When everything was concluded, the man repented, and said he would not part with his place.

I have begged Gay not to buy an annuity upon my life; I am sure I should not live a week."[13] * * * * * It may be that Gay thought that he might in time live down the disfavour at Court in which he had been involved by the Duke and Duchess of Queensberry and his other partisans.

He may even have had a momentary hope, in 1730, when the office of Poet-Laureate was vacant that the position might be offered to him, who had written "Fables" for a young Prince.

When Colley Cibber was appointed, Gay probably had it brought home to him that his day as a courtier had passed for good and all.
Certainly he is credited, though on what authority is not known, with a share in the burlesque, "Ode for the New Year [1731].

Written by Colley Cibber, Esq.," in which his disappointment is vented in somewhat coarse expression.