This page has been validated.
[ 1 ]
Matthew Prior is one of those that have burst out from an obscure original to great eminence. He was born July 21, 1664, according to some at Winburne in Dorsetshire, of I know not what parents; others say that he was the son of a Joiner of London: he was perhaps willing enough to leave his birth unsettled,[1] in hope, like Don Quixote, that the historian of his actions might find him some illustrious alliance.
- ↑ The difficulty of settling Prior's birth-place is great. In the register of his College he is called, at his admission by the President, Matthew Prior of Winburn in Middlesex; by himself next day, Matthew Prior of Dorsetshire, in which county, not in Middlesex, Winborn, or Winborne, as it stands in the Villare, is found. When he stood candidate for his fellowship, five years afterwards, he was registered again by himself as of Middlesex. The last record ought to be preferred, because it was made upon oath. It is observable, that, as a native of Winborne, he is stiled Filius Georgii Prior, generosi; not consistently with the common account of the meanness of his birth.Dr. J.
Vol. III.
B
He
