Matthew Green (poet) facts for kids

Matthew Green (born 1696, died 1737) was a British poet. He came from a family whose parents had different religious beliefs from the main church. For many years, he worked at the custom house in London. This was a place where taxes were collected on goods coming into the country.

Green was known for his cleverness and wit, just like his poems. There's a fun story about him: The government was going to stop paying for milk for the custom house cats. Green wrote a funny letter from the cats' point of view, asking for the milk to be kept. He won, and the cats got their milk! He never married and passed away in London in 1737.

Who Was Matthew Green?

Matthew Green was a poet who lived in England during the 1700s. He was known for his sharp mind and humorous writing. Even though he didn't write many poems, the ones he did write were very popular.

A Witty Poet and His Job

Green's job at the custom house was important, but he still found time for poetry. People who knew him said he always spoke in a unique and interesting way. He was very different from others around him. This made him stand out.

His Famous Poem: The Spleen

Green's most famous poem is called The Spleen. It was published in 1737, the year he died. Before that, in 1732, he wrote another poem called Grotto. This poem was about Queen Caroline's special grotto (a small cave or garden house) in Richmond.

What is The Spleen About?

The Spleen wasn't originally meant to be published. It was written as a long poem, almost like a letter, to his friend Cuthbert Jackson. In the poem, Green talks about how to be happy and avoid feeling sad or gloomy. He suggests things like being cheerful, getting exercise, and being content with what you have. The poem is full of clever and funny lines.

A famous poet named Thomas Gray once said that Green's poem had "a profusion of wit everywhere." This means it was full of cleverness. Even though he was praised, Green is often remembered for just this one poem. Because of this, some people even called him "Spleen-Green."

Green's Witty Sayings

Matthew Green is perhaps best remembered for some of his short, clever sayings. These are called aphorisms. Here are a few examples from his work:

• "By happy alchemy of mind / They turn to pleasure all they find." (This means happy people can find joy in anything.)
• "Laugh and be well." (A simple reminder to find humor.)
• "Fling but a stone, the giant dies." (From The Spleen, suggesting even small efforts can overcome big problems.)
• "Though pleased to see the dolphins play / I mind my compass and my way." (From The Spleen, meaning it's good to enjoy life, but don't forget your goals.)