Andrew Marvell

Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was an English metaphysical poet and politician, born at Worcester. He was first a lyric poet, and in politics much of a Royalist, at last a violent politician on the Puritan side, having become connected with Milton and Cromwell. He wrote a tract "On the Growth of Popery and Arbitrary Government in England" after the Restoration, which brought him into trouble. Being a favourite with the king, the king sought to bribe him, but he could not be caught. He died suddenly, and an unfounded rumour was circulated that he had been poisoned.

Wisdom & Quotes

• Had we but world enough, and time,

This coyness, Lady, were no crime.
- To His Coy Mistress

• The grave's a fine and private place,

But none, I think, do there embrace.
- To His Coy Mistress

• But at my back I always hear

Times winged chariot hurrying near;
And yonder all before us lie,
Deserts of vast eternity.
- To His Coy Mistress

John Donne