LECTURE THE FOURTH.
PRIOR, GAY, AND POPE.
Matthew Prior was one of those famous and lucky wits of the auspicious reign of Queen Anne, whose name it behoves us not to pass over. Mat was a world-philosopher of no small genius, good nature, and acumen.[1] He loved, he drank, he sang. He describes himself, in one of his lyrics, "in a little Dutch chaise
- ↑ Gay calls him—"Dear Prior . . . . beloved by every muse."—Mr. Pope's Welcome from Greece.Swift and Prior were very intimate, and he is frequently mentioned in the "Journal to Stella." "Mr. Prior," says Swift, "walks to make himself fat, and I to keep myself down. . . . . We often walk round the park together."In Swift's works there is a curious tract called "Remarks on the Characters of the Court of Queen Anne" [Scott's edition, vol. xii.] The "Remarks" are not by the Dean; but at the end of each is an addition in italics from his hand, and these are always characteristic. Thus, to the Duke of Marlborough, he adds, "Detestably Covetous," &c. Prior is thus noticed—
"Matthew Prior, Esq., Commissioner of Trade.
"On the Queen's accession to the throne, he was continued in his office; is very well at court with the ministry, and is an entire creature of my Lord Jersey's, whom he supports by his advice; is one of the
