JOHN TATHAM.
Reading edition
John Tatham was one, whose Muse began to bud with his Youth, which produced early Blossomes, of not altogether Contemptible Poetry, in a Collection of Poems entituled Fancys Theater; which was usher'd into the World by divers of the Chief Wits of that age. He was afterwards City Poet, making those Speeches and Representations used at the Lord Mayors show, and other Publick Meetings. He also contributed to the Stage four plays, viz. The Scots Fegaries and The Rump, or Mirror of the late times, Comedies; the Distracted State, a Tragedy, and Love crowns the End; a Tragy-Comedy. Here a tast of his juvenile wit in his Fancys Theater speaking in the Person of Momus.
How now presumptuous Lad, think st thou that we Will be disturb'd with this thy Infancy Of Wit?— Or does thy amorous Thoughts beget a flame, (Beyond its merit) for to court the name Of Poet; or is't common row a days Such slender Wits dare claim such things as Bays? &c.