to these times, no doubt it had
been a Work incomparable: Of which his Undertaking, Dr. _Heylin_ in the
Preface to his _Cosmography_, gives this Character, speaking of the
chiefest Historians of this Nation; _And to end the Bed-roll_ (says he)
_half the Story of this Realm done by Mr._ Daniel, _of which I believe
that which himself saith of it in his Epistle to the Reader, that there
was never brought together more of the Main_. Which Work is since
commendably continued (but not with equal quickness and judgment,) by
Mr. _Truffel_.

As for his Poems so universally received, the first in esteem is, that
Heroical one of the Civil Wars between the two Houses of _York_ and
_Lancaster_; of which the elaborate Mr. _Speed_, in his Reign of
_Richard_ the Second, thus writes: _The Seeds_ (saith he) _of those
fearful Calamities, a flourishing Writer of our Age_ (speaking of Mr.
_Daniel_) _willing nearly to have imitated_ Lucan, _as he is indeed
called our_ English Lucan, _doth not unfortunately express, tho' he
might rather have said he wept them, than sung them; but indeed so to
sing them, is to weep them._

I sing the Civil Wars, tumultuous Broils
And bloody Factions of a mighty Land,
Whose people haughty, proud with foreign spoyls;
Upon their selves turn back their conquering hand

While Kin their Kin, Brother the Brother foils,
Like Ensigns, all against like Ensigns stand:
Bows against Bows, a Crown against a Crown,
While all pretending right, all right throw down

Take one Taste more of his Poetry, in his sixth Book of that Heroical
Poem, speaking of the Miseries of Civil War.

So wretched is this execrable War,
This civil Sword, wherein though all we see
be foul, and all things miserable are,
Yet most of all is even the Victory;
Which is, not only the extream Ruiner
of others, but her own Calamity;
Where who obtains, cannot what he would do:
Their power hath part that holp him thereunto.

Next, take notice of his _Musophilus_, or general Defence of Learning,
Dedicated to Sir _Fulk Greuil_; his Letter of _Octovia_ to _Marcus
Antonius_, his Complaint of _Rosamond_ his _Panegyrick_, _Delia_, _&c._
Besides his _Dramatick_ Pieces; as his Tragedy of _Philotus_ and
_Cleopatra_; _Hymenis Triumph_, and the _Queens Arcadia_, a Pastoral;
being all of them of such worth, that they were well accepted by the
choicest Judgments of those Times, and do yet remain in good esteem, as
by their often Impressions may appear.

This our Poet's deserts preferr'd him to be a Servant in ordinary to
Queen _Anne_, the most illustrious wife of King _James_ I. who allowed
him a fair Salary, such as enabled him to keep a handsom Gardenhouse in
_Old-street_ nigh _London_, where he would commonly lie obscure
sometimes two Months together, the better to enjoy that great Felicity
he aimed at, by enjoying the company of the _Muses_, and then would
appear in publick, to recreate himself, and converse with his Friends;
of whom the most endeared were the Learned Doctor _Cowel_, and
Judicious Mr. _Cambden_.

And now being weary of the Troubles of the City and Court, he retired
into the Country, and turn'd Husbandman, Renting a Farm or Grange in
_Wiltshire_ nigh the _Devizes_, not so much, as it is thought, for the
hope of gains, as to enjoy the retiredness of a Country Life: How he
thrived upon it, I cannot inform my self, much less my Readers,
although no question pleasing himself therein, he attained to that
Riches he sought for, _viz._ Quiet and Contentedness; which whoso
enjoys, reapeth benefit of his labours. He left no Issue behind him but
those of his Brain, though living a good space of time with _Justina_
his wife: For his Estate, he had neither a _Bank_ of Wealth, nor _Lank_
of Want; but living in a competent contented condition, and died (as it
is conjectured) about the latter end of King _James_ I.

* * * * *

_GEORGE CHAPMAN_.

_George Chapman_ was one in his time much famed for the Fluency of his
Muse; gaining a great repute for his Translation of _Homer_ and
_Hesiod_, which in those times passed as Works done without compare;
and indeed considering he was one of the first who brake the Ice in the
Translation of such learned Authors, reading the highest conception of
their Raptures into a neat polite _English_, as gave the true meaning
of what they intended, and rendred it a style acceptable to the Reader;
considering, I say, what Age he lived in, it was very well worthy
praise; though since the Translation of _Homer_ is very far out-done by
Mr. _Ogilby_. He also continued that excellent Poem of _Hero_ and
_Leander_, begun by _Christopher Marlow_, and added very much to the
Stage in those times by his Dramatick Writings; as his _Blind Beggar_
of _Alexandria_, _All Fools_, the _Gentleman Usher_, _Humorous Days
Mirth_, _May-Day_, _Mounsieur D'Olive_, _Eastward ho_, _Two wise men,
and all the rest Fools_, _Widows Tears_, Comedies; _Bussy D' Amboys_,
_Byron's Tragedy_, _Bussy D'Amboys Revenge_, _Caesar_ and _Pompey_,
_Revenge for Honour_, Tragedies; the _Temple_, _Masque of the Middle
Temple_ and _Lincolns-Inn_ Masques; and _Byron's Conspiracy_, a
History; in all seventeen.

