The famous Gilbert Burnet was then lecturer at St Clements, and preacher at the Rolls chapel, under the patronage of Sir Harbottle Grimstone, Master of the Rolls. King Charles was so anxious that he should be dismissed, as to make it his particular request to Sir Harbottle; but the Master excused himself. It was here he preached that famous sermon on the day of the Gunpowder Treason, 5th November, 1684, when he chose for his text, "Save me from the _lion's_ mouth, thou hast heard me from the horns of the _unicorns_;" which, in spite of the doctor's protestations to the contrary, certain suspicious persons considered as an allusion to the supporters of the king's arms. For this he was finally disgraced, and turned out of the chapel of the Rolls. See note on the Buzzard, in the "Hind and Panther." Note XIII. _Some in my speedy pace I must out-run, As lame Mephibosheth, the wizard's son._--P. 331. Samuel Pordage, a minor poet and dramatist of the time, drew this passing sarcasm on his person and pedigree, by a stupid poem, called "Azariah and Hushai," published 1681-2; being an attempt to imitate or answer "Absalom and Achitophel:" with what success the reader may judge, from the following character of Dryden: Shimei, the poet laureat of that age, The falling glory of the Jewish stage, Who scourged the priest, and ridiculed the plot, Like common men, must not be quite forgot. Sweet was the muse that did his wit inspire, Had he not let his hackney muse to hire: But variously his knowing muse could sing, Could Doeg praise, and could blaspheme the king; The bad make good, good bad, and bad make worse. Bless in heroics, and in satires curse. Shimei to Zabed's[428] praise could tune his muse, And princely Azaria could abuse. Zimri, we know, he had no cause to praise, Because he dubbed him with the name of Bayes: Revenge on him did bitter venom shed, Because he tore the laurel from his head; Because he durst with his proud wit engage, And brought his follies on the public stage. Tell me, Apollo, for I can't divine, Why wives he cursed, and praised the concubine; Unless it were, that he had led his life With a teeming matron, ere she was a wife; Or that it best with his dear muse did suit, Who was for hire a very prostitute.