Page:The Lives of the Most Eminent English Poets, Volume 4.djvu/319



HE following life was written, at my request, by a gentleman who had better information than I could easily have obtained; and the publick will perhaps wish that I had solicited and obtained more such favours from him.

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In consequence of our different conversations about authentick materials for the Life of Young, I send you the following detail.

Of great men, something must always be said to gratify curiosity. Of the illustrious author of the "Night Thoughts" much has been told of which there never could have been proofs; and little care appears to have been taken to tell that of which proofs, with little trouble, might have been procured.

EDWARD YOUNG was born at Upham, near Winchester, in June 1681. He was the son of Edward Young, at that Rh