English poet and politician. He collaborated with Thomas Norton on
Ferrex and Porrex (1561), afterwards called
Gorboduc. Written in blank verse, this was one of the earliest English tragedies. He also contributed to the influential
Mirror for Magistrates, intended as a continuation of John Lydgate's
Fall of Princes. An influential figure in Elizabeth I's last years, he held offices of Privy Councillor, Lord Steward, and Lord Treasurer.
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