Semi-weekly south Kentuckian. [volume] (Hopkinsville, Ky.) 1883-1889, 1884-10-31

Godfrey Chaucer, who has been liily
styled the Morning Star" of English
poetry, fourished during the reign OF
Edward Ill. He was the son OF vint-
ner Of Thomas street, London. Tho OK
act date of his birth is not known. I'M
lerwood, in his Hand Book of English
Literature" states it to have been about
the year 1898. Stopford Brooks, i'll his
primer of English Literature" says it
is now believed 70 huvc been in 1910.
When 16 years of age he was employed
as page to the wife of tho Duke of Chau-
Ger, and continued at the court till 1859,
when he joined the French army. He
was taken prisoner, but was released in
1850, after which he took no further
share in military enterprise.
He spent most of his time in London,
and received his training from war,
courts, business and travel. He WIS
perfect Observation-Disclosures, SCH
sitive, honest, md full of sympathy
full of active and observant life, and, al
though of quiet disposition, fond of
mirth AMI good living. He married
sister of Katherine Swinford (wife If
John of Gaunt), consequently his family
was one of some importance, although
not of noble birth.
Tie was connected with the court from
1866 to 1872. During this time he be-
gan 70 write. His genius was purely
English, although, during his travels,
llc may have borrowed from the French
and Italian. lie delighted in observing
human nature and natural objects. Moth
ing was more enjoyable to him than to
r,mble alone, on bright spring morn
ing, along the banks Of ripping streams,
through fields OF woods alive with sing
ing birda I'd aglow with beautiful wild
flowers. 1t filed his heart with revel
and solacc. He would spend whole days
among the flowers, admiring their
lcnuty and fragrance and symmetry of
form. lie was the first poet who made
the love of nature distinct element in
poetry. His best works were written
with ease, sincerity and grace, yet so
simply worded that child would under
stand them. His thoughts and feelings
perfectly fit the subject.
Ills first poems were written under
the influence of French poetry, during
what is termed the "French period. .
From 1872 to 1884 is termed his "Ital-
ian Or second poetic period. 1t was
during these years that he went on
missions for the Kings. On his return
from Italy he wrote several poems. The
chief work of this time was n translation
which he stamped with his own tender.
ness and simplicity. Where he changed
or added to translation it was always
on the side of purity and piety.
From 1884 to 1890 is termed his cen
glish" period. During these years he
lived retired life. In his writings he
seemed to throw offall italian and French
Influences His greatest and best work
1.-THE Canterbury Tales" he wrote du
ring this period. The characters art
drawn so wildly and infinitely that the
dress and customs of the age can be re
produced from the poem.
lie died in a house near Westminster
Abbey, and was the first poet buriet
within the walls of the church. Hi
Pure and noble character, his kind ant
friendly disposition, his industry ant
honesty, left an impression on the mine
Of the English people that time col
never efflce, and fame which ever,
true Englishman can speak of with hon
est pride, as being the first great En-
Blish poet.