John Gay was born in Barnstaple, Devonshire. He was educated at Bideford Grammar School. After a period as an apprentice silk merchant, Gay turned to writing. His first significant publication was the poem 'Rural Sports' in 1713. He gained considerable fame with 'The Beggar's Opera' in 1728, a scathing satire of Britain's political and social system, which also popularized the ballad. Other important works include 'Trivia, or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London' and the farce 'The Rehearsal at Gotham'. Despite his success, Gay frequently struggled with financial difficulties. He died on December 4, 1732, in London and was buried in Westminster Abbey.
Poems List
Unto each man comes a day when his favorite sins all forsake him, / And he complacently thinks he has forsaken his sins.
Maidens! why should you worry in choosing whom you shall marry? / Choose whom you may, you will find you have got somebody else.
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What is first love worth, except to prepare for a second? / What does second love bring? Only regret for the first.
The best loved man or maid in the town would perish with anguish / Could they hear all that their friends say in the course of a day.
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