Eusden exemplifies the sycophantic poet-laureate model. Throughout his literary career, he addressed complimentary verse to influential Whigs in the hopes of receiving patronage. In 1717, one of his patrons, the Duke of Newcastle, made Eusden poet laureate. Eusden's character, in conjunction with his obsequious birthday odes and other conventional laureate duties, prompted much ridicule by the duke of Buckingham, Thomas Cooke, Pope, and Swift, among others.