Edward Dyer

Sir Edward Dyer (1543-1607) was a 16th century English poet and popular member at the court of Queen Elizabeth I. Information about his education is a little unclear, but it seems that he obtained a degree from one of the Oxford colleges. He then travelled abroad before being called back to take up a position at the Royal court. For his literary, as well as civil service efforts, he was knighted in 1596.

A Modest Love

The lowest trees have tops, the ant her gall, 

The fly her spleen, the little sparks their heat; 

The slender hairs cast shadows, though but small, 

And bees have stings, although they be not great; 

Seas have their source, and so have shallow springs; 

And love is love, in beggars as in kings.

Where rivers smoothest run, deep are the fords; 

The dial stirs, yet none perceives it move;

The firmest faith is in the fewest words;

The turtles cannot sing, and yet they love:

True hearts have eyes and ears, no tongues to speak;

They hear and see, and sigh, and then they break. 

— Edward Dyer