[179]Richard Martin[180], recorder of London.
Ben Johnson dedicates his comoedie called the Poetaster to him:—
'A thankefull man owes a courtesie ever, the unthankefull but when he needes. For whose innocence, as for the author's, you were once a noble and timely undertaker to the greatest justice of this kingdome.'
Died of a symposiaque excesse with his fellow-witts[X]. Was not recorder above a quarter of a yeare: quaere Sir <John> Hoskins.
Notes.
[U] Aubrey gives in trick his coat:—'..., two bars gules;' and adds 'the crest is an ape.'
[V] This engraved portrait is now found in MS. Aubr. 8, fol. 17. Anthony Wood has written at the top, 'Richard Martin, recorder of London, 1618.' On the back is a note by Aubrey:—'This picture Mr. John Hoskyns (now Sir John Hoskins, knight and baronet) gave me; grandsonne to John Hoskyns, Martyn's friend.'
At the top of the picture is engraved 'Anno Dni 1620'; and round the picture, 'Richardus Martinus, oraculum Londinense.' There are also the following dedication and verses:—
'Viro illustri Lionello Cranfeildio, equiti aurato, Apothecae augustae (Guardarobam magnam vulgus vocat) et pupillorum magistro majestatique, Britannicae e sanctioribus consiliis, Richardum (heu fata) Martinum, Chr. Brocus, Jo. Hoskinnius, et Hugo (heu iterum!) Hollandus, obsequii et amoris triumviratu nexi, Amico Amicum Amici, junctis manubus votisque sacrant.
Princeps amorum, principum necnon amor,
Legumque lingua, Lexque dicendi magis,
Anglorum alumnus, praeco Virginiae ac parens,
Generosus ortu, moribus nec degener,
Invictus animi, corporis formâ decens,
Oriens cadente sole sol, ortu cadens,
Magnae urbis Os, Orbis minoris corculum,
Bono suorum natus, extinctus suo,
Cunctisque cognitus, nec ignotus sibi,
Hollandi amicus, nemini hostis, ni malis,
Virtutis (heu) Martinus hic compendium.
Hugo Hollandus Simon Passaeus sculpsit.
flevit aureumque
aere os exprimi
curavit.'