Selected poems from Pierre de Ronsard

Pierre de Ronsard, born in September 1524 at the Château de la Possonnière, near Couture-sur-Loir, was a pivotal French Renaissance poet. His father, Loys de Ronsard, a knight and butler to the Dauphin, and mother, Jeanne Chaudrier, are believed to have descended from an Eastern European lineage. His early years were marked by his father's absence due to military duties and his formative education under the influence of his uncle, the archdeacon of Navarre.

Ronsard's career began as a diplomat, serving as a page to the dauphin François and later with Charles, Duke of Orléans. His time in Scotland, London, and Flanders opened him to poetic influences. Following an illness that left him partially deaf and derailed his diplomatic prospects, he turned to composition.

Under Jean Dorat's guidance, Ronsard delved into Greek literature and classical poetic styles, which profoundly influenced his work. He became a central figure in the Pléiade, a literary movement that sought to elevate French literature to the standards of Greek and Latin.

Ronsard's literary journey began with the “Odes” (1550), displaying his mastery of the form. His works such as 'Les Amours de Cassandre' (1552) and 'Sonnets pour Hélène' (1578) displayed his lyrical prowess. He also ventured into political and religious themes, notably during the Wars of Religion, aligning with the Catholic Church.

Acclaimed as the "Prince of Poets," Ronsard's influence extended to the court, serving under kings Henry II, Charles IX, and Henri III. His later years saw a shifting away from the elaborate style of his early works towards a more moralistic and philosophical approach.

Ronsard's health declined in his final years, but he continued to revise and publish his works, striving for simplicity and clarity. He died on December 27, 1585, at the Prieuré Saint-Cosme de Tours, leaving a lasting impact on French literature.

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