Eyes And Tears (Fragments)
With the same Eyes to weep and see!
That, having…
Andrew Marvell (1621-1678) was an English poet, satirist, and politician, renowned for his metaphysical poetry and his involvement in the turbulent political landscape of 17th-century England. Born in Winestead, Yorkshire, Marvell was the son of a clergyman. He studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he became fluent in multiple languages, including Latin and Greek.
Marvell's early poetry, characterized by its wit, intricate metaphors, and keen observations of nature, reflects the influence of contemporaries like John Donne. One of his most famous poems, "To His Coy Mistress," exemplifies his adeptness at combining the carpe diem theme with philosophical musings.
During the English Civil War, Marvell tutored the daughter of Sir Thomas Fairfax and later became an assistant to John Milton, then Latin Secretary for the Commonwealth government. Marvell's political career flourished after the Restoration; he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Hull, serving from 1659 until his death. In this role, he became known for his advocacy of civil liberties and his critiques of corruption, encapsulated in satirical works like "The Last Instructions to a Painter."
Despite his political commitments, Marvell continued to write poetry, although much of it remained unpublished during his lifetime. His literary legacy, posthumously codified, solidified his reputation as one of the most versatile and accomplished poets of his era. He died in London in 1678 under somewhat mysterious circumstances.