Breton, Nicholas (c. 1545-c. 1626)

English poet and satirist. A very versatile writer, he produced many works of poetry, including The Passionate Shepherd (1604). His prose works include Wit's Trenchmour (1597) (about angling) and Strange News out of Divers Countries (1622).

Breton was apparently at Oxford in 1577 and spent some time in the Low Countries. From 1592 he enjoyed the patronage of the Countess of Pembroke, Sir Philip Sidney's sister.

Other works of poetry include A Floorish upon Fancie (1577), The Soul's Heavenly Exercise (1601), and Pasquil's Madcappe (1626). His lyrics, eight of which appear in the miscellany England's Helicon, show both skill and delicacy. Other prose works include A Mad World, My Masters (1603) and Grimello's Fortunes (1604).