Part 19

JOHN GOWER, a noted English poet, was born in Kent in 1325 (?), and died in London in August (or September), 1408. Among his works are: "Voice of One Crying" (Vox Clamantis), "Mirror of Meditation" (Speculum Meditantis), and "Lover's Confession" (Confessio Amantis).

Full wise is he that can himselven knowe.

"The Monkes Tale,"--_Geoffrey Chaucer_.

GEOFFREY CHAUCER, the father of English poetry, was born in London (?), 1328 or 1340, and died there October 25, 1400. He wrote: "Troilus and Cressida," "The Parliament of Fowles," "Boke of the Duchesse," "The House of Fame," "The Legend of Good Women," and his most famous work, "Canterbury Tales."

Man proposes, but God disposes.

"Imitation of Christ," Book I, Chap. 19,--_Thomas à Kempis_.

THOMAS À KEMPIS, a renowned German mystic, was born at Kempen, near Cologne in 1380, and died in 1471. He was the author of the "Imitation of Christ," which is said to be the most popular book in the world, with the exception of the Bible.

"The one certain thing about Sir Thomas Malory is, that he wrote the first and finest romance of chivalry in our common-tongue,--the 'Morte d'Arthur.'"

SIR THOMAS MALORY, the British author of the renowned "Morte d'Arthur," was born about 1430, and died after 1470.

"If Froissart, by his picturesque descriptions, and fertility of historical _invention_, may be reckoned the Livy of France, she had her Tacitus in Philippe de Comines."

PHILIPPE DE COMINES, a celebrated French chronicler, was born at Comines, about 1445, and died at the Château of Argenton, October 17, 1510. His famous "Memoirs" won for him great fame.

I know everything except myself.

"Autre Ballade," i,--_François Villon_.

FRANÇOIS VILLON, a renowned French poet, was born in 1431, and died 1460 (?). He wrote: "The Greater Testament," and the "Smaller Testament: Its Codicil"; a collection of poems and a volume of "Ballades."

A heart which is void of the pains of love is not heart; A body without heart woes is nothing but clay and water. Turn thy face away from the world to the pangs of love; For the world of love is a world of sweetness.

"Love" (Translation of S. Robinson),--_Jami_.

'ABD-URRAHMÁN JAMI, the last of Persia's classic poets, was born in Jam, Khorasan, in 1414, and died in May (?), 1492 or 1493. His best known works are: "The Abode of Spring," "The Chain of Gold," "The Loves of Joseph and Zuleika and of Mejnun and Leila."

E duobus malis minimum eligendum.[6]

"Adages,"--_Erasmus_.

DESIDERIUS ERASMUS, a renowned Dutch humanist, was born at Rotterdam, 1465 or 1467, and died July 12, 1536. He wrote a noted volume of "Colloquies," a collection of "Adages," and a celebrated satire, "The Praise of Folly"; besides numerous works on the ancients--Cicero, Seneca, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Jerome, etc.; also a noted treatise on "Free-Will."

There are few husbands whom the wife cannot win in the long run, by patience and love.

--_Marguerite de Valois_.

MARGUERITE D'ANGOULÊME, or DE VALOIS, Queen of Navarre, and famous for her stories, poems and letters, was born in 1492, and died in Bigorre in 1549. She is best known in literature by the celebrated "Heptameron," a collection of tales; "Pearls of the Pearl of Princesses" (poems), and her "Letters," which were published in 1841-42.

One inch of joy surmounts of grief a span, Because to laugh is proper to the man.

"To the Reader,"--_François Rabelais_.

FRANÇOIS RABELAIS, the greatest of French satirists, was born at Chinon, Touraine, about 1495, and died in 1553. His fame rests upon the two works, "Gargantua," and "Pantagruel."

A chip of chance weigheth more than a pound of it.

Courtier's Life,--_Sir T. Wyatt_.

SIR THOMAS WYATT, a distinguished English poet and diplomatist, was born at Arlington Castle, Kent, in 1503, and died at Sherborne, October 11, 1542. He wrote many poems, chiefly love sonnets after the Italian manner.

