Michael Drayton (1563-1631).
[883]Michael Drayton, esq., natus in Warwickshire at Atherston upon Stower (quaere Thomas Mariett).
He was a butcher's sonne. Was a squire; viz. one of the esquires to Sir Walter Aston, Knight of the Bath, to whom he dedicated his Poeme. Sir J. Brawne of ... was a great patron of his.
He lived at the bay-windowe house next the east end of St. Dunstan's Church in Fleet-street. Sepult. in north + of Westminster Abbey. The countesse of Dorset[884] (Clifford) gave his monument: this Mr. Marshall (the stone-cutter), who made it, told me so.
Sir Edward Bissh, Clarencieux, told me he asked Mr. Selden once (jestingly) whether he wrote the commentary to his 'Polyolbion' and 'Epistles,' or Mr. Drayton made those verses to his notes.
Vide his inscription given by the countess of Dorset.
In Westminster Abbey, neer Spencer.
Michael Drayton, Esquier,
A MERCURIE'S CAP IN THE SUN[885].