supplied; after which, nothing remains but a critical examination of
his poetry.

"Edmund Waller," says Clarendon, "was born to a very fair estate, by
the parsimony, or frugality, of a wise father and mother; and he
thought it so commendable an advantage, that he resolved to improve
it with his utmost care, upon which in his nature he was too much
intent; and in order to that, he was so much reserved and retired,
that he was scarcely ever heard of, till by his address and
dexterity he had gotten a very rich wife in the city, against all
the recommendation and countenance and authority of the court, which
was thoroughly engaged on the behalf of Mr. Crofts, and which used
to be successful, in that age, against any opposition. He had the
good fortune to have an alliance and friendship with Dr. Morley, who
had assisted and instructed him in the reading many good books, to
which his natural parts and promptitude inclined him, especially the
poets; and at the age when other men used to give over writing
verses (for he was near thirty years when he first engaged himself
in that exercise, at least that he was known to do so), he surprised
the town with two or three pieces of that kind; as if a tenth Muse
had been newly born to cherish drooping poetry. The doctor at that
time brought him into that company which was most celebrated for
good conversation, where he was received and esteemed with great
applause and respect. He was a very pleasant discourser in earnest
and in jest, and therefore very grateful to all kind of company,
where he was not the less esteemed for being very rich.

He had been even nursed in parliaments, where he sat when he was
very young; and so, when they were resumed again (after a long
intermission) he appeared in those assemblies with great advantage;