This gentleman was known to his contemporaries as a man of fortune and fashion, and as the author of two successful plays, a tragedy in rhyme which had been made popular by the action and recitation of Betterton, and a comedy which owes all its value to scenes borrowed from Moliere.

These pieces have long been forgotten; but what Caryl could not do for himself has been done for him by a more powerful genius.

Half a line in the Rape of the Lock has made his name immortal.
Caryl, who was, like all the other respectable Roman Catholics, an enemy to violent courses, had acquitted himself of his delicate errand at Rome with good sense and good feeling.

The business confided to him was well done; but he assumed no public character, and carefully avoided all display.

His mission, therefore, put the government to scarcely any charge, and excited scarcely any murmurs.