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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Lord Rochester
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(John Wilmot, 1647–80, 2nd earl of Rochester 1658) Poet and leading wit in the circle of *Charles II, whose personal debauchery and brilliant but risqué verses have made him a symbol of *Restoration society. He was frequently dismissed from court, for offences ranging from drunken indiscretions to the abduction of a young heiress, but he was as regularly reinstated. His best-known verse is his suggested epitaph for his royal patron: Here lies a great and mighty king Whose promise none relies on; He never said a foolish thing, Nor ever did a wise one. Charles replied with appropriate wit. 'This is very true: for my words are my own, and my actions are my ministers.'
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