A Short Biographical Dictionary of English Literature/Sedley, Sir Charles

Sedley, Sir Charles (1639?-1701). -- Poet, s. and heir of a Kentish baronet, was at Oxf. and, coming to the Court of Charles II., became one of the most popular and brilliant members of its dissipated circles. He was the author of two tragedies and three comedies, now forgotten, though extravagantly lauded in their day, and of some poems and songs, of which the best known are Phyllis (Sedley and Chloris. His only child was the witty and profligate Catherine S., mistress of James II., who created her Countess of Dorset. Bellamira and The Mulberry Garden, founded respectively on Terence and Moli&egrave;re, are his best plays. His prose in pamphlets and essays is better than his verse.