And knows he stole the daughter of his prince.
'Tis time enough, in some succeeding age,
To bring this mitred captain on the stage.
Him of the western dome, whose weighty sense
Flows in fit words, and heavenly eloquence.—P. [243.]
Dolben, Bishop of Rochester, and Dean of Westminster, had borne arms in his youth for Charles I., who made him a major. He was, according to Burnet, an excellent preacher, but a man of more spirit than discretion, and imprudent in his behaviour. He is unanimously allowed to have been a good-natured easy man, of most amiable manners. In 1683, he was promoted to the see of York, and made a very good archbishop. Dolben died in 1686.
Settle attempts to droll upon the praises bestowed by Dryden on these three bishops, and assures us,
Not David's lyre could more his touch obey;
As their princes breathe and strike, they play.