2 Poems by Sir Henry Wotton

Sir Henry Wotton, born in 1568 in Kent, England, was a man of many talents - diplomat, poet, art connoisseur, and eventual Provost of Eton College. His life spanned the tumultuous reigns of Elizabeth I and James I, a period of great political and cultural change in England. Wotton's poetry, while not as voluminous as some of his contemporaries, is marked by its wit, elegance, and philosophical depth, reflecting the sophisticated tastes of the Jacobean court.

Wotton was born into a family of some standing, his father being a justice of the peace. He received his early education at Winchester College before matriculating at New College, Oxford in 1584. However, he soon transferred to Queen's College, where he completed his bachelor's degree. This early academic experience laid the foundation for Wotton's lifelong love of learning and his later role as an educator.

After his time at Oxford, Wotton embarked on a period of extensive travel throughout Europe, a common practice for young men of his social standing. This Grand Tour, lasting from 1589 to 1594, took him to France, Germany, and Italy. It was during these travels that Wotton honed his diplomatic skills and developed his keen appreciation for Continental art and culture, which would later influence both his poetry and his political career.

Upon his return to England, Wotton became secretary to the Earl of Essex, one of Queen Elizabeth's favorites. This position brought him into the heart of Elizabethan court politics, providing him with invaluable experience and connections. However, when Essex fell from grace in 1601, Wotton prudently distanced himself, choosing to return to Italy.

It was in Venice that Wotton's diplomatic career truly began to flourish. In 1604, newly crowned King James I appointed him as ambassador to the Venetian Republic, a post he held intermittently until 1624. During this time, Wotton became deeply involved in the complex political maneuverings of early 17th-century Europe. He played a significant role in the Interdict crisis of 1606-1607, when Venice found itself at odds with the Papacy. Wotton's Protestant sympathies and his skill as a negotiator made him an ideal intermediary in this delicate situation.

Throughout his diplomatic career, Wotton maintained his literary interests. He was a friend and correspondent of many notable writers of the day, including John Donne and Izaak Walton. His own poetry, while not prolific, was highly regarded by his contemporaries. Perhaps his most famous poem, "You meaner beauties of the night," is a masterpiece of metaphysical conceit, comparing his mistress to stars and roses in a way that both flatters and philosophizes.

Wotton's literary output also included prose works, most notably "The Elements of Architecture" (1624), which introduced Italian Renaissance architectural theory to an English audience. This work demonstrates Wotton's wide-ranging interests and his role as a cultural mediator between England and the Continent.

In 1624, Wotton retired from diplomatic service and was appointed Provost of Eton College, a position he held until his death in 1639. This final chapter of his life was devoted to education and scholarship. At Eton, he was known for his kindness to students and his efforts to improve the college's finances and academic standards. He also continued to write, producing both poetry and prose reflections on his eventful life.

One of Wotton's most enduring legacies is his definition of an ambassador as "an honest man sent abroad to lie for the good of his country." This witty aphorism, recorded in Walton's biography, encapsulates Wotton's blend of patriotism, diplomacy, and literary skill.

Wotton's poetry, while not extensive, is characterized by its intellectual depth and formal elegance. He was adept at the epigram, a form that suited his wit and concision. His verse often grapples with themes of mutability and the fleeting nature of worldly success, perhaps reflecting his own experiences in the volatile world of court politics.

In his later years, Wotton planned to write a biography of Martin Luther, a project that reflected his Protestant sympathies and his continuing intellectual engagement. Although this work was never completed, it speaks to Wotton's enduring interest in the religious and political issues of his day.

Sir Henry Wotton's life and work offer a fascinating window into the cultural and political landscape of late Elizabethan and Jacobean England. His career as a diplomat, his literary achievements, and his contributions to education make him a figure of significant interest to scholars of the period. While he may not have achieved the lasting fame of contemporaries like Shakespeare or Donne, Wotton's multifaceted career and elegant verse ensure his place as a notable figure in English Renaissance literature and history.