GAY.



John Gay, descended from an old family that had been long in
possession of the manor of Goldworthy, in Devonshire, was born in
1688, at or near Barnstaple, where he was educated by Mr. Luck, who
taught the school of that town with good reputation, and, a little
before he retired from it, published a volume of Latin and English
verses. Under such a master he was likely to form a taste for
poetry. Being born without prospect of hereditary riches, he was
sent to London in his youth, and placed apprentice with a silk
mercer. How long he continued behind the counter, or with what
degree of softness and dexterity he received and accommodated the
ladies, as he probably took no delight in telling it, is not known.
The report is that he was soon weary of either the restraint or
servility of his occupation, and easily persuaded his master to
discharge him.

The Duchess of Monmouth, remarkable for inflexible perseverance in
her demand to be treated as a princess, in 1712 took Gay into her
service as secretary: by quitting a shop for such service he might
gain leisure, but he certainly advanced little in the boast of
independence. Of his leisure he made so good use that he published
next year a poem on "Rural Sports," and inscribed it to Mr. Pope,
who was then rising fast into reputation. Pope was pleased with the
honour, and when he became acquainted with Gay, found such
attractions in his manners and conversation that he seems to have
received him into his inmost confidence; and a friendship was formed