Thomas, an eminent English satirist and longster, whose name, though as well known as that of any writer extant, yet there are very few particulars of his life to be collected. He was born in Devonshire; but when, where, or of what family, are all uncertain. He was bred to the law, which he forsook for the more agreeable employment of writing plays and songs; and the latter he had so happy a talent both of writing and singing, that he received many favours from persons of quality on that account. Even crowned heads did not disdain his company. The writer of the Guardian, No. 67, tells us, he remembered to have seen Charles II. leaning on Tom D'Urfey's shoulder more than once, humming over a song with him. This indeed was not extraordinary in so merry a monarch; but even the phlegmatic King William could relax his muscles on hearing him sing. He was certainly by all accounts a cheerful, honest, good-natured man; but as this character does not include prudence, D'Urfey grew poor as he grew old; and prevailing on the managers of the playhouse to act his comedy of the Plotting Sisters for his benefit, Mr Addison wrote the above-mentioned paper in the Guardian with another, No. 82, representing him in a good-humoured light, to procure him a full house. He died very old, in 1723.