Matthew Prior

Matthew Prior (1664–1721) was an English poet and diplomat of the Augustan age. Educated at Westminster School and St John’s College, Cambridge, he gained early notice with *The City Mouse and the Country Mouse* (1687), a satire co-written with Charles Montagu. Prior entered government service and undertook diplomatic missions in Europe, including work connected with negotiations that led to the Treaty of Utrecht. His political associations brought setbacks after the accession of George I, and he was imprisoned in 1715. He later lived largely in retirement, supported by friends and readers. His poetry ranges from polished lyrics to witty, urbane verse.