Absalom and Achitophel

A political satire by Dryden (1649–1685). David is meant for Charles II.; Absalom for his natural son James, Duke of Monmouth, handsome like Absalom, and, like him, rebellious. Achitophel is meant for Lord Shaftesbury, Zimri for the Duke of Buckingham, and Abdael for Monk. The selections are so skilfully made that the history of David seems repeated. Of Absalom, Dryden says (Part i.):—

“Whateʹer he did was done with so much ease,

In him alone ʹt was natural to please;