Commerce beheld him stretch her golden reign,

And jealous Whigs toil’d after him in vain:

His lofty thoughts his lofty phrase impress’d,

And admiration throbb’d in ev’ry breast.

*  *  *  *  *

EDMUND SPENSER.

Born 1553.   |   Died January 16, 1599.

Appointed Poet-Laureate 1590.