* * * * *

_ROBERT BARON_.

Of this _Robert Baron_, we can recover nothing, save only those
Dramatick Pieces which he wrote to the Stage, and which no doubt passed
with good applause in those times. Of these are remembred his _Don
Quixot_, or _the Knight of the Ill-favoured Countenance_, a Comedy;
_Gripus_ and _Hegia_, a Pastoral; _Deorum Dona_, _Dick Scorner_,
_Destruction of Jerusalem_, _the Marriage of Wit and Science_, Masques
and Interludes; and _Myrza_, a Tragedy.

* * * * *

_LODOVIC CARLISLE_.

To Mr. _Robert Baron_ we may add _Lodovic Carlisle_, as much about the
same time, and of like equal esteem; having written some not yet
totally forgotten Plays, _viz._ _Arviragus_ and _Felicia_, in two
parts; _the deserving Favorite_, _the Fool would be a Favorite_, or
_the deserving Lover_, Tragi-Comedies; _Marius_ and _Scylla_, and
_Osmond the Great Turk_, or _the Noble Servant_, Tragedies; all which
shew him (though not a Master) yet a great Retainer to the Muses.

* * * * *

_JOHN FORD_.

To these we may add _John Ford_, a Dramatick Writer likewise of those
times; very beneficial to the _Red-Bull_ and _Fortune_-Play-houses; as
may appear by these Plays which he wrote, _viz._ _The Fancies_, _Ladies
Tryal_, Comedies; _the broken Heart_; _Lovers Melancholy_, _Loves
Sacrifice_, _'tis pity she's a Whore_, Tragedies; _Perkin Warbeck_, a
History; and an Associate with _Rowley_ and _Deckar_ in a Tragi-Comedy
called _The Witch_ of _Edmonton_.

* * * * *

_ANTHONY BREWER_.

_Anthony Brewer_ was also one who in his time contributed very much
towards the _English_ Stage by his Dramatick Writings; especially in
that noted one of his, entituled, _Lingua_; which (as it is reported)
being once acted in _Cambridge_, the late Usurper _Cromwel_ had therein
the Part of _Tactus_, the Substance of the Play being a Contention
among the Senses for a Crown, which _Lingua_, who would have made up a
sixth Sense, had laid for them to find; having this Inscription;

_Which of the five that doth deserve it best,
Shall have his Temples with this Coronet blest._

This Mock-contention for a Crown, is said to swell his Ambition so
high, that afterwards he contended for it in earnest, heading such a
notable Rebellion, as had almost ruined three flourishing Kingdoms.

But to return to Mr. _Brewer_; Besides this _Lingua_, he wrote _Loves
Loadstone_, and _the Countrey-Girl_, Comedies; _the Love-sick King_,
and _Landagartha_, Tragi-Comedies, and _Loves Dominion_, a Pastoral.

* * * * *

_HENRY GLAPTHORN_.

_Henry Glapthorn_ was one well deserving of the _English_, being one of
the chiefest Dramatick Writers of this Age; deservingly commendable not
so much for the quantity as the quality of his Plays; being his
_Hollander_, _Ladies Priviledge_, and _Wit in a Constable_, Comedies;
his _Argalus_ and _Parthenia_, a Pastoral; and _Alberus Wailestein_, a
Tragedy; in which Tragedy these Lines are much commended.

_This Law the Heavens inviolably keep,
Their Justice well may slumber, but ne'er sleep,_

* * * * *

_JOHN DAVIS_ of _Hereford_.

In the writing of this Mans Life, we shall make use of Dr. _Fuller_ in
his _England_'s _Worthies_, who saith, that he was the greatest Master
of the Pen that _England_ in his Age beheld; for,

1. _Fast writing_; so incredible his expedition.

2. _Fair writing_; some minutes consultation being required to
decide whether his Lines were written or printed.

3. _Close writing_; a Mystery which to do well, few attain
unto.

4. _Various writing_; _Secretary, Roman, Court_ and
_Text_.

The Poetical Fiction of _Briareus_ the Giant, who had an hundred hands,
found a Moral in him, who could so cunningly and copiously disguise his
aforesaid elemental hands, that by mixing, he could make them appear an
hundred; and if not so many sorts, so many degrees of writing. He had
also many pretty excursions into Poetry, and could flourish Matters as
well as Letters, with his Fancy as well as with his Pen. Take a taste
of his Abilities in those Verses of his before _Coriat's Crudities_,
being called the _Odcombian Banquet_, wherein the whole Club of Wits in
that Age joyned together, to write Mock-commendatory Verses in
_Praise-dispraise_ of his Book.

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