''Astraea Redux'', written by
John Dryden
''
John Dryden (; – ) was an English poet, literary critic, translator, and playwright who in 1668 was appointed England's first Poet Laureate.
He is seen as dominating the literary life of Restoration England to such a point that the per ...
in 1660, is a royalist
panegyric in which Dryden welcomes the new regime of King
Charles II. It is a vivid emotional display that overshadows the cautious ''Heroique Stanzas'' that Dryden composed for
Oliver Cromwell
Oliver Cromwell (25 April 15993 September 1658) was an English politician and military officer who is widely regarded as one of the most important statesmen in English history. He came to prominence during the 1639 to 1651 Wars of the Three K ...
's death. In the former, Dryden apologizes for his allegiance with the Cromwellian government. Dryden was later excused by
Samuel Johnson for this change in allegiance when he wrote, 'if he changed, he changed with the nation.'
The period between Cromwell and the
Restoration
Restoration is the act of restoring something to its original state and may refer to:
* Conservation and restoration of cultural heritage
** Audio restoration
** Film restoration
** Image restoration
** Textile restoration
* Restoration ecology
...
is presented in ''Astraea'' as a time of chaos, and Charles is greeted as a restorer of peace. In the traditional form of the panegyric, Charles is praised for qualities which it is hoped he will attain as well as for those he already possesses, and Dryden recommends that Charles adopt a policy of toleration.
The poem well illustrates Dryden's lifelong commitment to peace and political stability. It also shows that Dryden was looking for a royal patron.
The name of the poem ''Astraea Redux'' is defined in ''
The Nuttall Encyclopaedia
''The'' () is a grammatical article in English, denoting persons or things already mentioned, under discussion, implied or otherwise presumed familiar to listeners, readers, or speakers. It is the definite article in English. ''The'' is the m ...
'' as "an era which piques itself on the return of the reign of justice to the earth."
The poem's title is a reference to Greek goddess
Astraea
Astraea, Astrea or Astria ( grc, Ἀστραία, Astraía; "star-maiden" or "starry night"), in ancient Greek religion, is a daughter of Astraeus and Eos. She is the virgin goddess of justice, innocence, purity and precision. She is closely as ...
, a personification of justice.
References
External links
Text of the poem
1660 poems
Charles II of England
Panegyrics
Poetry by John Dryden
{{UK-poem-stub