Robert Parry (poet) facts for kids

Robert Parry (born in 1540, died in 1612) was a writer from Wales. He wrote poems, adventure stories, and translated books. He is famous for his adventure novel Moderatus and a book of poems called Sinetes Passions. Some people even think his poems might have inspired William Shakespeare's sonnets!

Robert Parry's Life

His Early Years

Robert Parry came from a well-known family in Denbighshire, Wales. His father was Harry ap Robert. Robert Parry married Dorothy, the daughter of John Wynn Panton. He was supported by Sir John Salusbury. Sir John was a local leader who helped a group of poets. These poets enjoyed writing special kinds of poems.

His Travels and Diary

Robert Parry kept a diary, which is like a personal journal. This diary is very helpful today! It tells us a lot about life in Wales during the time of Queen Elizabeth I. It also shows that he traveled a lot. He often visited London, the capital city. In the year 1600, he even went to Italy and stayed there for six months.

Robert Parry's Writings

Moderatus: An Adventure Story

In 1595, Robert Parry published an adventure novel. It was called Moderatus, the most delectable and famous Historie of the Black Knight. This story is about a knight named Moderatus. He learns important lessons through challenges and mistakes. His loyal friend, Priscius, helps him along the way. Parry dedicated this book to Henry Townshend. Henry Townshend was a judge in the area.

Helping with Translations

People believe that Robert Parry was the "R.P." who helped with a Spanish book. The book was called Espejo de Principe y Cavalleros. It was translated into English as Mirrour of Princely Deeds and Knighthood. It seems he might have taken over from Margaret Tyler to translate the second part of this book.

Sinetes Passions: His Poems

Robert Parry also wrote a book of poems. Its full title is quite long: "Sinetes passions vppon his fortunes offered for an incense at the shrine of the ladies which guided his distempered thoughtes. The patrons patheticall posies, sonets, maddrigals, and rowndelayes. Together with Sinetes dompe".

The main part of the book has 46 poems called "passions." These poems are about feelings of love and sometimes sadness. Some experts think that the "patron's pathetical posies" might be poems by Sir John Salusbury. However, others believe they are also by Parry. His poems often used a lot of alliteration, which is when words close together start with the same sound.

Robert Parry and Shakespeare

Two researchers, Katherine Duncan-Jones and Henry Woudhuyson, have studied Parry's poems. They think that William Shakespeare might have known Parry's work. They found similar words and phrases in Parry's poems and Shakespeare's famous sonnets. This suggests that Parry's writing could have influenced one of the greatest writers in history!