KING (Dr William), a facetious English writer in the beginning of the 18th century, was well descended, being allied to the noble families of Clarendon and Rochester. He was elected a student of Christ-church from Westminster-school in 1681, aged 18. He afterward entered upon the law line, and took the degree of doctor of civil law. He soon acquired a considerable reputation as a civilian, and was in great practice. He attended the earl of Pembroke, lord lieutenant of Ireland, into that kingdom, where he was appointed judge-advocate, sole commissioner of the prizes, keeper of the records, vicar-general to the lord primate of Ireland; was countenanced by persons of the highest rank, and might have made a fortune. But so far was he from heaping up riches, that he returned to England with no other treasure than a few merry poems and humorous essays, and retired to his students place at Christ-church. He died on Christmas-day in 1712, and was interred in the cloisters of Westminster-abbey. His writings are pretty numerous. The principal are, Animadversions on a pretended account of Denmark, wrote by Mr Moleworth, afterwards lord Moleworth. The writing of these procured Dr King the place of secretary to princess Anne of Denmark. 2. Dialogues of the dead. 3. The art of love, in imitation of Ovid De arte amandi. 4. A volume of poems. 5. Useful transactions. 6. An historical account of the heathen gods and heroes. 7. Several translations.—As to the character of Dr King, he naturally hated business, especially that of an advocate; but made an excellent judge when appointed one of the court of delegates. His chief pleasure consisted in trifles; and he was never happier than when he thought he was hid from the world. Yet he loved company, provided they
King. they were such as tallied with his humour. He would say a great many ill-natured things, but never do one. He was made up of tenderness and pity, and tears would fall from him on the smallest occasion. His education had been strict, and he was naturally of a religious disposition.