In buying of a Bull,
For when the Maid did mean to milk,
He pist the Pail half full.
He was afterwards bound Apprentice to a Waterman of London, a Laborious Trade: and yet though it be said, that Ease is the Nurse of Poetry, yet did he not only follow his Calling, but also plyed his Writings, which in time produced above fourscore Books, which I have seen; besides several others unknown to me; some of which were dedicated to King James, and King Charles the First, and by them well accepted, considering the meanness of his Education to produce works of Ingenuity. He afterwards kept a Publick House in Phoenix Alley by Long-Acre continuing very constant in his Loyalty to the King, upon whose doleful Murther he set up the Sign of the Mourning Crown; but that being counted Malignant in those times of Rebellion, he pulled down that, and hung up his own Picture, under which were writ these two lines.
There's many a King's Head hang'd up for a Sign,
And many a Saint's Head too, then why not Mine?
He dyed about the Year 1654. upon whom one bestowed this Epitaph.
Here lies the Water-Poet, honest John,
Who rowed on the Streams of Helicon;
Where having many Rocks and dangers past,