John Gay

John Gay (30 June 1685 – 4 December 1732) was an English poet and dramatist, and a member of the Scriblerus Club. He is best remembered for *The Beggar's Opera* (1728), a ballad opera. The characters, including Captain Macheath and Polly Peachum, became household names. Gay was born in Barnstaple, England, the last of five children. His family was comfortable but not wealthy. He was educated at the local grammar school and later apprenticed to a silk mercer in London, but he soon returned to Barnstaple. He then returned to London, where his early career saw the production of plays like *The Mohocks* (1712) and *The Wife of Bath* (1713). His association with Alexander Pope began with the dedication of *Rural Sports* (1713), leading to a lasting friendship and collaboration, including their joint membership in the Scriblerus Club. In 1714, Gay was appointed secretary to the Earl of Clarendon, but the death of Queen Anne ended his hopes of official employment. He met Caroline of Ansbach and Henrietta Howard during his time in Hanover. Upon returning to London, he produced works such as *The What D'Ye Call It* (1715) and *Trivia, or the Art of Walking the Streets of London* (1716). In 1717, he was associated with George, Prince of Wales. Gay had numerous patrons, and in 1720, he published *Poems on Several Occasions*. He suffered a significant financial loss due to the South Sea Bubble. However, he continued to receive support from patrons like William Pulteney and the Duke and Duchess of Queensberry. In 1727, he wrote *Fables* for Prince William, later the Duke of Cumberland. His most famous work, *The Beggar's Opera*, produced in 1728, satirized Sir Robert Walpole and society. The play was a great success, reputedly making "Rich gay and Gay rich". A sequel, *Polly*, was banned by the Lord Chamberlain but published by subscription, earning Gay several thousand pounds. Gay died in London on 4 December 1732 and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His epitaph was written by Pope.