Barnabe Barnes

Date of Birth: November 6, 1571

Zodiac Sign: Scorpio

Date of Death: 1609

Biography

Barnabe Barnes was an English poet and dramatist of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. He was born to Dr. Richard Barnes, Bishop of Durham, and grew up in a well-to-do family that valued education and culture. Barnes is best known for his sonnet sequence “Parthenophil and Parthenophe,” published in 1593, which contributed to the Elizabethan sonnet craze. He was also the author of several plays, including “The Devil’s Charter,” a tragic drama based on the life of Pope Alexander VI. Barnes studied at Brasenose College, Oxford, where he cultivated his literary talents and formed connections with other prominent poets of his time, such as Sir Philip Sidney. His works often explored themes of love, politics, and morality, and he is noted for his skillful use of metaphor and classical allusion. Despite his literary achievements, Barnes often found himself embroiled in controversies and disputes, which affected his reputation and personal life.

5 Interesting Facts about Barnabe Barnes

1. Barnes was part of Sir Francis Drake’s 1589 expedition to Portugal, where he wrote many of his early poems.

2. His sonnet sequence “Parthenophil and Parthenophe” is one of the earliest examples of English sonnet sequences that includes a narrative framework.

3. He was involved in a notorious feud with fellow poet Gabriel Harvey, who accused Barnes of plagiarism and other literary misdemeanors.

4. Barnes’ play “The Devil’s Charter” is notable for its dramatic portrayal of Pope Alexander VI and his reputedly wicked deeds.

5. Despite his literary contributions, Barnes struggled financially and died in relative obscurity.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Barnabe Barnes

1. “Love is a spirit all compact of fire, / Not gross to sink, but light, and will aspire.”

2. “In love, the heavens themselves do guide the state; / Money buys lands, and wives are sold by fate.”

3. “The gentle mind by gentle deeds is known.”

4. “True love is endless, infinite, and eternal.”

5. “Passions are likened best to floods and streams; / The shallow murmur, but the deep are dumb.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Barnabe Barnes did not achieve significant financial success during his lifetime. His highest net worth is estimated to have been modest, primarily composed of his literary earnings and family inheritance, but specific figures are not well-documented.

Children

There is no well-documented information about Barnabe Barnes having any children. His personal life remains somewhat obscure, with most historical records focusing on his literary career and controversies.