Historical reference: Do not rely on this information. It is very old. About this collection
Browne, William, poet, was born in 1591 at Tavistock. While still only twenty-two he published book i. of Britannia's Pastorals, which was well received, and still holds a distinguished place in English poetry. His next leading production was The Shepherd's Pipe, which appeared in 1614. Regarding Browne's life little is known. In 1624 he became tutor to Robert Dormer, Earl of Carnarvon, and subsequently entered the family of the Herberts at Wilton, where he "got wealth and purchased an estate." He died about 1640 at Dorking.