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More than 5000 entries on the history, culture and life of Britain (published in 1993 by Macmillan, now out of print)
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Andrew Marvell
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(1621–78)
Now seen as an outstanding *metaphysical poet, he was known in his lifetime only as a minor public figure. His early employment was as tutor in leading parliamentary families (those of both *Fairfax and *Cromwell). A growing admiration for Cromwell led to his entering government service; in 1657 he became a fellow secretary with *Milton in the department concerned with foreign affairs. From 1659 to his death he was an MP for Hull and was known as a firm parliamentarian, watchful for any abuses of royal power.
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The manuscripts of his lyric poems were found in his lodgings after his death and were published in 1681, though they only acquired their present high reputation during the 20C. Among the best known are The Garden, a green hymn to the pleasures of solitude in nature; and To his Coy Mistress, in which he presses a sense of urgency upon his loved one if together they are to enjoy life's delights ('The Grave's a fine and private place,/ But none I think do there embrace'). His manuscripts included several poems in honour of Cromwell, considered too dangerous for publication until the 18C.
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The best of them, An Horation Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland, reveals the level-headedness of Marvell's response to the great events of his time. It includes the most famous of all descriptions of *Charles I on the scaffold: He nothing common did or mean
Upon that memorable Scene.
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