Значение слова PRIOR в Литературной энциклопедии

MATTHEW (1664-1721).-Poet, _b._ near Wimborne Minster, Dorset, _s._ of a joiner who, having _d._, he was _ed._ by an uncle, and sent to Westminster School. Befriended by the Earl of Dorset he proceeded to Camb., and while there wrote, jointly with Charles Montague, _The Town and Country Mouse_, a burlesque of Dryden's _Hind and Panther_. After holding various diplomatic posts, in which he showed ability and discretion, he entered Parliament in 1700, and, deserting the Whigs, joined the Tories, by whom he was employed in various capacities, including that of Ambassador at Paris. On the death of Queen Anne he was recalled, and in 1715 imprisoned, but after two years released. In 1719 a folio ed. of his works was brought out, by which he realised L4000, and Lord Harley having presented him with an equal sum, he looked forward to the peace and comfort which were his chief ambition. He did not, however, long enjoy his prosperity, dying two years later. Among his poems may be mentioned _Solomon_, which he considered his best work, _Alma, or the Progress of the Mind_, _The Female Phaeton_, _To a Child of Quality_, and some prose tales. His chief characteristic is a certain elegance and easy grace, in which he is perhaps unrivalled. His character appears to have been by no means unimpeachable, but he was amiable and free from any trace of vindictiveness.