Therefore, if to the goodness of nature be joined the wisdom of the teacher, in leading young wits into a right and plain way of learning; surely children kept up in God's fear, and governed by His grace, may most easily be brought well to serve God and their country, both by virtue and wisdom.

"On Gentleness in Education" (From "The Schoolmaster"),--_Roger Ascham_.

ROGER ASCHAM, a famous English scholar and prose writer, was born at Kirby Wiske, near Northallerton, in 1515, and died in London, December 30, 1568. His most noted works are: "Toxophilus," and "The Schoolmaster."

Time shall make the bushes green; Time dissolve the winter's snow; Winds be soft, and skies serene; Linnets sing their wonted strain: But again Blighted love shall never blow.

"Blighted Love" (trans., Lord Strangford), st. 3,--_Luiz de Camoëns_.

LUIZ DE CAMOËNS, Portugal's greatest poet, was born at Lisbon, in 1524 or 1525, and died June 10, 1580. He is best known by "The Lusiads," which is considered the national epic of Portugal.

The stone that is rolling, can gather no moss, Who often removeth is sure of loss.

"Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandry Lessons," St. 46,--_Tusser_.

THOMAS TUSSER, a noted English poet was born at Rivenhall, Essex, in 1527, and died in London about 1580. He was the author of "Five Hundred Points of Good Husbandry, United to as Many of Good Housewifery," etc.

I cannot eat but little meat, My stomach is not good; But sure I think that I can drink With him that wears a hood.

"Gammer Gurton's Needle," Act. II,--_Bishop Still_.

BISHOP JOHN STILL, a celebrated English writer of comedy, was born at Grantham, in Lincolnshire, in 1543, and died February 26, 1607. He is reputed to be the author of "A Ryght Pithy Pleasant, and Merrie Comedy, Intytuled Gammer Gurton's Needle."

I was so free with him as not to mince the matter.

"Don Quixote," The Author's Preface,--_Cervantes_.

CERVANTES, a renowned Spanish romancist, was born at Alcalà de Henares in 1547, and died at Madrid, April 23, 1616. Of his many romances and stories, his fame rests entirely on his celebrated work, "Don Quixote."

Who will not mercie unto others show, How can he mercy ever hope to have?

Faerie Queene, Book V, Canto II, St. 42,--_Edmund Spenser_.

EDMUND SPENSER, the famous English poet, was born about 1552, and died at London, January 13, or 16, 1599. Among his works are: "Amoretti," "Four Hymns," "The Shepherd's Calendar," "Astrophel," "Complaints," "Daphnaida," "Colin Clout's Come Home Again," and "The Faerie Queene," his most famous work.

If all the world and love were young, And truth in every shepherd's tongue, These pretty pleasures might me move To live with thee, and be thy love.

"The Nymph's Reply to the Passionate Shepherd,"--_Sir Walter Raleigh_.

SIR WALTER RALEIGH, the celebrated English admiral, was born at Hayes in Devonshire, in 1552, and was executed, October 29, 1618. His poems were not published until 1814, his "Miscellaneous Writings," in 1751, and his "Complete Works," in 1829.

Live or die, sink or swim.

"Edward I" (1584?),--_Peele_.

GEORGE PEELE, a famous English dramatist, was born in 1553 (?), and died in 1597 (?). He wrote: "The Arraignment of Paris," "The Chronicle History of Edward I," "The Battle of Alcazar," "The Old Wives' Tales," "David and Bethsabe," "Sir Clyomon and Sir Clamydes."

Calvin was incomparably the wisest man that ever the French Church enjoyed.

--_Richard Hooker_.

RICHARD HOOKER, one of the greatest glories of the English Church, was born in Exeter, in 1553, and died in 1600. Among his famous works may be mentioned: "Ecclesiastical Polity," "The Nature and Majesty of Law," "Scripture and the Law of Nature," "Defence of Reason," etc.

Goe to bed with the Lambe, and rise with the Larke.

"Euphues and his England,"--_John Lyly_.

JOHN LYLY, a renowned English dramatist, was born in 1554, and died in London, 1606. He is known principally by his two books, "Euphues, or the Anatomy of Wit," and "Euphues and His England."

