Long since, in King James' time, I have heard my uncle Danvers say (who knew him), that he lived without Temple Barre, at a combe-maker's shop, about the Elephant and Castle. In his later time he lived in Westminster, in the house under which you passe as you goe out of the churchyard into the old palace; where he dyed.
He lies buryed[V.] in the north aisle in the path of square stone (the rest is lozenge), opposite to the scutcheon[42] of Robertus de Ros, with this inscription only on him, in a pavement square, of blew marble, about 14 inches square,
O RARE BENN IOHNSON
which was donne at the chardge of Jack Young (afterwards knighted) who, walking there when the grave was covering,[43] gave the fellow eighteen pence to cutt it.
[V.] Ben Johnson lyes buryed in the north aisle of Westminster Abbey, just opposite to the scutcheon of Robertus de Ros, under the middle walke or path of square stones, on one of which is wrote
O RARE BEN JOHNSON[44]
[four yards from the pillar].—MS. Aubr. 8, fol. 55.
His motto before his (bought) bookes was, Tanquam Explorator. I remember 'tis in Seneca's Epistles.
He was a favourite of the Lord Chancellor Egerton, as appeares by severall verses to him. In one he begges his lordship to doe a friend of his a favour.