O that fire, before whose face

Author: Richard Crashaw

Crashaw, Richard, son of the Rev. William Crashaw, was educated at the Charter House and Pembroke Hall, and Peterhouse, Cambridge. Of the latter college he became a Fellow, and distinguished himself both in Latin and English poetry. In common with many others he was ejected from his Fellowship for refusing the Covenant. Entering the Roman Communion he went to Paris, seeking preferment. Failing for a time, he was assisted by Cowley, the poet, in 1646, and by him recommended to Queen Henrietta Maria, who was then residing in Paris. Under her patronage he travelled in Italy, and subsequently became a Canon in the Church of Loreto. Died in 1650. Prior to his leaving England he wrote his Steps to the Temple, 1646, in which are given versions of… Go to person page >