Summary:
"Some Longer Elizabethan Poems" by Thomas Seccombe and A. H. Bullen is a collection of extended poetic works from the Elizabethan era, prepared and edited in the late 19th century. This compilation brings together notable poems from prominent poets of the time, including Sir John Davies and Richard Barnfield, showcasing their contributions to English literature and the themes that were significant during the Elizabethan age. The collection not only aims to preserve important poetic works but also provides fresh commentary and arrangement to highlight their collective significance. The opening of the volume begins by emphasizing the careful editorial work done to modernize the texts while retaining their original qualities. It details the first two featured poems, "Orchestra" and "Nosce Teipsum" by Sir John Davies, which explore themes of beauty, dancing, the soul, and human knowledge. Key elements include Davies' intricate descriptions of dancing intertwined with philosophical musings on the nature of existence and knowledge, setting a tone that is both celebratory and contemplative. The introduction provides context about Davies' life and work, establishing his influence and the regard in which his poetry was held, while also hinting at the broader literary landscape of the Elizabethan period. (This is an automatically generated summary.)