Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 1.djvu/373

Rh self in that exercise, at least that he was known to do so), he surprised the town with two or three pieces of that kind; as if a tenth Muse had been newly born to cherish drooping poetry. The Doctor at that time brought him into that company, which, was most celebrated for good conversation: where he was received and esteemed with great applause and respect. He was a very pleasant discourser in earnest and in jest, and therefore very grateful to all kind of company, where he was not the less esteemed for being very rich."

"He had been even nursed in parliaments, where he sat when he was very young; and so, when they were resumed again (after a long intermission), he appeared in those assemblies with great advantage; having a graceful way of speaking, and by thinking much on several arguments (which his temper and complexion, that had much of melancholick, inclined him to), he seemed often to speak upon the sudden, when the occasion had only administered the opportunity of saying what he had tho- Rh