In England, in the 17th Century, a group of lyric poets regarded as Royalists developed a movement of Cavalier poetry. These royalists were supporters of King Charles I during the English Civil War. Poet Ben Jonson inspired many of these lyricists: Thomas Carew, Sir John Suckling, Richard Lovelace, and Robert Herrick. Cavalier poetry is discernible by its polished form, lyrical diction, brevity, and restrained emotion. Cavaliers confront a sense of carpe diem, loyalty, love, sacrifice, and especially beauty. |
