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Waller The Courtier-poet


Waller wrote a fine panegyric on Cromwell, when he assumed the

Protectorship. Upon the restoration of Charles, Waller wrote another in

praise of him, and presented it to the King in person. After his Majesty

had read the poem, he told Waller that he wrote a better on Cromwell.

"Please your Majesty," said Waller, like a true courtier, "we poets are

always more happy in fiction than in truth."



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