He that loves a rosy cheek, Or a coral lip admires, Or from star-like eyes doth seek Fuel to maintain his fires,-- As old Time makes these decay, So his flames must waste away.

"Disdain Returned,"--_Thomas Carew_.

THOMAS CAREW, a noted English poet, lived about 1598-1639. He wrote numerous poems, mostly songs and odes. He also wrote a masque, "Coelum Britannicum."

Young men think old men are fools; but old men know young men are fools.

"All Fools," Act V, Sc. I,--_George Chapman_.

GEORGE CHAPMAN, a renowned English dramatist, and translator of Homer, was born in Hitchin, Hertford, 1559, and died at London, May 12, 1634. Among his comedies and tragedies are: "All Fools but the Fool," "May Day," "Bussy d'Amboise," and "The Tragedy of Charles, Duke of Byron." His version of Homer is renowned.

Though men determine, the gods do dispose; and oft times many things fall out betweene the cup and the lip.

"Perimedes the Blacksmith" (1588),--_Greene_.

ROBERT GREENE, a celebrated English dramatist, was born in Norwich, about 1560, and died in London, September 3, 1592. He wrote: "History of Orlando Furioso," "Comical History of Alphonsus, King of Aragon," "Honorable History of Friar Bacon and Friar Bungay," "The Scottish Historie of James IV," etc.; also two noted tracts, "Never Too Late," and "Greene's Groat's Worth of Wit Bought with a Million of Repentance."

Come let us kiss and part,-- Nay I have done, you get no more of me; And I am glad, yea, glad with all my heart That thus so clearly I myself can free. Shake hands forever, cancel all our vows, And when we meet at any time again, Be it not seen, on either of our brows, That we one jot of former love retain.

"Come Let Us Kiss and Part,"--_M. Drayton_.

MICHAEL DRAYTON, a noted English poet, was born near Atherstone in Warwickshire, in 1563, and died in 1631. He wrote: "The Shepherd's Garland," "Poly Olbion," his most famous work, "Sir John Oldcastle" a drama, and "Poems Lyrick and Pastorall," including the famous "Ballad of Agincourt."

Who ever loved that loved not at first sight.

"Hero and Leander,"--_Christopher Marlowe_.

CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE, a renowned English poet and dramatist, was born at Canterbury, about 1564, and was killed at Deptford, June 1, 1593. He wrote: "Tamburlaine," "The Jew of Malta," "Life and Death of Dr. Faustus," and "Edward II," his most famous work.

Do not be troubled by Saint Bernard's saying that hell is full of good intentions and wills.

"Spiritual Letters," Letter xii,--_Francis De Sales_.

SAINT FRANCIS DE SALES, a famous French ecclesiastic and devotional writer, was born in 1567, and died in 1622. He wrote: "Introduction to the Devout Life," "A Treatise on the Love of God," etc. He founded the Order of the Visitation.

The world's a stage on which all parts are played.

"A Game of Chess," Act. V, Sc. i,--_Thomas Middleton_.

THOMAS MIDDLETON, a noted English dramatist, was born about 1570, and died in 1627. He produced, "A Game of Chess," and with William Rowley, "A Fair Quarrel," "The Changeling," "The Spanish Gipsy," etc.

To add to golden numbers golden numbers.

"Patient Grissell,"--_Thomas Dekker_.

THOMAS DEKKER, a famous English dramatist, was born in London, about 1570, and died after 1637. Among his plays are: "The Shoemaker's Holiday," and "Old Fortunatus." He also wrote: "The Wonderful Year," "The Bachelor's Banquet," etc.

I loved thee once, I'll love no more, Thine be the grief as is the blame; Thou art not what thou wast before, What reason I should be the same? He that can love unloved again, Hath better store of love than brain: God send me love my debts to pay, While unthrifts fool their love away.

"Woman's Inconstancy," St. I,--_Sir R. Ayton_.

SIR ROBERT AYTON, a notable Scottish poet, was born in his father's castle of Kinaldie in 1570, and died in London in February, 1638. Ayton is supposed to have been the author of "Auld Lang Syne," which was remodeled by Burns.

