Sir Walter Raleigh

Sir Walter Raleigh (1554-1618) was an English writer, explorer, soldier, spy, knight, and courtier who rose to prominence in the court of Queen Elizabeth I.

During his life, Raleigh popularized tobacco in England, fought in a number of battles, was charged with treason, and married one of the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting in secret. He also led several expeditions to the Americas and was instrumental in the founding of Roanoke. He was eventually executed by King James I.

Raleigh’s best known poem is “The Nymph’s Reply to the Shepherd,” written in response to Christopher Marlowe’s 1599 “The Passionate Shepherd to His Love.” The poems are two early examples of English pastorals.