Samuel Cobb (poet) facts for kids
Samuel Cobb (born 1675, died 1713) was an English poet, writer, and teacher. He was known for his fun, slightly funny poems and his kind, clever personality.
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Samuel Cobb's Life
Samuel was born in London. He became an orphan when he was very young. He went to a school called Christ's Hospital with help from the Lord Mayor's charity. This charity helped children who didn't have much money. He then went to Trinity College, Cambridge with more help. He earned his first degree in 1698 and a master's degree in 1702. After finishing college, he went back to Christ's Hospital to teach. He taught there until he passed away.
Samuel Cobb's Writings
Samuel Cobb was very good at studying old languages like ancient Greek. He taught grammar at Christ's Hospital, and you can see his knowledge in his poems.
Early Poems
His first poem was published in 1694. It was called A Pindarique Ode . . . in Memory of Queen Mary. The next year, he published Bersaba. In 1697, he wrote Pax redux. He wrote several other poems to celebrate royal events. He hoped these poems would help him earn money. He continued this habit with The Female Reign in 1709. This poem was about Queen Anne becoming queen.
Famous Works
His most famous poem was Poetae Britannici, written in 1700. This poem looked at earlier English poetry. It had a light style and clear words. Later writers like John Nichols thought it was amazing.
Humor and Translations
Samuel Cobb also enjoyed writing funny things. In 1707, he wrote Discourse on Criticism and the Liberty of Writing. In this work, he said that writers should be free to create. He also wrote Mouse-Trap in 1708.
Cobb translated The Miller's Tale by Chaucer in 1712. His translation was very popular. It helped people in the 1700s understand Chaucer's work. He also worked with John Ozell and Nicholas Rowe. Together, they translated The Works of Lucian between 1710 and 1711.
Samuel Cobb's Death
We do not know how Samuel Cobb died. He was buried at his old school, Christ's Hospital.
