(William), who stands in the third class of dramatic writers, lived in the reign of king Char. I. and received his education at the university of Cambridge; but whether he took any degree there, is not evident; there being but few particulars preserved in regard to him, more than his close intimacy and connection with all the principal wits and poetical geniuses of that age, by whom he was well beloved, and with some of whom he joined in their writings.—Wood styles him, "the ornament, for wit and ingenuity, of Pembroke-hall in Cambridge."—In a word, he was a very great benefactor to the English stage, having, exclusive of his aid lent to Middleton, Day, Heywood, Webster, &c. left us five plays of his own composing, and one in which even the immortal Shakespear afforded him some assistance.