[883]Michael Drayton, esq., natus in Warwickshire at Atherston upon Stower (quaere Thomas Mariett).
He was a butcher's sonne. Was a squire; viz. one of the esquires to Sir Walter Aston, Knight of the Bath, to whom he dedicated his Poeme. Sir J. Brawne of ... was a great patron of his.
He lived at the bay-windowe house next the east end of St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet-street. Sepult. in north + of Westminster Abbey. The countesse of Dorset[884](Clifford) gave his monument: this Mr. Marshall (the stone-cutter), who made it, told me so.
Sir Edward Bissh, Clarencieux, told me he asked Mr. Selden once (jestingly) whether he wrote the commentary to his 'Polyolbion' and 'Epistles,' or Mr. Drayton made those verses to his notes.
Vide his inscription given by the countess of Dorset.
In Westminster Abbey, neer Spencer.
Michael Drayton, Esquier,
A MERCURIE'S CAP IN THE SUN[885].
A PEGASUS885[885].
A memorable Poet of this age, exchanged his Laurel fora Crowne of Glorie, Anno 1631.Doe, pious marble, let thy readers knoweWhat they, and what their children oweToDrayton'sname, whose sacred dustWe recommend unto thy trust.Protecte his mem'ry, and preserve his storie,Remaine a lasting monument of his glorye.And when thy ruines shall disclameTo be the treas'rer of his name,His name, that cannot fade, shall beeAn everlasting monument to thee.
A memorable Poet of this age, exchanged his Laurel fora Crowne of Glorie, Anno 1631.Doe, pious marble, let thy readers knoweWhat they, and what their children oweToDrayton'sname, whose sacred dustWe recommend unto thy trust.Protecte his mem'ry, and preserve his storie,Remaine a lasting monument of his glorye.And when thy ruines shall disclameTo be the treas'rer of his name,His name, that cannot fade, shall beeAn everlasting monument to thee.
Here is his bust in alablaster. The inscription is on black marble.
Mr. Marshall, the stone-cutter, of Fetter-lane, also told me, that these verses were made by Mr. Francis Quarles, who was his great friend, and whose head he wrought curiously in playster, and valued for his sake. 'Tis pitty it should be lost. Mr. Quarles was a very good man.