I account him in Fame much of the same rank, as he was of the same Standing, with one Robert Heath, the Author of a Poem, Entituled, Clarastella, the ascribed Title of that Celebrated Lady, who is supposed to have been both the Inspirer and chief Subject of them.
JOHN TAYLOR the Water-Poet.
Some perhaps may think this Person unworthy to be ranked amongst those Sons of Apollo whom we mentioned before; but to them we shall answer, That had he had Learning according to his natural Parts, he might have equal'd, if not exceeded, many who claim a great share in the Temple of the Muses. Indeed, for ought I can understand, he never learned no further then his Accidence, as we may learn from his own Words in one of his Books.
I must confess I do want Eloquence,
And never Scarce did learn my Accidence;
For having got from Possum to Posset;
I there was gravel'd, could no further get.
He was born in Glocester-shire, where he went to School with one Green; who, as John Taylor saith, loved new Milk so well, that to be sure to have it new, he went to the Market to buy a Cow; but his Eyes being Dim, he cheapned a Bull, and asking the price of the Beast, the Owner and he agreed; and driving it home, would have his Maid to Milk it, which she attempting to do, could find no Teats: and whilst the Maid and her Master were arguing the matter, the Bull very fairly pist into the Pail; whereupon his Scholar John Taylor wrote these Verses.
Our Master Green was over-seen