Robert Southwell
1561-1595 16th century
Poetry as the breathing of faith, and gentleness kept under duress.
Who was Robert Southwell?
Born in Norfolk, he left England at fifteen to be trained at Douai and then in Rome, where he entered the Jesuits. He returned secretly in 1586 to the English Catholics and lived six years hidden from house to house, writing poems that were copied by hand. Arrested in 1592, repeatedly tortured, held three years in prison, he was executed at Tyburn at thirty-three.
In their own words
As I in hoary winter's night stood shivering in the snow, surpris'd I was with sudden heat which made my heart to glow.
Alas, quoth he, but newly born, in fiery heats I fry, yet none approach to warm their hearts or feel my fire but I.
The lopped tree in time may grow again, most naked plants renew both fruit and flower.
Not always fall of leaf, nor ever spring, no endless night, yet not eternal day.