FRANCIS

FRANCIS, PHILIP, an English versifier and dramatic writer, but more distinguished for his translations of classical authors than for his original compositions. His father was dean of Lismore, and rector of St Mary's, Dublin, whence he is said to have been ejected at the Revolution on account of his principles. The son received his theological education at Dublin; but, after taking orders, he came over to England, and settled at Esher in Surrey, where he opened a school. He obtained the degree of LL.D., and was afterwards presented to the rectory of Barrow, in Suffolk, and made chaplain of Chelsea hospital. He wrote two tragedies, Eugenia, 1752, and Constantia, 1754, neither of which, however, met with a favourable reception at the time of its appearance, and both have now fallen into oblivion. But his translation of Horace with notes was completely successful, and has been often reprinted. In 1757 he published a translation of the orations of Demosthenes and Æschines, in two vols. 4to. Dr Francis was also a political writer of some note, and was said to have been employed by government. He died at Bath in 1773.