PHILIPPE**, a French lyric poet of some note, was born at Paris in 1635. He pursued the study of law for some time, but preferring the poetry of the stage, he afterwards renounced his legal profession in favour of the drama. His tragedies and comedies, written for the Théâtre Français, are now forgotten. In 1673 he commenced writing for the Grand Opera, and his lyrical talent gained for him entire success. He is regarded as the best operatic writer which France has yet produced; and A. W. Schlegel even prefers his light, animated, fantastic style to that of the great Italian Metastasio. *Armide* is considered his masterpiece. He received the order of St Michael at the hands of Louis XIV., with a pension of 2000 livres (L.100); and was a member of the French Academy, and of the Academy of Inscriptions and Belles-Lettres. Quinault ceased to write when Lulli, who set his pieces to music, died. The poet outlived the musician only a year; and leaving his daughters a considerable fortune, he died in 1688. His dramas have been collected and published, under the title of *Le Théâtre de M. Quinault, contenant ses Tragédies, Comédies, et Opéra, Édition augmentée de sa Vie, et d'une dissertation sur ses Ouvrages et sur l'Origine de l'Opéra*, 5 vols. 12mo, Paris, 1715.