The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 18Dryden, John
General
The works of John Dryden, now first collected in eighteen volumes. Volume 18
Dryden, John
English literature
returned it, with this cool answer, “He knew nothing of the matter,
and would be troubled no more about it.” He then addressed the Lord
Halifax and bishop of Rochester, who were both too justly, though
unhappily, incensed, to do any thing in it. In this extreme distress,
Dr Garth, a man who entirely loved Mr Dryden, and was withal a man of
generosity and great humanity, sends for the corpse to the College of
Physicians in Warwicklane, and proposed a funeral by subscription,
to which himself set a most noble example; Mr Wycherley, and several
others, among whom must not be forgotten, Henry Cromwell, Esq. Captain
Gibbons, and Mr Christopher Metcalfe, Mr Dryden’s apothecary and
intimate friend, (since a collegiate physician,) who, with many others,
contributed most largely to the subscription; and at last a day, about
three weeks after his decease, was appointed for the interment at
the Abbey. Dr Garth pronounced a fine Latin oration over the corpse
at the College; but the audience being numerous, and the room large,
it was requisite the orator should be elevated, that he might be
heard; but, as it unluckily happened, there was nothing at hand but
an old beer-barrel, which the doctor, with much good-nature, mounted;
and, in the midst of his oration, beating time to the accent with
his foot, the head broke in, and his feet sunk to the bottom, which
occasioned the malicious report of his enemies, that he was turned a
tub-preacher: However, he finished the oration with a superior grace
and genius, to the loud acclamations of mirth, which inspired the
mixed or rather mob-auditors. The procession began to move, a numerous
train of coaches attended the hearse; but, good God! in what disorder,
can only be expressed by a sixpenny pamphlet, soon after published,
entitled, “Dryden’s Funeral.” At last the corpse arrived at the Abbey,
which was all unlighted. No organ played, no anthem sung; only two of
the singing boys preceded the corpse, who sung an ode of Horace, with
each a small candle in their hand. The butchers and other mob broke
in like a deluge, so that only about eight or ten gentlemen could get
admission, and those forced to cut the way with their drawn swords.
The coffin, in this disorder, was let down into Chaucer’s grave, with
as much confusion, and as little ceremony, as was possible; every one
glad to save themselves from the gentlemen’s swords, or the clubs of
the mob. When the funeral was over, Mr Charles sent a challenge to Lord
Jefferies, who refusing to answer it, he sent several others, and went
often himself, but could neither get a letter delivered, nor admittance
to speak to him; which so justly incensed him, that he resolved, since
his lordship refused to answer him like a gentleman, he would watch an
opportunity to meet him, and fight off hand, though with all the rules
of honour; which his lordship hearing, left the town; and Mr Charles
could never have the satisfaction to meet him, though he sought it till
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