KILLIGREW, Thomas, brother of the preceding, was born in 1611, and also distinguished for uncommon natural abilities. He was page of honour to Charles I., and afterwards groom of the bed-chamber to Charles II., with whom he had passed many years in exile. During his residence abroad, he visited France, Italy, and Spain, and was sent on a mission to Venice in August 1651. But the chief occupation of his leisure hours consisted in the cultivation of poetry and the composition of plays. Of the latter, Denham mentions only six; but it appears that he wrote nine during his travels, and two after his return, all of which were printed at London, 1664, in one vol. folio. Killigrew died in 1682, and was interred in Westminster Abbey. Possessing a vein of wild humour, to which he gave unlimited scope, he became a great favourite with Charles II., who, diverted by his sallies, paid more attention to Killigrew than to his ministers, and allowed the former access to the royal presence when that favour was denied to the latter. When he attempted to write, he was nothing. It was in conversation, and, above all, in light repartee, that he showed to advantage; being, in this respect, the reverse of Cowley, who made no figure in company, though he excelled in composition. Hence Denham, who knew them both, has thus characterised their respective excellencies and defects:
Had Cowley ne'er spoke, Killigrew ne'er writ,
Combin'd in one, they'd made a matchless wit. (A.)