Benedictine Monk, who was president of the English Benedictines at
Delaware in Lorraine, where he died, 1680.
Footnote:
1. Wood's Fasti, vol. ii. p. 23.
* * * * *
Dr. JASPER MAIN.
This poet was born at Hatherleigh, in the Reign of King James I. He
was a man of reputation, as well for his natural parts, as his
acquired accomplishments. He received his education at Westminster
school, where he continued 'till he was removed to Christ Church,
Oxon, and in the year 1624 admitted student. He made some figure at
the university, in the study of arts and sciences, and was sollicited
by men of eminence, who esteemed him for his abilities, to enter into
holy orders; this he was not long in complying with, and was preferred
to two livings, both in the gift of the College, one of which was
happily situated near Oxford.
Much about this time King Charles I. was obliged to keep his court at
Oxford, to avoid being exposed to the resentment of the populace in
London, where tumults then prevailed, and Mr. Main was made choice of,
amongst others, to preach before his Majesty. Soon after he was
created doctor of divinity, and resided at Oxford, till the time of
the mock visitation, sent to the university, when, amongst a great
many others, equally distinguished for their loyalty and zeal for that
unfortunate Monarch, he was ejected from the college, and stript of
both his livings. During the rage of the civil war, he was patronized
by the earl of Devonshire, at whose house he resided till the
restoration of Charles II. when he was not only put in possession of
his former places, but made canon of Christ's Church, and arch-deacon
of Chichester, which preferments he enjoyed till his death. He was an
orthodox preacher, a man of severe virtue, a ready and facetious wit.
In his younger years he addicted himself to poetry, and produced two
plays, which were held in some esteem in his own time; but as they
have never been revived, nor taken notice of by any of our critics, in
all probability they are but second rate performances.
The Amorous War. a Tragedy, printed in 4to. Oxon. 1658.
The City Match, a Comedy, acted before the King and Queen in
Whitehall, and afterwards on the stage in Black Fryars, with great
applause, and printed in 4to. Oxon. 1658. These two plays have been
printed in folio, 4to, and 8vo. and are bound together.
Besides these dr
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