Edward Sherburne
Edward Sherburne was an English poet and translator, born on September 18, 1616, in London. Coming from a family with a military background, his father was the chief clerk of the ordnance, and Sherburne received a classical education under notable tutors such as Thomas Farnaby and Charles Aleyn. His literary career began in earnest in 1648 with translations of works by Seneca, including "Seneca's Answer to Lucilius" and "Medea," both of which reflected the political dynamics of the time. Sherburne formed a significant intellectual partnership with the poet Thomas Stanley, contributing to Stanley's 1647 collection of poetry. His own poetic works were compiled in various volumes, showcasing both translations and original compositions. Despite his literary achievements, Sherburne's later years were marked by hardship, culminating in poverty before his death on November 4, 1702. In recognition of his contributions to literature, he was knighted by Charles II in 1683, and he is remembered for his artistic impact on the field of translation.
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Edward Sherburne
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- Born: September 18, 1616
- Birthplace: London, England
- Died: November 4, 1702
Biography
Edward Sherburne was born September 18, 1616, in London, England. His father, also named Edward Sherburne, was chief clerk of the ordnance and was in charge of military supplies. His mother was Frances Stanley Sherburne. He had a twin brother, John, who also pursued literary interests. Sherburne was educated by the classicist Thomas Farnaby, a neighbor, alongside other neighboring aristocratic boys. Upon Farnaby’s retirement in 1634, Sherburne was privately tutored by Charles Aleyn.
When his father died in 1941, Sherburne assumed his father’s position as clerk of the ordnance and took up residence in the Tower of London; however, as a Catholic and a Royalist, he lost and regained his position according to the political climate. In 1646, he began a lifelong relationship with the poet Thomas Stanley, a distant relation. The two men worked closely in their intellectual and literary pursuits. Several of Sherburne’s poems were included in Stanley’s 1947 volume, Poems and Translations.
Sherburne’s literary career began in 1648 with his translation of Seneca. The volume, titled Seneca’s Answer to Lucilius his Quaere: Why Good Men Suffer Misfortunes Seeing There Is a Divine Providence? Written Originally in Latine Prose, and Now Translated into English Verse, By E. S. Esq., is marked with political overtones. The same year, he published an additional translation, Medea: A Tragedie, Written in Latine by Lucius Annaeus, Seneca, English’d by E. S. Esq., with Annotations. His third volume, Poems and Translations Amorous, Lusory, Morall, Divine, published in 1651, includes both translated and original poetry.
Sherburne was knighted by Charles II in 1683. He spent the end of his life in poverty and died November 4, 1702. He is recognized for the artistry he brought to the field of translation.