’After what I have said, and much more that I might say, on this subject, I question not but the world will think that my old friend ought not to pass the remainder of his life in a cage, like a singing bird; but enjoy all that Pindaric liberty, which is suitable to a man of his genius.  He has made the world merry, and I hope they will make him easy, as long as he stays amongst us.  This I will take upon me to say, they cannot do a kindness, to a more diverting companion, or a more chearful, honest, good-natur’d man.’——­

The same author, Numb. 82. puts his readers in mind when D’Urfey’s benefit came on, of some other circumstances favourable to him.  ’The Plotting Sisters, says he, is this day to be acted for the benefit of the author, my old friend Mr. D’Urfey.  This comedy was honoured with the presence of King Charles ii. three of the first five nights.  My friend has in this work shewn himself a master, and made not only the characters of the play, but also the furniture of the house contribute to the main design.  He has made excellent use of a table with a carpet, and the key of a closet; with these two implements, which would perhaps have been over-looked by an ordinary writer, he contrives the most natural perplexities (allowing only the use of these houshold goods in poetry) that ever were represented on a stage.  He also made good advantage of the knowledge of the stage itself; for in the nick of being surprized, the lovers are let down, and escape at a trap door.  In a word, any who have the curiosity to observe what pleased in the last generation, and does not go to a comedy with a resolution to be grave, will find this evening ample food for mirth.  Johnson, who understands what he does as well as any man, exposes the impertinence of an old fellow who has lost his senses, still pursuing pleasures with great mastery.  The ingenious Mr. Pinkethman is a bashful rake, and is sheepish, without having modesty with great success.  Mr. Bullock succeeds Nokes in the part of Bubble, and, in my opinion, is not much below him, for he does excellently that kind of folly we call absurdity, which is the very contrary of wit; but next to that is, of all things, properest to excite mirth.  What is foolish is the object of pity, but absurdity often proceeds from an opinion of sufficiency, and consequently is an honest occasion for laughter.  These characters in this play, cannot but make it a very pleasant entertainment, and the decorations of singing and dancing, will more than repay the good-nature of those, who make an honest man a visit of two merry hours, to make his following year unpainful.’

These are the testimonies of friendship and esteem, which this great author has given in favour of D’Urfey, and however his genius may be turned for the Sing-song, or Ballad, which is certainly the lowest species of poetry, yet that man cannot be termed contemptible, who was thus loved, and, though in jocular terms, praised by Mr. Addison.