It has been theorized that he was meant to be associated with Richard Tarlton, a dead comedian, in the play he is most associated with.  
"The Abuses of Conscience Considered" is the last of twelve Sermons of this character.  William Dean Howells wrote a three-act tragedy about this man's "Love", and in addition to the aforementioned Laurence Sterne work he also appears as a parson in Tristram Shandy.  It has been theorized that he was meant to be associated with Richard Tarlton, a dead comedian, in the play he is most associated with.  Described as "a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy," his acts of foolery "were wont to set the table on a roar", but only his skull remains.  For 10 points, name this court jester of whom Hamlet claims "I knew him, Horatio" during his meditation on death.
"The Abuses of Conscience Considered" is the last of twelve Sermons of this character.  
{Yorick} (accept early "(Sermons of) Mr. Yorick")