Edmund Spenser - Complaints: "Sleep after toil, port after stormy seas, Ease after war, death after life does greatly please."

Edmund Spenser, born in 1552, is celebrated as one of England's greatest poets, known for his innovative contributions to poetry. His notable works include "The Shepheardes Calender" and the epic "The Faerie Queene," which solidified his reputation among literary giants like Milton and Blake. His experiences in Ireland, particularly during the Siege of Smerwick, influenced his writing, including the controversial "A View of the Present State of Ireland." Spenser's death in 1599 was marked by a poignant tribute from fellow poets, reflecting his profound impact on literature.