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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