"The Scrutiny" or "The Scrutinie", in its older English form, is a poem written by the English poet Richard Lovelace. The year of publication of this particular poem is unknown, but Richard Lovelace wrote poems throughout his entire life, which lasted only 40 years beginning in 1617, for he had always had an interest for fine literature.
Many people look upon the poems of Lovelace today as those of typical old-style writing, with "fancy" words and about love. However, Lovelace's style was quite different from other poets at his time. In the 17th century, the vast majority of poems had a theme of love, but Lovelace's added a bit of a playful perk to them. In "The Scrutiny", for example, a bit of playful humor is added to the situation of the narrator asking his lover if he can be with other woman. "To Althea, From Prison" also takes a different idea and builds upon it, as most poets wouldn't think to write a poem from that setting.
Richard Lovelace was an English poet born in December of 1617, and is best known for his work, "To Althea, From Prison". Fighting for the King in the English Civil War, Lovelace earned the respect of the royal family of his country. However, this respect was lost when Lovelace started a petition against the government, and he landed in prison. His most famous work was based on that experience, and he was imprisoned again later in life. Lovelace passed away in 1657.
