Edmund Waller

Date of Birth: March 3, 1606

Zodiac Sign: Pisces

Date of Death: October 21, 1687

Biography

Edmund Waller was a 17th-century English poet and politician, renowned for his lyrical poetry and wit. Born into an affluent family, Waller was educated at Eton and King’s College, Cambridge. He entered Parliament early in his life, where he became an influential figure. Waller’s poetry, characterized by its elegance and smoothness, earned him a prominent place in English literature. Additionally, he was involved in the political turmoils of his time, including the English Civil War. Despite facing imprisonment and exile, Waller continued to write and eventually returned to favor. He published several collections of poetry and was known for his persuasive public speaking. His work, which includes both love poems and political verse, has been celebrated for its refined style and clever use of language.

5 Interesting Facts about Edmund Waller

1. Edmund Waller was a first cousin to the famous Parliamentarian, Oliver Cromwell.

2. He was imprisoned and fined for his involvement in the Waller Plot, a Royalist conspiracy during the English Civil War.

3. Waller’s poetry was greatly admired by subsequent poets, including Alexander Pope.

4. He was one of the first poets to popularize the heroic couplet.

5. Despite his political troubles, Waller received a pardon from Oliver Cromwell and later from King Charles II.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Edmund Waller

1. “Poets that lasting marble seek must come in Latin or in Greek.”

2. “Under the tropic is our language spoke, and part of Flanders hath received our yoke.”

3. “Go, lovely Rose! Tell her that wastes her time and me, That now she knows, When I resemble her to thee, How sweet and fair she seems to be.”

4. “The soul’s dark cottage, battered and decayed, lets in new light through chinks that time has made.”

5. “But Shakespeare’s magic could not copied be; within that circle none durst walk but he.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While exact figures from the 17th century are hard to ascertain, Edmund Waller was born into wealth and maintained substantial financial resources throughout his life, especially after his return to favor post-exile. His net worth would have been significant due to his family inheritance and earnings from his political and literary endeavors.

Children

Edmund Waller had several children from his two marriages. His first marriage was to Anne Banks, with whom he had a son, Edmund Waller Jr. After Anne’s death, he married Mary Bracey, with whom he had several more children, including Benjamin Waller, who went on to become a notable figure in Virginia, America.