"
In this little book we have some of the best thoughts of one of the
most vigorous minds that ever added to the strength of English
literature. The songs added are a part of what Ben Jonson called
his "Underwoods."
Ben Jonson was of a north-country family from the Annan district
that produced Thomas Carlyle. His father was ruined by religious
persecution in the reign of Mary, became a preacher in Elizabeth's
reign, and died a month before the poet's birth in 1573. Ben
Jonson, therefore, was about nine years younger than Shakespeare,
and he survived Shakespeare about twenty-one years, dying in August,
1637. Next to Shakespeare Ben Jonson was, in his own different way,
the man of most mark in the story of the English drama. His mother,
left poor, married again. Her second husband was a bricklayer, or
small builder, and they lived for a time near Charing Cross in
Hartshorn Lane. Ben Jonson was taught at the parish school of St.
Martin's till he was discovered by William Camden, the historian.
Camden was then second master in Westminster School. He procured
for young Ben an admission into his school, and there laid firm
foundations for that scholarship which the poet extended afterwards
by private study until his learning grew to be sworn-brother to his
wit.
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