"A Dialogue between Old England and New"
By
Anne Bradstreet
Transcription, correction, editorial commentary, and markup by Staff and Research Assistants at The University of Virginia, John O'Brien, Sara Brunstetter
Troubles1642 marked the start of the English Civil War, a long and violent power conflict between the Royalist forces loyal to the Start monarchy headed by Charles I, and Parliamentary forces. The War would eventually end with the defeat of the Royalists and the execution of Charles, which took place in 1649. At the time of the writing of this poem (which might not have been exactly in 1642, but was probably pretty close to it), the outcome was undecided, but the fact that England had fallen into civil conflict was already reason for lamentation.
[Title Page]
SEVERAL
POEMS
Compiled with great variety of Wit and
Learning, full of Delight;
Wherein especially is contained a compleat
Discourse, and Description of
The Four { ELEMENTS
CONSTITUTIONS,
AGES of Man,
SEASONS of the Year.
Together with an exact Epitome of
the three first Monarchyes
Viz, The { ASSYRIAN,
PERSIAN,
GRECIAN.
And beginning of the Romane Common-wealth
to the end of their last King:
With diverse other pleasant & serious Poems,
By a Gentlewoman in New-England.
The second Edition, Corrected by the Author,
and enlarged by an Addition of several other
Poems found amongst her Papers
after her Death.
Boston, Printed by John Foster, 1678.
POEMS
Compiled with great variety of Wit and
Learning, full of Delight;
Wherein especially is contained a compleat
Discourse, and Description of
The Four { ELEMENTS
CONSTITUTIONS,
AGES of Man,
SEASONS of the Year.
Together with an exact Epitome of
the three first Monarchyes
Viz, The { ASSYRIAN,
PERSIAN,
GRECIAN.
And beginning of the Romane Common-wealth
to the end of their last King:
With diverse other pleasant & serious Poems,
By a Gentlewoman in New-England.
The second Edition, Corrected by the Author,
and enlarged by an Addition of several other
Poems found amongst her Papers
after her Death.
Boston, Printed by John Foster, 1678.