This chapter combines what previously were Chapter IX, focusing on the early seventeenth century, and Chapter X, on Milton and poetry 1603–1660. Some of the content transcends historical dates and covers material from the latter half of the seventeenth century too; in other words, the long seventeenth century. It has seven sections:1. General; 2. Bacon; 3. Browne; 4. Burton; 5. Herbert; 6. Donne; 7. Milton. Sections 1 and 2 are by William Baker; section 3 is by Lucy Gwynn; section 4 is by William Baker; section 5 is by James Doelman; section 6 is by Anne James; section 7 is by David Urban.