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epigram

(Encyclopedia) epigram, a short, polished, pithy saying, usually in verse, often with a satiric or paradoxical twist at the end. The term was originally applied by the Greeks to the inscriptions on…

Chapman, George

(Encyclopedia) Chapman, George, 1559?–1634, English dramatist, translator, and poet. He is as famous for his plays as for his poetic translations of Homer's Iliad (1612) and Odyssey (1614–15).…

Symonds, John Addington

(Encyclopedia) Symonds, John AddingtonSymonds, John Addingtonsĭmˈənz [key], 1840–93, English author. Educated at Harrow and Oxford, constant ill health exiled him for the greater part of his life to…

humor

(Encyclopedia) humor, according to ancient theory, any of four bodily fluids that determined human health and temperament. Hippocrates postulated that an imbalance among the humors (blood, phlegm,…

Burbage, Richard

(Encyclopedia) Burbage, RichardBurbage, Richardbûrˈbĭj [key], 1567?–1619, first great English actor. The leading tragedian of the Chamberlain's Men, he originated the title roles in Shakespeare's…

Brewer's: Rare Ben

So Shakespeare called Ben Jonson, the dramatist. (1574-1637.) Aubrey says that this inscription on his tablet in the “Poets' Corner,” Westminster Abbey, “was done at the charge of Jack…

Ellesmere, Thomas Egerton, Baron

(Encyclopedia) Ellesmere, Thomas Egerton, Baron, 1540?–1617, jurist and statesman. A distinguished early career at law brought him appointment (1581) as solicitor general, and he became a favorite…

Marston, John

(Encyclopedia) Marston, John, 1576–1634, English satirist and dramatist, b. Oxfordshire, grad. Oxford, 1594. In accordance with his father's wishes he studied law at Middle Temple, but his interests…

D'Avenant, Sir William

(Encyclopedia) D'Avenant or Davenant, Sir WilliamD'Avenant or Davenant, Sir Williamdăvˈənənt [key], 1606–68, English poet, playwright, and theatrical producer. His life and work bridge the gap…

Newcastle, William Cavendish, duke of

(Encyclopedia) Newcastle, William Cavendish, duke of, 1593?–1676, English soldier and politician. Of great wealth, Cavendish became (1638) governor of the prince of Wales and a privy councilor.…