Henry King's poetry offers a glimpse into the life and times that shaped him. Born in 1592, he was the eldest son of John King, a respected Anglican cleric and bishop of London, who envisioned a clerical path for all his sons. Henry's education and relationships with prominent figures like John Donne deeply influenced both his career and literary work.

Early Education and Influences

Growing up as the eldest of five, Henry King was afforded an education that prepared him for a scholarly life. His early years were spent at Westminster School, a training ground for many notable figures, including Ben Jonson. At Westminster, King honed his skills in classical studies and versification. Following his education there, he proceeded to Oxford University, where he earned several degrees: a Bachelor's in 1611, a Master's in 1614, and later, in 1625, advanced degrees in divinity.

Connections with Prominent Figures

Being the son of an eminent clergyman opened doors for King to mingle with leading churchmen and courtiers of the era. Among them was John Donne, a close friend of his father. Donne took a liking to Henry, and their friendship blossomed. In 1616, Henry was appointed as Prebendary of St. Paul’s Church, an establishment that Donne would later head as dean. Their bond was so deep that Donne entrusted King as his legal executor before his death in 1631. Henry's tribute to his friend came in the form of a poignant elegy, "Upon the Death of my ever Desired friend Dr. Donne Deane of Pauls."

Philosophical and Poetic Foundations

King's poetry and worldview were deeply influenced by his father, his education, and his association with Donne. He lived a life rooted in religious conviction and loyalty to the Church and Crown, which were, for him, the pillars of God's order on Earth. Even profound personal losses, such as the death of his wife in 1624, did not shake his faith. His poetry, especially "The Exequy," reflects his personal grief but also his firm belief in the soul's triumph over mortality.

Loyalty During Tumultuous Times

King's unwavering loyalty to the monarchy and the Anglican Church came at a personal cost during England's civil upheavals. In 1643, the triumph of Parliamentary forces led to his expulsion from the bishopric of Chichester, a role he had held for only a year. Stripped of possessions and forced to live in modest circumstances, King endured until the monarchy was restored with Charles II. During his years in exile, he penned fervent Royalist poems, including elegies mourning the execution of Charles I, such as "A Deepe Groane, fetch’d at the Funerall of that incomparable and Glorious Monarch" and "An elegy upon the most Incomparable King Charls the First."

The Essence of King's Poetry

Despite his strong beliefs, King's poetry is remarkably exploratory rather than dogmatic. His academic depth and faith expressed themselves through a spirit of inquiry. Much like Donne, King relished in exploring ideas with language and metaphor, uncovering connections between seemingly disparate concepts. When King took a stance, he illustrated it with care and creativity, inviting readers to journey alongside him in understanding. His concise body of work provides insights into his character, revealing not just what he thought but how he thought, engaging readers in a shared exploration of his experiences and convictions.