
Portrait by Isaac Oliver, 1616
“And who understands? Not me, because if I did I would forgive it all.”
~ John Donne
John Donne was an English poet, scholar, soldier and secretary born into a recusant family, who later became a cleric in the Church of England. Under royal patronage, he was made Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral in London. He is considered the preeminent representative of the metaphysical poets. Wikipedia
Born January 22, 1572, London, United Kingdom
Died March 31, 1631 (age 59 years), London, United Kingdom