Note 37 — TO THE MOST HONOURABLE JOHN, LORD MARQUIS OF NORMANBY, EARL OF MULGRAVE,[28] &c. AND KNIGHT OF THE MOST NOBLE ORDER OF THE GARTER.
Reading edition
It appeared first in 1682, and drew the public attention by much sound criticism, expressed in pointed language; although the verse is so untunable and rugged, as to sound very disagreeably to modern ears. Dryden is mentioned with only a qualified degree of respect, and that paid solely to his satirical powers:
The laureat here may justly claim our praise, Crowned by Mac-Flecnoe with immortal bays; Yet once his Pegasus has borne dead weight, Rid by some lumpish minister of state.
The last couplet alludes to the "Hind and Panther."