Escritas

Poems List

Happy the man, and happy he alone,

He, who can call to-day his own:

2
Not Heaven itself upon the past has power;
2

Wit will shine

Through the harsh cadence of a rugged line.

2

There is a pleasure sure,

In being mad, which none but madmen know!

1

The soft complaining flute.

A Song for St Cecilia’s Day (1687) st. 4

2

The trumpet shall be heard on high,

The dead shall live, the living die,

1

For secrets are edged tools,

And must be kept from children and from fools.

1

From harmony, from heavenly harmony

This universal frame began:

2

The rest to some faint meaning make pretence,

But Shadwell never deviates into sense.

2

All human things are subject to decay,

And, when fate summons, monarchs must obey.

1

Comments (0)

ShareOn Facebook WhatsApp X
Log in to post a comment.

NoComments

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.