(Thomas), an eminent poet in the 17th century, of Dorsetshire, born 1659. He soon began to distinguish himself in the republic of letters by the works which he published; but they were of no advantage to his fortune, since his circumstances were always very indifferent. He died in a very unfortunate manner. In 1700 he fell in love with a woman who treated him with great neglect, though she was compliant enough to others. He could not digest this affront; but shut himself up in his study, where he hanged himself. Others say, that being naturally morose, his resentments frequently engaged him in disputes which in the end proved fatal to him. Mr Dryden styles him a learned and judicious writer. His translation of Lucretius is esteemed. But he wrote beside this a translation of Horace, and many other pieces.