(Sir William), an eminent poet in the 17th century, was born at Oxford in 1606. After some stay at the university, he entered into the service of Frances first duchess of Richmond, and afterward of Fulke Grevil, lord Brook; who having an excellent taste for poetry, was much charmed with him. He got great esteem by writing poems and plays; and upon the death of Ben Johnson was created poet-laureat. He wrote his poem Goudibert at Paris. He formed a design for carrying over a considerable number of artificers, especially weavers, to Virginia, by the encouragement of Henrietta Maria, the queen-mother of England, who obtained leave for him of the king of France. But he and his company were seized by some parliament ships, and he carried prisoner first to the isle of Wight, and then to the Tower of London; but, by the mediation of Milton and others, he got his liberty as a prisoner at large. At this time tragedies and comedies being prohibited, he contrived to set up an Opera, to be performed by declamations and music. This Italian opera began in Rutland-house in Charterhouse-yard, 1656; but was afterwards removed to the Cock-

(Doctor Charles), an eminent civilian and writer, eldest son of the preceding, and educated in Cambridge; he wrote several political tracts; and likewise plays. He was (1685) impowered, with the matter of the revels, to inspect the plays designed for the stage, that no immorality might be presented. His Essays on Trade are in high esteem; and were reprinted in 5 vols. 8vo, in 1771. Doctor Davenant was inspector-general of exports and imports; and died in 1712.