Miscellaneous Poems is the collection of Andrew Marvell's verse published in 1681, three years after his death. Known in his lifetime mainly as a politician and satirist, Marvell was revealed by this book as one of the finest lyric poets of the seventeenth century, author of To His Coy Mistress and The Garden.
A posthumous book
The volume was published by a woman who called herself Mary Marvell and claimed to be his widow, a claim that is still debated.
It gathered poems Marvell had written over many years and never published himself.
The lyrics
To His Coy Mistress is a witty argument to a reluctant lady to seize the day. The Garden praises the delights of solitude among plants and trees.
Other poems include The Definition of Love, the mower poems and Upon Appleton House, written for the Fairfax family.
Political verse
The book also contains An Horatian Ode upon Cromwell's Return from Ireland, a balanced and much discussed political poem.
Some poems in praise of Cromwell were removed from most copies, probably for political reasons, after the Restoration.
Anecdotes
Milton's assistant
Marvell worked as an assistant to John Milton in the Latin secretaryship under Cromwell, and is said to have helped protect Milton after the Restoration.
Member for Hull
Marvell was a member of Parliament for his home town of Hull for almost twenty years, and wrote regular letters to his constituents.
Frequently asked questions
When was the collection published?
In 1681.
What is Marvell's most famous poem?
To His Coy Mistress.
What else was Marvell known for?
His career as a member of Parliament and political satirist.