Anne Bradstreet

Anne Bradstreet was believed to be born in Northampton, England on March 20th, 1612. She is known for being the first female writer in England and also one of the early English writers in North America. Bradstreet was married to Simon when she was 16 years old and together sailed to Massachusetts. Growing up, she was raised pretty well because her family was wealthy. As a result, she received good education and was taught by her father.

Around the year 1647, John Woodbridge (brother-in-law) took her poems without her permission and published them. The poem that was published was called 'The Tenth Muse Lately Sprung Up in America' (posted below). She continued to write poems while she was taking care of her eight children. Later on in her life, her poems were focusing more about her family, death, and habitat. Unfortunately, she passed away on September 16, 1672 due to her health problems.

Some of Anne Bradstreet's Poems

We May Live Together

If ever two were one, then surely we. If ever man were lov'd by wife, then thee. If ever wife was happy in a man, Compare with me, ye women, if you can. I prize thy love more than whole Mines of gold Or all the riches that the East doth hold. My love is such that Rivers cannot quench, Nor ought but love from thee give recompetence. Thy love is such I can no way repay. The heavens reward thee manifold, I pray. Then while we live, in love let's so persever That when we live no more, we may live ever.