Oldys was born in 1696, and died in 1761. He was a very diligent collector of antiquarian materials, and the author of a Life of Raleigh. He was intimate with Captain Grose, Burns' friend, who used to rally him on his inordinate thirst for ale, although, if we believe Burns, it was paralleled by Grose's liking for port. The following Anacreontic is characteristic:— SONG, OCCASIONED BY A FLY DRINKING OUT OF A CUP OF ALE.Busy, curious, thirsty fly, Both alike are, mine and thine, |