Mr. Gay's moral character seems to have been very amiable. He was of
an affable, sweet disposition, generous in his temper, and pleasant
in his conversation. His chief failing was an excessive indolence,
without the least knowledge of economy; which often subjected him to
wants he needed not otherwise have experienced. Dean Swift in many
of his letters entreated him, while money was in his hands, to buy
an annuity, lest old age should overtake him unprepared; but Mr. Gay
never thought proper to comply with his advice, and chose rather to
throw himself upon patronage, than secure a competence, as the dean
wisely advised. As to his genius it would be superfluous to say any
thing here, his works are in the hands of every reader of taste, and
speak for themselves; we know not whether we can be justified in our
opinion, but we beg leave to observe, that of all Gay's performances,
his Pastorals seem to have the highest finishing; they are perfectly
Doric; the characters and dialogue are natural and rurally simple; the
language is admirably suited to the persons, who appear delightfully
rustic.


[Footnote A: See Jacob.]

[Footnote B: General Dictionary, Article Gay.]

[Footnote C: Swift, ubi supra.]

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