Drink to me only with thine eyes, And I will pledge with mine; Or leave a kiss but in the cup, And I'll not look for wine.

"The Forest: To Celia,"--_Ben Jonson_.

BEN JONSON, a celebrated English dramatist, was born in London, in 1572 or 1573, and died August 6, 1637. He wrote two famous comedies, "Every Man in His Humour," and "Every Man Out of His Humour," and numerous poems.

Reason is our soul's left hand, Faith her right.

"To the Countess of Bedford," St. 7,--_John Donne_.

JOHN DONNE, a famous English poet and clergyman, was born in London, in 1573, and died March 31, 1631. His famous "Satires" won for him great fame. A collection of his sermons were published in 1897.

As it fell upon a day In the merry month of May, Sitting in a pleasant shade Which a grove of myrtles made.

Address to the Nightingale,--_Richard Barnfield_.

RICHARD BARNFIELD, a noted English poet, was baptized at Norbury, Staffordshire, June 13, 1574, and died in 1627. He wrote: "The Affectionate Shepherd," "Cynthia, with Certain Sonnets," "The Encomion of Lady Pecunia," "The Passionate Pilgrim," etc.

Seven cities warred for Homer being dead, Who living had no roofe to shrowd his head.

"Hierarchie of the Blessed Angells,"--_Thomas Heywood_.

THOMAS HEYWOOD, a famous English dramatic poet, was born in Lincolnshire (?), about 1575, and died in London (?), 1650 (?). Of all his poetry and prose his fame rests upon "A Woman Killed with Kindness," "The Wise Woman of Hogsdon," "Love's Mistress," etc.

Death hath a thousand doors to let out life.

"A Very Woman," Act V, Sc. 4,--_Philip Massinger_.

PHILIP MASSINGER, a celebrated English dramatist, was born at Salisbury, in 1583, and died at the Bankside, Southwark, March, 1640. Among his famous plays are: "The Duke of Milan," "The Fatal Dowry," "A New Way to Pay Old Debts," "A City Madam," "A Very Woman," etc.

It is always good When a man has two irons in the fire.

"The Faithful Friends," Act I, Sc. 2,--_Francis Beaumont_.

FRANCIS BEAUMONT, a renowned English dramatist, was born in 1584, at Grace-Dieu, Leicestershire, and died in London, March 6, 1616. He has always been associated with John Fletcher, and together they wrote many famous plays, among them: "The Coxcomb," "King and No King," "The Faithful Friends," "Philaster," "The Maid's Tragedy," "The Knight of the Burning Pestle," and "The Scornful Lady."

Diamond cut diamond.

"The Lover's Melancholy," Act I, Sc. I,--_John Ford_.

JOHN FORD, a famous English dramatist, was baptized at Islington in Devon, April 17, 1586, and died about 1640. His best plays are: "The Lover's Melancholy," "The Broken Heart," and "Love's Sacrifice."

Be wisely worldly, be not worldly wise.

"Emblems," Book II, Emblem 2,--_Francis Quarles_.

FRANCIS QUARLES, a celebrated English sacred poet, was born in Rumford, Essex, in 1592, and died September, 1644. His most famous works were: "Emblems, Divine and Moral," "Argalus and Parthenia," and the "Enchiridion."

Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates are secretaries of Nature.

"Letters," Book ii, Letter xi,--_Howell_.

JAMES HOWELL, a noted British author, was born at Abernaut, in Carmarthenshire, in 1594, and died in November, 1666. Of all his works, his "Letters," the "Epistolæ Ho-Elianæ" (four volumes issued in 1645, 1647, 1650 and 1655) are best known, and his elaborate allegories are forgotten.

Actions of the last age are like almanacs of the last year.

"The Sophy," A Tragedy,--_Sir John Denham_.

SIR JOHN DENHAM, a noted English poet, was born in Dublin, 1615, and died in London (?), March 15 (?), 1669. He translated the "Æneid," and produced "The Sophy," a tragedy, and "Cooper's Hill," a famous poem.

I have ever thought, Nature doth nothing so great for great men, As when she's pleas'd to make them lords of truth. Integrity of life is fame's best friend, Which nobly, beyond death shall crown the end.

