37 



his industry and natural parts soon and sufficiently recom- 

 mended him to the nobility and gentry, that he was courted 

 and caressed by all; so true it is, That the gifts of nature are 

 much more valuable than those of original birth and fortune, 

 or even learning itself. And to the eternal honour of the 

 present age be it spoken, never was virtue, laudable industry, 

 nor art more encouraged, of which the person we are here 

 speaking of is an undeniable instance. I shall content myself 

 therefore to find him under the care and instruction of Mr. 

 Roce (whose character has been already drawn). The early 

 and vigorous appearances he made in business were soon dis- 

 covered by his master, who spared no pains, nor hindered 

 him of any liberty, whereby he might improve himself. After 

 he had been with him about four or five years, he sent him 

 (if I am right informed) into France, the great seat of learn- 

 ing at that time in the world, especially in the errand he went 

 about. Soon after he returned, he was preferred to the 

 Bishop of London's service before-mentioned; and, in a few 

 years more, he (with his associates) entered on that great 

 undertaking of Brompton Park; and upon the Revolution, 

 was made superintendant of all their Majesties gardens, for 

 which he had ^00. a year, and a Page of the Back Stairs 

 to Queen Mary. Mr. London and Mr. Wise being joined 

 partners, and thus, as it were, both possessed of the royal 

 favour, and the purses of the king, queen, and nobility, left 

 no stone unturned to carry on their designs. Soon after the 

 peace of Reswyck, Mr. London took another journey into 

 France, with the Right Honourable the Earl of Portland, 

 that was sent, by King William, Ambassador-Extraordinary 

 on that occvision; and then it was that he made those obser- 

 vations on the fruit gardens at Versailles, which are published 

 in the preface to their abridgement. After the death of the 

 Queen, and not many years after her the King, their royal 

 successor, Queen Anne, of pious memory, committed the 



