John Dryden's : Absalom and Acetophel
The poem is an allegory that uses the story of the rebellion against King David by Absalom (King David’s son) as the basis for discussion of the background to the Monmouth Rebellion. Absalom stands for Duke of Monmouth, Charles 11 illegitimate son who was encouraged by lord of Shafestbury (Achitophel) to rebel against his father because he announced his brother James(Monmouth’s uncle) as his successor to the throne.
Dryden's skill at walking a fine line between praise and condemnation of his king is extraordinary, and the poem is not only the finest satire Dryden wrote, but is probably the finest political satire ever written in English verse.
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