Once hailed as the towering literary figure of the Restoration age, John Dryden is little known now by the general reader. Let's take care of that with a close look at his most enduring works, the poetical satires Mac Flecknoe and Absalom and Achitophel.
Mac Flecknoe text: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44181/mac-flecknoe
Absalom and Achitophel text: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44172/absalom-and-achitophel
Mea culpa: At one point in this episode, I make reference to Dryden's "tasteless" satiric attacks. I know, of course, that I should have said "distasteful." I am dreadfully embarrassed by this mistake and I sincerely apologize to all listeners who were horrified and offended at my imbecilic misuse of the noble English tongue. I vow to do better.
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