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An eighteenth century poet and dramatist, John Gay is best remembered for ‘The Beggar's Opera’ (1728), a ballad opera featuring the characters Captain Macheath and Polly Peachum, who swiftly became household names. Gay’s refined and satirical poetry was much influenced by his close friend Alexander Pope. His first important poem, ‘Rural Sports’, is a descriptive and didactic work in two short books dealing with hunting and fishing, as well as meditations on the Horatian theme of retirement. Gay’s finest poem, ‘Trivia: or, The Art of Walking the Streets of London’ (1716), displays an assured craftsmanship in which rhythm and diction portrays the many experiences he describes. ...