Dr. ROBERT WILD.
Reading edition
He was one, and not of the meanest of the Poetical Cassock, being in some sort a kind of an Anti-Cleaveland, writing as high, and standing up as stifly for the Presbyterians, as ever Cleaveland did against them: But that which most recommended him to publick fame, was his Iter Roreale, the same in Title though not in Argument, with that little, but much commended Poem of Dr. Corbets mentioned before. This being upon General Monk's Journey out of Scotland, in order to his Majesties Restoration, and is indeed the Cream and flower of all his Works, and look't upon for a lofty and conceited Stile. His other things are for the most part of a tepid and facetious nature, reflecting on others, who as sharply retorted upon him, for he that throwes stones at other, 'tis ten to one but is hit with a stone himself; one of them playing upon his red face thus. I like the Man that carries in his Face, the tincture of that bloody banner he fights under, and would not have any Mans countenance, prove so much an Hypocrite to cross a French Proverb.
His Nose plainly proves, What pottage he loves.
Hear one of their reflections upon him, on his humble thanks, for his Majesties Declaration for Liberty of Confidence.
When first the Hawkers bawl'd 'ith' streets Wild's name, A lickerish longing to my Pallat came; A feast of Wit I look't for, but, alass! The meat smelt strong, and too much Sawce there was, &c.
Indeed his strain, had it been fitted to a right key, might have equal'd the chiefest of his age.