D'URFEY, THOMAS (1653-1723)

—Dramatist and song-writer, was a well-known man-about-town, a companion of Charles II., and lived on to the reign of George I. His plays are now forgotten, and he is best known in connection with a collection of songs entitled, Pills to Purge Melancholy . Add is on describes him as a "diverting companion," and "a cheerful, honest, good-natured man." His writings are neverthele extremely gro . His plays include Siege of Memphis (1676), Madame Fickle (1677), Virtuous Wife (1680), and The Campaigners (1698) .