John Hoadly (1711–1776) was an English playwright and poet who made significant contributions to literature during the 18th century. Born in London, Hoadly was the son of Benjamin Hoadly, a prominent Anglican bishop and controversial religious figure. Following in his father's footsteps, Hoadly pursued a career in writing, primarily focusing on drama and poetry.

Hoadly's literary career flourished during the early and mid-18th century, a period marked by the rise of the novel and the continued popularity of drama in English literature. He wrote several successful plays, often exploring themes of morality, social satire, and political intrigue.

In addition to his plays, Hoadly also wrote poetry and contributed to various periodicals of the time. His poetry often reflected the neoclassical style prevalent during the Augustan Age, characterized by its clarity, reason, and adherence to classical forms and themes.

While Hoadly's literary output earned him recognition among his contemporaries, he is perhaps best remembered for his role as a dramatist during the 18th century. His works provided insight into the social and cultural dynamics of his time.

John Hoadly's "On the Friendship of Two Young Ladies" was produced within the literary and cultural context of the early 18th century in England. This period, often referred to as the Augustan Age, was marked by the continuation of the Enlightenment ideals, a flourishing of literature, and the rise of the novel as a popular literary form.

The poem itself reflects the social conventions and norms of the time regarding friendship, particularly between women. During the 18th century, friendships between women were often celebrated and idealized, seen as virtuous and emotionally fulfilling relationships. However, there were also societal expectations and limitations placed on women's friendships, which influenced Hoadly's depiction in the poem.

HAIL, beauteous pair, whom Friendship binds

In softest, yet in strongest ties,

Soft as the temper of your minds,

Strong as the lustre of your eyes!

So Venus' doves in couples fly,

And friendly steer their equal course;

Whose feathers Cupid's shafts supply,

And wing them with resistless force.

Thus as you move Love's tender flame,

Like that of Friendship, paler burns;

Both our divided passion claim,

And friends and rivals prove by turns.

Then ease yourselves and bless mankind,

Friendship so curst no more pursue:

In wedlock's rosy bow'r you'll find

The joys of Love and Friendship too.

Male Fantasy or A Man’s Satirical Take and Platonic Soul Bonding/Romantic Friendships

Hoadly seems to be pointing out the obvious, but his feeble male mind misses the point because he can only see women’s sexuality through the plain of patriarchal marriage. In the end, he reassures these young ladies that they will find a bond just like theirs once they are married… to men. Using Venus, the Goddess of love, sex, and passion, and Cupid, a God of love and eroticism, he points out that this relationship is effortless. One would be hard pressed to find this poem in the midst of his sermon letters, and it appears that history wishes to erase any mention of lesbian love, even when written by an esteemed, important man who writes to take it away.

John Hoadly - Wikipedia

Eighteenth-Century Poetry Archive / Works / BOOK I. Ep. 40. (John Hoadly) (eighteenthcenturypoetry.org)

A collection of poems in six volumes. By several hands: With notes. [pt.5] | Eighteenth Century Collections Online | University of Michigan Library Digital Collections (umich.edu)

Four Lost Plays Recovered: "The Contrast" and Other Dramatic Works of John Hoadly (1711-1776)