THOMAS, more generally known by the familiar name of Tom d'Urfe, an English satirist and songwriter, was descended from a family of French Protestant refugees, and was born at Exeter. He was originally bred to the law, which he forsook for the more congenial employment of writing plays and songs. His humour both in writing and singing the latter procured him access to the highest circles, and made him a favourite even at court. A writer in the Guardian (No. 67) relates that he remembered more than once to have seen Charles II. leaning on Tom d'Urfe's shoulder and humming over a song with him. His dramatic pieces were equally well received, but are too licentious to be reproduced upon the stage. D'Urfe, by imprudence and extravagance, became poor as he grew old; and having prevailed on the managers of the playhouse to act his comedy of the Plotting Sisters for his benefit, Addison wrote the above-mentioned paper in the Guardian, with another (No. 82) giving a humorous account of his eccentricities, in order to procure him a full house. He died at an advanced age, in 1723. His collected works, under the title of Pills to Purge Melancholy, command a high price.