"And that's why I rejoice that the King, his Consort and the Statesman who panders to her spite and lives only for his own ambition have insulted our friend.
Their taste and their appreciation of letters found their level when they considered the author of the 'Trivia' and the 'Fables' was fittingly rewarded by the appointment of 'gentleman usher' to a princess--a footman's place, forsooth!" It was too true.

George the First was dead, George the Second had succeeded and with the change of government Gay hoped to obtain the "sinecure" which would have kept him in comfort to the end of his days.
He was bitterly disappointed.

The post bestowed upon him was a degradation.
"Say no more on that head," exclaimed Gay hastily, "I would forget that affront." "But not forgive.

We're all of us free to carry the battle into the enemy's camp and with the more vigour since you are fighting with us, John Gay.

The 'Beggar's Opera'-- 'tis mainly the Dean's idea--the title alone is vastly fine--will give you all the chance in the world.