Francis Quarles

Francis Quarles (1592-1644) was an English metaphysical poet.

He was born in Romford; his father was surveyor-general of victualling for the navy. He studied at Christ's College, Cambridge and was admitted to Lincoln's Inn.

He was cupbearer for Elizabeth, daughter of King James I at her wedding in 1613 and then became secretary to Archbishop James Ussher. He married in 1618 and had 18 children.

A fervent royalist and high churchman, he wrote pamphlets in defence of King Charles I, which led to the sequestration of his property by the Roundheads.

His poetical works include A Feast of Wormes (1620), Divine Poems (1630) and Emblems (1635).