Michael Drayton - Poly-Olbion - Part I: The First Song to The Eighteenth Song

Born in 1563, Michael Drayton emerged as a significant poet during the late 16th and early 17th centuries, known for his diverse works ranging from spiritual poems to historical epics. His early collection, "The Harmony of the Church," faced censorship, yet he continued to gain recognition with "Idea: The Shepherd's Garland" and "The Barons' Wars." Although he contributed to theater, his lasting influence lies in his poetry, including "Poly-Olbion" and "Nimphidia." Drayton's career waned under King James I, but he remains celebrated, buried in Westminster Abbey with a memorial by Ben Jonson.