Speaker

The speaker, as is the case with most poetry, is the central character in this poem. The speaker, who may be closely identified with the poet considering the dedication, is an unnamed figure. He expresses himself in highly educated, literary language. He also seems to be a loyal and passionate friend.

Charles Cotton

Charles Cotton is the subject of the poem, the person to whom the speaker addresses the text. The poem’s emotional core is their loving friendship. Little is said about his character, but the intimacy and meaningfulness of his friendship with the speaker is the poem’s main concern. Charles Cotton is named in the poem’s subtitle. Cotton was a poet and translator, best known for his translation of Montaigne's work from French to English, and from his contribution to The Compleat Angler, a famous fishing manual of its day. He was married twice...