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Ludovico Ariosto

The great Italian poet Ludovico Ariosto was born in the city-state of Reggio Emilia on September 8, 1474. His father, Niccolo Ariosto, was captain of the guard in charge of the region. He was a stern man who denied

Lover's Prison, The

by Ludovico Ariosto (1474–1533)

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O lucky prison, blithe captivity,

Where neither out of rage, nor out of spite,

But bound by love, and charity's sweet might,

She has me fast,—my lovely enemy!

Others, at turning of their prison key,

Sadden; I triumph; since I have in sight

Not death, but life; not suffering, but delight;

Nor law severe, nor judge that hears no plea;

But gatherings to the heart, but wilful blisses,

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Poets Book of Days

September 8

Francis Quarles died, 1644

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Poetry Trivia

Question:

Who was the first Poet Laureate of the United States?

Answer

Joseph Auslander was the Library of Congress's first "Consultant in Poetry," from 1937-1941. In 1986, Robert Penn Warren held the position after it was retitled "Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry."

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