There is perhaps as much ridicule as seriousness in Swift's praise of this portentous rising wit. He had him recommended, however, to the Society, but it was through Wyndham, and not by himself. He also introduced the poet to St. John, from whom he obtained some charitable help for the poor fellow.
'I have contrived to make a parson of him, for he is half one already, being in deacon's orders, and serves a small cure in the country: but has a sword at his tail here. It is a poor, little, short wretch, but will do best in a gown, and we will make Lord Keeper give him a living.'