Stephen Gosson

, a Kentish man born, was admitted Scholar of C. Ch. coll. 4. Apr. 1572. aged 16. or thereabouts, took one degree in Arts four years after, left the University without compleating that degree by Determination, and went to the great City, where he was noted for his admirable penning of Pastorals, being so excellent therein, that he was ranked with Sir Ph. Sidney, Tho. Chaloner, Edm. Spencer, Abrah. Fraunce, and Rich. Bernfield, noted Poets of their time. Thence, as he saith, he went to a worshipful Gentleman in the Country to teach his Sons, where he continued till he shewed his great dislike of Plays, having his mind then quite alienated from them. So that the Gentleman being weary of his company, Gosson left him, took Orders, and at length became Parson of Great Wigborow in Essex. He hath written and published,

The School of abuse, containing a pleasant invective against Poets, Pipers, Players, Jesters, and such like Caterpillers of the Common-wealth, &c. Lond. 1579. and 1585. in oct. dedicated to Sir Ph. Sidney.

Plays confuted in five actions; proving that they are not to be suffered in a Christian Common-wealth: By the way, both the cavils of Tho. Lodge, and the Play of Plays, written in their defence, and other objections of Players Friends, are truly set down, and directly answered.—Dedicated to Sir Franc. Walsingham, but when printed it appears not.

The Trumpet of War,Clar. 1598. Serm. at Pauls Cross 7. May 1598. on 2 Chron. ch. 20. ver. 20. Lond. 1598. oct. As for the Pastorals, Comedies, Tragedies, or Poetry, (some of which he hath written,) I have not yet seen, either printed, or In Manuscript.