An in Convictu, Comes Jocundior.


Of Prior, eminent as he was, both by his abilities and station, very
few memorials have been left by his contemporaries; the account,
therefore, must now be destitute of his private character and
familiar practices. He lived at a time when the rage of party
detected all which it was any man's interest to hide; and, as little
ill is heard of Prior, it is certain that not much was known. He
was not afraid of provoking censure; for when he forsook the Whigs,
under whose patronage he first entered the world, he became a Tory
so ardent and determinate. that he did not willingly consort with
men of different opinions. He was one of the sixteen Tories who met
weekly, and agreed to address each other by the title of Brother;
and seems to have adhered, not only by concurrence of political
designs, but by peculiar affection, to the Earl of Oxford and his
family. With how much confidence he was trusted has been already
told.

He was, however, in Pope's opinion, fit only to make verses, and
less qualified for business than Addison himself. This was surely
said without consideration. Addison, exalted to a high place, was
forced into degradation by the sense of his own incapacity; Prior,
who was employed by men very capable of estimating his value, having
been secretary to one embassy, had, when great abilities were again
wanted, the same office another time; and was, after so much
experience of his own knowledge and dexterity, at last sent to
transact a negotiation in the highest degree arduous and important,
for which he was qualified, among other requisites, in the opinion
of Bolingbroke, by his influence upon the French minister, and by