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.