I’d be concern’d in no litigious jar,
  Belov’d by all, not vainly popular. 
  Whate’er assistance I had pow’r to bring
  T’ oblige my country, or to serve my King,
  Whene’er they call’d, I’d readily afford
  My tongue, my pen, my counsel, or my sword. 
  Law suits I’d shun, with as much studious care,
  As I would dens where hungry lions are: 
  And rather put up injuries, than be
  A plague to him, who’d be a plague to me. 
  I value quiet at a price too great,
  To give for my revenge so dear a rate: 
  For what do we by all our bustle gain,
  But counterfeit delight, for real pain;

    If Heav’n a date of many years would give,
  Thus I’d in pleasure, ease, and plenty live. 
  And as I near approach’d the verge of life,
  Some kind relation (for I’d have no wife)
  Should take upon him all my worldly care,
  While I did for a better state prepare. 
  Then I’d not be with any trouble vex’d;
  Nor have the evening of my days perplex’d. 
  But by a silent, and a peaceful death,
  Without a sigh, resign my aged breath: 
  And when committed to the dust, I’d have
  Few tears, but friendly, dropt into my grave. 
  Then would my exit so propitious be,
  All men would wish to live and die, like me.

* * * * *

The life of

Dr. William king.

This ingenious gentleman, was son of Ezekiel King, of London.  He received the rudiments of his education in Westminster-school, under Dr. Busby, and was removed from thence to Christ’s-Church in Oxford, in Michaelmas term, 1681, when at the age of eighteen.  He studied the civil law, and practiced it at Doctor’s Commons, with very great reputation; but the natural gaiety of his temper, and the love of company, betrayed him into those pleasures, which were incompatible with his profession.

Our author, by the reputation of his abilities obtained a patron in the earl of Pembroke, who upon his being appointed lord Lieutenant of Ireland, press’d him to go over to that kingdom.

Upon Dr. King’s arrival in Ireland, his excellency appointed him judge advocate, sole commissioner of the prizes, and record keeper.  There, he was well received, and countenanced by persons of the most distinguished rank, and could he have changed his disposition with the climate, had then an opportunity of making his fortune; but so far was he from improving this occasion to the purposes of his interest, that he returned back to England, with no other treasure, than a few merry Poems, and humorous Essays.  He was naturally of a courteous behaviour, and very obliging:  His conversation was chearful, and his wit pleasant and entertaining.  But at length he chiefly subsisted on his fellowship in Christ-Church College:  Before this time, he had published his most ingenious Poem, called the Art of Cookery, in imitation of Horace’s Art of Poetry, with some