Henry Vaughan

Date of Birth: April 17, 1621

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: April 23, 1695

Biography

Henry Vaughan was a Welsh poet, author, translator, and physician, renowned for his metaphysical poetry. He was born in Newton-upon-Usk, Brecknockshire, Wales, and he is often associated with the metaphysical poets, a group that includes John Donne and George Herbert. Vaughan’s poetry is characterized by its spiritual intensity and exploration of religious themes, often reflecting his personal experiences and struggles. His most famous work is “Silex Scintillans” (1650, 1655), a collection of religious poems considered one of the finest examples of metaphysical poetry. Vaughan also translated several works from Latin to English and practiced as a physician for most of his life.

5 Interesting Facts about Henry Vaughan

1. Henry Vaughan was initially influenced by the cavalier poets before turning to religious themes after a period of illness and personal tribulation.

2. He was educated at Jesus College, Oxford, and later studied law in London before returning to Wales.

3. Vaughan’s twin brother, Thomas Vaughan, was a noted alchemist and mystic.

4. His work “Silex Scintillans” was heavily influenced by George Herbert’s “The Temple,” and Vaughan acknowledged Herbert as a significant influence on his spiritual poetry.

5. Vaughan practiced medicine in addition to his literary pursuits, serving the local community as a physician.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Henry Vaughan

1. “They are all gone into the world of light, and I alone sit lingering here.”

2. “I saw eternity the other night, like a great ring of pure and endless light.”

3. “Happy those early days, when I shined in my angel infancy!”

4. “Man is the shuttle, to whose winding quest and passage through these looms God ordered motion, but ordained no rest.”

5. “Silence and stealth of days! ’tis now, since thou art gone, twelve hundred hours.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Henry Vaughan did not achieve significant financial wealth from his poetry. His highest net worth was modest, primarily derived from his practice as a physician and small earnings from his literary works.

Children

Henry Vaughan had several children, although specific details about them are sparse. His family life was somewhat private, and historical records primarily focus on his literary and medical career.