The Duchess of Malfi, Act V, Sc. 5,--_John Webster_.

JOHN WEBSTER, a famous English dramatist, was born near the end of the sixteenth century. Some of his dramas are: "The White Devil, or Vittoria Corombona," "The Duchess of Malfi," "Appius and Virginia," and "The Devil's Law Case."

My mind to me a kingdom is; Such present joys therein I find, That it excels all other bliss That earth affords or grows by kind; Though much I want which most would have, Yet still my mind forbids to crave.

--_Edward Dyer_.

SIR EDWARD DYER, a noted English courtier and poet, was born at Sharpham Park, Somersetshire, and died in 1607. He had a great reputation as a poet among his contemporaries, but very little of his work has survived. "My Mind to Me a Kingdom Is," is universally accepted as his.

The assembled souls of all that men held wise.

"Gondibert," Book II, Canto v. Stanza 37,--_Sir William Davenant_.

SIR WILLIAM DAVENANT, a celebrated English poet, was born at Oxford, in 1606, and died April 7, 1668. He wrote numerous poems and plays, and succeeded Ben Jonson as poet laureate of England. Besides his poetical works, he wrote an epic, "Gondibert," and an opera, "The Siege of Rhodes."

'Tis expectation makes a blessing dear; Heaven were not heaven if we knew what it were.

"Against Fruition,"--_Sir J. Suckling_.

SIR JOHN SUCKLING, a noted English poet, was born at Whitton, Middlesex, in 1608, and died in Paris, about 1642. He is noted for his love poems. A complete edition of his works appeared in 1874.

When Greeks joined Greeks, then was the tug of war!

--_Nathaniel Lee_.

NATHANIEL LEE, a celebrated English dramatist, was born in 1653 (?), and died in 1692. Among his plays are: "Nero, Emperor of Rome," "Theodosius," "The Rival Queens, or the Death of Alexander the Great," etc.

He that imposes an oath makes it, Not he that for convenience takes it; Then, how can any man be said To break an oath he never made!

"Hudibras," Part II, Canto II, Line 377,--_Samuel Butler_.

SAMUEL BUTLER, a famous English satirist, was born in Strensham, Worcestershire, 1612, and died in London, September 25, 1680. His most important works are: "Ode to Duval," "Characters," "The Elephant in the Moon," and "Hudibras," which won for him world-wide fame.

Whoe'er she be, That not impossible she, That shall command my heart and me.

"Wishes to his Supposed Mistress,"--_Richard Crashaw_.

RICHARD CRASHAW, a noted English poet, was born in London, about 1613, and died in 1650. His poems were collected by an anonymous friend and published under the titles of "Steps to the Temple," "Sacred Poems," and "The Delights of the Muses."

I could not love thee, dear, so much, Lov'd I not honour more.

"To Lucasta, on going to the Wars,"--_Richard Lovelace_.

RICHARD LOVELACE, a famous English poet and dramatist, was born in Woolwich, Kent, in 1618, and died in 1658. He wrote: "The Scholar," a comedy, "The Soldier," a tragedy, and "Lucasta," a volume of poems.

A mighty pain to love it is, And 'tis a pain that pain to miss; But of all pains, the greatest pain It is to love, but love in vain.

--_Abraham Cowley_.

ABRAHAM COWLEY, a noted English poet and essayist, was born in London, 1618, and died at Chertsey, Surrey, July 28, 1667. He wrote: "The Mistress," "Poems," and numerous Virgilian elegies, essays, and love-songs.

Dear, beauteous death, the jewel of the just! Shining nowhere but in the dark; What mysteries do lie beyond thy dust, Could man outlook that mark!

"They Are All Gone,"--_Henry Vaughan_.

HENRY VAUGHAN, a celebrated British poet, known as "The Silurist," was born in Newton, Brecknockshire, Wales, in 1621, and died in April, 1695. His works are: "Olor Iscanus: Select Poems," "The Bleeding Heart," "Ejaculations," "The Mount of Olives; or Solitary Devotions," and "Thalia Rediviva."

God helps those who help themselves.

"Discourses on Government," Ch. II, Pt. xxiii,--_Algernon Sidney_.

