Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 3.djvu/181

Rh under the title of, but allowed the unhappy author no part of the profit.

Not discouraged however at his repulse, he wrote two years afterwards, another comedy, borrowed likewise from the Spanish, but with little better success than before: for though it was received and acted, yet it appeared so late in the year, that the author obtained no other advantage from it, than the acquaintance of Sir Richard Steele, and Mr. Wilks, by whom he was pitied, caressed, and relieved.

Sir Richard Steele, having declared in his favour with all the ardour of benevolence which constituted his character, promoted his interest with the utmost zeal, related his misfortunes, applauded his merit, took all the opportunities of recommending him, and asserted, that "the inhumanity of his mother had given him a right to find every good man his father ."

Nor was Mr. Savage admitted to his acquaintance only, but to his confidence, of Rh