Skelton

John (about 1460-1529), an English poet and scholar. He studied at both Oxford and Cambridge. He was in favor with Henry VII, who appointed him tutor to Henry VIII. Erasmus declared him to be the "light and grace" of British scholars. He took holy orders, and was for twenty-five years rector of Diss in Norfolk, although it was said of him that he was "fitter for the stage than for the pew or pulpit." At the time of his entering the church in 1498 he began to write vernacular poetry in a vein peculiarly his own. Chambers describes it as "a flow of rattling, voluble verse, unrestrained satire, and jocularity, and a profusion of grotesque imagery mixed up with Latin and slang phrases." Skelton's most notable works are Colin Clout, a satire on the clergy, and Why Come Ye Not to Court? in which he satirizes Cardinal Wolsey. The Cardinal was so enraged at this poem that Skelton was forced to seek the protection of Abbot Islip in the sanctuary at Westminster, where he remained in seclusion until his death. Skelton was made poet laureate by both universities, as well as by the court, a fact to which he often refers in his writings. Using, as he did, the vernacular, Skelton's work was of importance doubtless in fixing the language. He is said to be the author of the oldest and best drinking song in the English language. This song was introduced into Still's play, Grammer Gurton's Needle. Skelton possessed a powerful intellect, and was one of the most notable scholars of his day. His language is often coarse, his wit rough, his satire abusive. His verse is irregular and unconventional, although showing now and then some hint of beauty and of power in characterization. His own lines describe his poetry faithfully: