John Dryden

Birth: 1631-08-09 , Aldwincle

Death: 1700-05-01 , Londres

John Dryden (1631-1700) was an English poet, playwright, and literary critic. A dominant figure in the literary life of Restoration England, he was appointed the first Poet Laureate in 1668. His work spans a wide range of genres, including satire, religious poetry, plays, and translations. Dryden is known for his mastery of the heroic couplet and his influence on English poetry and drama. He became a master of the English language, shaping its development through his clear and powerful prose and verse. His work often reflects the political and religious turmoil of his time.

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Love reckons hours for months, and days for years; / And every little absence is an age.

When I consider life, tis all a cheat. / Yet fooled with hope, men favour the deceit.

Jealousy’s a proof of love, / But ’tis a weak and unavailing medicine; / It puts out the disease and makes it show, / But has no power to cure.

Desire of greatness is a godlike sin.

Forgiveness to the injured does belong; / For they ne’er pardon who have done the wrong.

Reason to rule but mercy to forgive: / The first is law, the last prerogative.

Our marriage is dead, when the pleasure is fled: / 'Twas pleasure first made it an oath.

How easy ’tis, when Destiny proves kind, / With full-spread sails to run before the wind!

The most may err as grossly as the few.

Tomorrow, do thy worst, for I have lived today.

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John Dryden was born on August 9, 1631, in Aldwincle, Northamptonshire. Educated at Westminster School and Trinity College, Cambridge, he became involved with the London literary scene in the mid-1650s. His career was marked by a remarkable ability to adapt to political changes, which earned him patronage and official positions. He became one of the most influential writers of his time, known for his incisive satires such as 'Mac Flecknoe' and his adaptations of classics. His work as a translator of Virgil and Ovid was also highly acclaimed. Dryden died on May 12, 1700, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. His work continues to be studied and appreciated for its poetic beauty, wit, and historical insight.