James I Charles I 17 th Century Background The Stuart Kings Reigned after Queen Elizabeth What they lacked in political astuteness, they made up for in elegance and sophisticated refinement of their courts and the allegiance they drew from the lords of the land. Young gallants gathered around court where royal patronage of the arts was encouraged.

4 Brilliant classicist, versatile playwright, and composer of court masques. Literary Leader of the Time Ben Jonson Insisted on craftsmanship as a hallmark of great poetry. Followed the Greek concept of poet as maker, honed his own lyrics to classical perfection. Later accused by critics for lack of spontaneity and originality.

Andrew Marvell 4 Son of a Puritan clergyman. Went on to Cambridge University. Gifted in languages, became a tutor to the daughter of the Lord General of Oliver Cromwell. Later became an assistant to John Milton, the famous Puritan poet who wrote Paradise Lost.

Distinction in Marvell’s Cavalier Poetry Tone is often light and witty, even playful. Prefers the four-beat line in couplet and quatrain to the uneven cadence and irregular stanza of the Metaphysicals. Wonderful way of presenting extraordinary experiences from move than one perspective—making us see the strangeness in things we are likely to take for granted.

Robert Herrick 4M4Most loyal member of the “tribe of Ben.” 4A4After college at Cambridge, he returned to London to live the enjoyable life of fraternizing with Jonson and his circle. 4L4Left London to live the life of a country parson; however, his poems suggest that he lived in his imagination the witty, urban social existence of the Old Devil Inn. 4P4Published poems under two titles: Hesperides for the secular poems and Noble Numbers for religious ones.

Herrick’s Poetry Inspired by the love of Roman Horace. Were meticulous and musical, but used also the carpe diem ( seize the day) philosophy Would take a light, whimsical subject and articulate his response with warmth and sureness of touch. The poems give us that special pleasure of contemplating the small thing done well.

Sir John Suckling Before the Civil War between the Royalists and the Puritans, Suckling was already notorious at the court of Charles I as a gambler and a rake. When war broke out, raised an army to defend the Royalist’s cause. Also, took part in an effort to rescue the Royalist leader in the Tower of London. Was caught and had to flee England; died in Paris, neglected and deprived of great wealth he had once possessed.

Richard Lovelace From wealthy Kentish family. Became a favorite courtier under King Charles. Like Suckling, he lost all his wealth and land during the turbulent period. The poems of these two epitomize what we consider Cavalier manner: witty, charming, graceful, showing their discipleship of Ben Jonson. Their poems are always concerned with the passing of time.