Now, though this was conceived and brought
forth by my Lord Mulgrave, Rochester suspected Dryden of its
authorship, and resolved to punish him forthwith. Accordingly on
the night of the 18th of December, 1679, when Dryden was passing
through Rose Street, Covent Garden, on his homeward way from
Will's Coffee House, he was waylaid by some ruffians, and, before
he could draw his sword, promptly surrounded and severely beaten.
This occurrence caused considerable sensation throughout the
town, and though surmises arose in many minds as to who had hired
the bravoes, it was found impossible to prove them. In hope of
gaining some clue to the instigator of the attack, Dryden caused
the following advertisement to be inserted in the LONDON GAZETTE
AND DOMESTIC INTELLIGENCE for three consecutive days: "Whereas
John Dryden, Esq., was on Monday, the 18th instant, at night,
barbarously assaulted and wounded in Rose Street, in Covent
Garden, by divers men unknown; if any person shall make discovery
of the said offenders to the said Mr. Dryden, or to any justice
of the peace, he shall not only receive fifty pounds, which is
deposited in the hands of Mr. Blanchard Goldsmith, next door to
Temple Bar, for the said purpose; but if he be a principal or an
accessory in the said fact, his majesty is graciously pleased to
promise him his pardon for the same."
Dryden sought no opportunity for revenge; for which restraint,
outliving Rochester, and having a noble mind and generous
disposition, he was no doubt glad at heart.
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