The works of Overbury besides his Wife, which is reckoned the wittiest and most finished of all, are, first Characters, or witty descriptions of the prophesies of sundry persons. This piece has relation to some characters of his own time, which can afford little satisfaction to a modern reader.
Second, The Remedy of Love in two parts, a poem 1620, Octavo, 2s.
Third, Observations in his Travels, on the State. of the seventeen
Provinces, as they stood anno 1609.
Fourth, Observations on the Provinces united, and the state of France, printed London 1631.
Sir Thomas was about 32 years old when he was murthered, and is said to have possessed an accuteness, and strength of parts that was astonishing; and some have related that he was proud of his abilities, and over-bearing in company; but as there is no good authority for the assertion, it is more agreeable to candour to believe him the amiable knight Winstanley draws him; as it seldom happens that a soul formed for the noble quality of friendship is haughty and insolent. There is a tragedy of Sir Thomas Overbury wrote by the late Richard Savage, son of earl Rivers, which was acted in 1723, (by what was then usually called The Summer Company) with success; of which we shall speak more at large in the life of that unfortunate gentleman.
[Footnote 1: Wood Athen. Oxon.]
[Footnote 2: Winst. ubi supra.]
[Footnote 3: Winst. ubi supra.]
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