The English Court

Scholars of early modern English politics often refer to the "To Sir Henry Wotton" verse letter as an example of John Donne's political activism. While Donne is not a poet traditionally studied for his involvement in or commentary on the English government, this particular letter offers a critical look at the court under Elizabeth I. Far from a criticism of the queen herself – such a text would have been a risky one to write, as it would have bordered on treason – Donne's letter to his friend is more concerned with the courtly atmosphere of ambition, self-interest, and flattery. More often than not, these qualities were attributed to people under Elizabeth I, even those who worked closely alongside her. In many ways, Donne's criticism of ambitious men seems to predict the Essex Rebellion that eventually led to Robert Devereux's execution.

Donne argues that courts are...