While the metaphysical poets were influenced by John Donne, the cavalier poets drew inspiration from Ben Jonson. Jonson, known for his classical approach in both drama and poetry, emulated Horace by writing satires, elegies, epistles, and complimentary verses. Unlike Shakespeare's pastoral and popular songs, Jonson's lyrics were sophisticated, specific, and characterized by intellectual and emotional rationality.
The term 'Cavalier' is somewhat misleading, as it originally referred to royalists during the Civil War, yet it has stuck to these poets. Many followers of Ben Jonson were not royalists, but the label persists. The distinction between Cavalier and Metaphysical poets is not absolute; poets like Carew, Suckling, and Lovelace were disciples of Donne, blurring the lines between the two groups. Both groups departed from the lengthy, old-fashioned works of Spenser, focusing instead on short poems and lyrics exploring themes of love and devotion to God.
While Metaphysical poets delved into serious subjects, Cavalier poets typically explored lighter themes. However, they couldn't entirely escape the influence of Puritan seriousness. Key Cavalier poets include:
- Robert Herrick: Known for his light-hearted and sometimes melancholic poetry, often celebrating rural life and the passage of time.
- Richard Lovelace: A courtier of Charles I, Lovelace's volume of love lyrics, Lucasta, reflects his loyalty to the king and includes poems like "To Lucasta" and "To Althea, from Prison," which are celebrated for their emotional depth.
- Sir John Suckling: Another courtier, Suckling's poetry, though often trivial and written in doggerel verse, reflects the cavalier spirit and the gentlemanly pursuits of his time.
- Thomas Carew: While also associated with the Metaphysical poets, Carew's poetry often explored themes of love and courtly life with elegance and refinement.
Overall, the Cavalier poets represented a lighter, more aristocratic style compared to the metaphysical intensity of their contemporaries, yet they shared common influences and themes, contributing to the rich tapestry of English poetry during the 17th century.