ALGERNON SIDNEY, a noted English republican patriot, was born at Penshurst, Kent, in 1622 (?), and died in London, December 7, 1683. His "Discourses on Government" appeared in 1698.

Fortune is always on the side of the largest battalions.

"Letters," 202,--_Mme. de Sévigné_.

MARIE DE RABUTIN-CHANTAL, MARQUISE DE SÉVIGNÉ, a celebrated French letter-writer, was born at Paris, in 1626, and died at the Castle of Grignan, in Dauphiné, April 18, 1696. The best edition of her "Letters" appeared in 1818-19.

Let free, impartial men from Dryden learn Mysterious secrets, of a high concern, And weighty truths, solid convincing sense, Explain'd by unaffected eloquence.

"On Mr. Dryden's Religio Laici,"--_Earl of Roscommon_.

WENTWORTH DILLON, EARL OF ROSCOMMON, a noted Irish poet, was born in 1630, and died January 21, 1685. His reputation as a didactic writer and critic rests on his blank verse translation of Horace's "Ars Poetica," and "Essays on Translated Verse."

Great families of yesterday we show, And lords, whose parents were the Lord knows who.

"The True-Born Englishman," Part I, Line I,--_Daniel Defoe_.

DANIEL DEFOE, the famous author of "Robinson Crusoe," was born in St. Giles Parish, Cripplegate, in 1660 or 1661, and died near London, in 1731. Among his works are: "The Storm," "Apparition of Mrs. Veal," "Robinson Crusoe," "Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe," "King of Pirates," "Duncan Campbell," "Mr. Campbell's Pacquet," "Memoirs of a Cavalier," "Captain Singleton," "Moll Flanders," "The Highland Rogue," "Colonel Jacque," "Cartouche," "John Sheppard," "Account of Jonathan Wild," etc.

To die is landing on some silent shore Where billows never break, nor tempests roar; Ere well we feel the friendly stroke, 'tis o'er.

"The Dispensary," Canto iii, Line 225,--_Samuel Garth_.

SIR SAMUEL GARTH, a renowned English physician and poet, was born in Yorkshire (?), in 1661 (or at Bolam, Durham, 1660), and died in London (?), January 18, 1719. His famous poem "The Dispensary," won for him great fame. He also translated "Ovid," and wrote numerous epigrams.

Though her mien carries much more invitation than command, to behold her is an immediate check to loose behaviour; to love her was a liberal education.

Tatler, No. 49,--_Richard Steele_.

SIR RICHARD STEELE, a celebrated British author and dramatist, was born in Dublin, in 1672, and died at Llangunnor, Wales, September 1, 1729. He wrote: "The Tender Husband," "The Christian Hero," "The Lying Lover," etc. However, his fame rests chiefly upon his connection with the _Tatler_ and the _Spectator_.

Remote from man, with God he passed the days; Prayer all his business, all his pleasure praise.

"The Hermit," Line 5,--_Thomas Parnell_.

THOMAS PARNELL, a noted Irish poet, was born in Dublin, in 1679, and died in 1718. His best known poem is "The Hermit"; his other noted poetical works include: "The Hymn to Contentment," "The Night Piece on Death," and "The Fairy Tale."

Procrastination is the thief of time.

"Night Thoughts," Night I, Line 393,--_Edward Young_.

EDWARD YOUNG, an illustrious English poet, was born at Upham, Hampshire, in 1684, and died at Welwyn, April 12, 1765. Among his works are: "The Revenge," "Busiris," "The Love of Fame," and his masterpiece, "Night Thoughts."

Friendship is the balm as well as the seasoning of life.

--_Richardson_.

SAMUEL RICHARDSON, a renowned English novelist was born in Derbyshire, in 1689, and died July 4, 1761. All of his books are in the form of letters. His best known works are: "Clarissa Harlowe," "Pamela," a continuation of it in 1741, followed by "Sir Charles Grandison." His "Correspondence" was published in 1804 by Anna Lætitia Barbauld.

If the heart of a man is depress'd with cares, The mist is dispell'd when a woman appears.

"The Beggar's Opera," Act II, Sc. I,--_John Gay_.