James Shirley’s first poem, Echo, or the Unfortunate Lovers was published in 1618. For eighteen years he was a prolific writer for the stage, producing more than thirty regular plays, tragedies, comedies, and tragicomedies until a stop was put to his occupation by the Puritan edict of 1642. He and his second wife died of fright and exposure after the Great Fire of London.
More By This Poet
The Glories of Our Blood and State
The glories of our blood and state
Are shadows, not substantial things;
There is no armour against Fate;
Death lays his icy hand on kings:
Sceptre and Crown
Must tumble down,
And in the dust be equal...