Note 678:B — Chapter IV · (continued 2)
Reading edition
Two pieces by this writer, entitled "The Mourning Muse of Thestylis," and "A Pastorall Aeglogue upon the Death of Sir Philip Sidney," have been inserted in Spenser's Works (Todd's edit. vol. viii. p. 66. et seq.), and probably form the contents of "The Mourning Muses." He is described by Spenser as a swain
"Of gentle wit and daintie sweet device,"
and if, as Ritson asserts, (Bibliograph. Poet. p. 146,) "we probably owe much that has descended to us of the incomparable "Faery Queen," to this poet, we are greatly his debtors indeed. That Bryskett had importuned his friend for the continuance of his immortal poem, is evident from Spenser's thirty-third sonnet, which pleads, as an excuse, disappointment in love, and closes with the following petitionary couplet:—
"Cease then, till she vouchsafe to grawnt me rest; Or lend you me another living breast."
Vol. viii. p. 137.
Bryskett succeeded Spenser as Clerk of the Council of Munster.