Richard Crashaw

Richard Crashaw (1613?-49), English poet of the metaphysical school. He was born in London, the son of a Puritan clergyman, and educated at the University of Cambridge. He entered the Roman Catholic church in 1646 and thereafter lived in exile on the Continent. He devoted himself to writing poetry on metaphysical and religious subjects in an ornate, highly emotional style. His most important poetic work is Steps to the Temple (1646). Carmen Deo Nostro (Native Song), published posthumously in 1652, contains many of his early poems as well as previously unpublished work.