John Donne Quotes


We can die by it, if not live by love, And if unfit for tombs and hearse Our legend be, it will be fit for verse; And if no peace of chronicle we prove, We'll build in sonnet pretty rooms; As well a well wrought urne becomes The greatest ashes, as half-acre tombs.


Citations

Donne, John. "The Canonization." Poems, by J.D. with Elegies on the Authors Death. John Marriot, 1633.

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John Donne
John Donne
  • Born: January 22, 1572
  • Died: March 31, 1631
  • Nationality: English
  • Profession: Poet, Priest, Lawyer

John Donne was an English poet, scholar, soldier and secretary born into a recusant family, who later became a cleric in the Church of England. Under royal patronage, he was made Dean of St Paul's Cathedral in London (1621–1631). He is considered the preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets. His poetical works are noted for their metaphorical and sensual style and include sonnets, love poems, religious poems, Latin translations, epigrams, elegies, songs, and satires. He is also known for his sermons.