Here the Poet was laid
at rest beside Geoffrey Chaucer, and not far removed from gentle
Spenser, whose words had first inspired his happy muse.
The literary wealth of this reign was furthermore enhanced by the
genius of Butler, the inimitable author of "Hudibras," concerning
whom little is known, save that he was born in 1612, and spent
his life in poverty. He passed some years as clerk to a justice
of the peace; he also served a great man's steward, and acted as
secretary to Sir Samuel Luke, one of Cromwell's officers. With
those of the commonwealth he held no part; that he was a royalist
at heart his great satire indicates. The first part of this was
published in the third year of the restoration, and was
introduced to the notice of his majesty by my Lord Dorset. So
delighted was the monarch by its wit that its lines were
continually on his lips, an example speedily followed by the
courtiers. It was considered certain a man possessing such
brilliant genius and loyal nature would be rewarded with place or
pension; but neither boon was bestowed upon him. Resting his
hopes on future achievements, the second part of "Hudibras"
appeared in 1664; but again his recompense was delayed.
Clarendon made him promises of valuable employments, which were
never fulfilled; and to soothe his disappointment the king sent
him a present of three hundred guineas.
Indignant at the neglect from which he suffered, his friend
Wycherley spoke to the Duke of Buckingham on his behalf, saying
it was a shame to the court a man of Butler's parts should be
allowed to suffer want.
Pages:
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433
434
435
436
437
438
439
440
441
442
443
444
445
446
447
448
449