Definition
Patrick Cary (c. 1623 – 1657) was an English poet and translator of the early modern period, noted for his contributions to 17th‑century lyric poetry and for his translations of classical texts.
Overview
Cary was born into the prominent Cary family, which held estates in Devon and had a long history of political and literary involvement. He entered Trinity College, Oxford, in the early 1640s, where he studied classical literature and rhetoric. After completing his education, Cary spent several years travelling in continental Europe, during which he deepened his familiarity with Latin and Greek sources.
His literary output consists primarily of lyric poems and occasional verse, many of which were circulated in manuscript form among his contemporaries. Cary also produced English translations of selected passages from Ovid and Horace, reflecting the humanist interests of his era. Though his works were not widely printed during his lifetime, they were later included in anthologies of minor Restoration poets.
Cary died relatively young, around the age of thirty‑four, and left a modest but recognizable legacy within the niche of early modern English poetry.
Etymology / Origin
- Patrick: Derived from the Latin name Patricius, meaning “nobleman” or “patrician.” The name became common in the British Isles through the veneration of Saint Patrick.
- Cary: A surname of Anglo‑Norman origin, historically associated with the Cary family of Devon. The name likely derives from a place‑name element meaning “fort” or “castle” (from Old English cær).
Characteristics
- Literary Style: Cary’s poetry exhibits the smooth, polished diction typical of the Cavalier poets, with an emphasis on courtly love, personal reflection, and occasional moral contemplation.
- Form: He favored the sonnet and the heroic couplet, employing classical allusion and occasional archaic language to convey erudition.
- Translation Approach: In his renditions of Ovid and Horace, Cary aimed for a balance between literal fidelity and poetic fluency, preserving the meter where feasible while adapting cultural references for an English audience.
- Manuscript Circulation: Much of Cary’s work survived in handwritten copies exchanged among a limited network of poets and patrons, a common practice before the expansion of commercial printing.
Related Topics
- 17th‑century English poetry
- Cavalier poets
- Translation of classical literature in Early Modern England
- The Cary family of Devon
- Manuscript culture in the English Renaissance
Note: While Patrick Cary is referenced in several scholarly works on minor Restoration poets, detailed biographical information remains limited, and much of his oeuvre survives only in manuscript form.