Page 190
JOHN TATHAM.
JOhn Tatham was one, whose Muse began to bud with his Youth▪ which produced early Blos∣somes, of not altogether Contemptible Poetry, in a Collection of Poems entituled Fancys Thea∣ter; which was usher'd into the World by di∣vers of the Chief VVits of that age. He was af∣terwards 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 VVill 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 now a days Such slender VVits dare claim such things as Bays? &c.