Introduction to the poem
Shakespeare’s poem now known as “The Phoenix and Turtle” (or as “The Phoenix and the Turtle”) appears to be his only occasional poem. It was first printed without any title as one of a handful of additional poems in Robert Chester’s 1601 Loves Martyr or, Rosalins Complaint. Allegorically shadowing the truth of Loue, in the constant Fate of the Phoenix and Turtle. At the end of Chester’s long poem we find Shakespeare’s contribution above his name, “William Shake-speare”; included with it, besides some anonymous pieces, are poems by three other contemporary dramatists and poets: John Marston, George Chapman, and Ben Jonson. These poems are collected after a title page that reads “Hereafter Follow Diverse Poeticall Essaies on the former Subiect; viz: the Turtle and Phoenix. Done by the best and chiefest of our moderne writers, with their names subscribed to their particular workes: neuer before extant. And (now first) consecrated by them all generally, to the loue and merite of the true-noble Knight, Sir Iohn Salisburie.”
The Folger Shakespeare
Our bestselling editions of Shakespeare's plays and poems
Hearts remote yet not asunder,
Distance and no space was seen
Beauty, truth, and rarity,
Grace in all simplicity,
Here enclosed, in cinders lie.
“The Phoenix and Turtle” in our collection
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Essays and resources from The Folger Shakespeare
The Phoenix and Turtle
Learn more about Shakespeare, his poem, and its history.
Shakespeare’s Life
An essay about Shakespeare and the time in which he lived
About Shakespeare’s The Phoenix and Turtle
An introduction to the themes and interpretations of the poem
An Introduction to This Text
A description of the publishing history of the poem and our editors’ approach to this edition
Further Reading
Suggestions from our experts on where to learn more
Teaching “The Phoenix and Turtle”
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The Key to Getting ALL Students Understanding and Interpreting Complex Texts
The Key to Getting ALL Students Understanding and Interpreting Complex Texts
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The First Week of School: Literature Line Toss
The First Week of School: Literature Line Toss
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The Monologue Project
The Monologue Project
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