Entrance of Columbus into Barcelona
Sink crucifix and crown,
And from high tower and balcony…
Grenville Mellen (1799-1841) was an American poet, lawyer, and writer known for his contributions to early 19th-century American literature. Born in Biddeford, Maine, Mellen was the son of Prentiss Mellen, a prominent lawyer and the first chief justice of the Maine Supreme Judicial Court. Grenville Mellen followed in his father's footsteps, graduating from Harvard University in 1818 and later pursuing a career in law.
Despite his legal profession, Mellen harbored a deep passion for literature, which led him to write poetry, essays, and short stories. His work was featured in various literary magazines and journals of the time, contributing to the burgeoning American literary scene. He published several volumes of poetry, including "The Martyr's Triumph" and "Other Poems" (1833), which captured themes of nature, religion, and the human spirit.
Mellen's poetic style was influenced by the romanticism movement, characterized by its emphasis on emotion, individualism, and the appreciation of nature. Though not as widely recognized as some of his contemporaries, Mellen's works were respected by his peers, and he played a significant role in the cultural life of New England.
Tragically, Grenville Mellen's life was cut short when he died in 1841, at the age of 41, in New York City. Despite his relatively brief career, his contributions to American poetry remain part of the country's rich literary heritage.