Michael Drayton

Michael Drayton (1563 – December 23, 1631) was an English poet who came to prominence in the Elizabethan era.

Michael Drayton

Quotes

• Dear, why should you command me to my rest,
  When now the night doth summon all to sleep?
  Methinks this time becometh lovers best;
  Night was ordain'd together friends to keep.
  • Idea's Mirror (1594), Sonnet XXXVII.

• Had in him those brave translunary things
  That the first poets had.
  • To Henry Reynolds, of Poets and Poesy (1627), referring to Christopher Marlowe.

• For that fine madness still he did retain
  Which rightly should possess a poet’s brain.
  • To Henry Reynolds, of Poets and Poesy (1627).

• The coast was clear.
  • Nimphidia, the Court of Faery (1627).

• Since there's no help, come let us kiss and part.
  • Sonnet: Love's Farewell, line 1.

• When faith is kneeling by his bed of death,
  And innocence is closing up his eyes,
  Now if thou wouldst, when all have given him over,
  From death to life thou might’st him yet recover.
  • Sonnet: Love's Farewell, lines 11-14.

To the Cambro-Britons and Their Harp, his Ballad of Agincourt (1627)

• Fair stood the wind for France,
  When we our sails advance,
  Nor now to prove our chance,
  Longer will tarry;
  But putting to the main
  At Kaux, the mouth of Seine,
  With all his martial train,
  Landed King Harry.
  • Lines 1-8.

• Yet have we well begun,
  Battles so bravely won
  Have ever to the sun
  By fame been raisëd.
  • Lines 29-32.

• Victor I will remain
  Or on this earth lie slain,
  Never shall she sustain
  Loss to redeem me.
  • Lines 37-40.

• Oh, when shall English men
  With such acts fill a pen,
  Or England breed again
  Such a King Harry?
  • Lines 117-120.

External links

• Poet's Corner: Michael Drayton.