This circumstance is not the least remarkable of all those which attend that great genius.

He died in 1674, aged sixty-six.
Waller was the first refiner of English poetry, at least of English rhyme; but his performances still abound with many faults, and, what is more material, they contain but feeble and superficial beauties.

Gayety, wit, and ingenuity are their ruling character: they aspire not to the sublime; still less to the pathetic.

They treat of love, without making us feel any tenderness; and abound in panegyric, without exciting admiration.

The panegyric, however, on Cromwell, contains more force than we should expect, from the other compositions of this poet.
Waller was born to an ample fortune, was early introduced to the court, and lived in the best company.