Skip to main content

Primary sourceBook1625

The Translation of Certaine Psalmes into English Verse

Francis Bacon · 1625

Francis Bacon's only published verse collection, translating psalms into English verse, written during illness and dedicated to George Herbert.

This is Bacon's own verse translation of psalms, revealing his religious and literary side late in life.

Ask Francis Bacon about this sourceView the original(opens in new tab)
Scanned page of Francis Bacon's 1625 psalm translation in old black-letter-style italic type. Verse lines read 'Alas (said we) who can once force or frame, His grieved and oppressed Heart to sing', and continue with the word 'Iehoua' printed in red.
Francis Bacon, The Translation of Certaine Psalmes into English Verse, 1625.

About this source

What it is

This is Francis Bacon's 1625 printed verse translation of psalms into English, his only published collection of poetry. The scanned page shown uses old black-letter-style italic type typical of the period.

Why it matters

Written during an illness following Bacon's fall from a carriage, this work reveals a more personal, pious side of the philosopher usually known for his scientific and legal writings. Its dedication to George Herbert, a poet and clergyman, connects Bacon to the religious literary circles of his day.

Look closer

  • Why might a man best known for philosophy and law choose to translate psalms into verse?
  • What does the style of printing tell you about books from this period?
  • What might illness or hardship have to do with turning to religious writing?

This book is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Francis Bacon on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

More Francis Bacon sources

Meet the AI Francis Bacon →
Engraved title page of Novum Organum Scientiarum by Francis Bacon, Leiden 1645, showing two classical columns, ships on the sea, and the Latin motto Multi pertransibunt & augebitur scientia.Book

Primary source

Novum Organum

Francis Bacon · 1620

Black and white engraving of a bearded man in 17th-century dress: a tall black hat, a large white lace ruff, and a dark cloak with patterned trim. He stands before a draped curtain with his right hand resting on a draped table.Painting

Secondary source

Portrait Engraving of Francis Bacon, Proof Impression

Title page of a 1696 London edition of Sir Francis Bacon's Essays, Or Councils, Civil and Moral, with a table of the colours of good and evil and a discourse on the wisdom of the ancients. Printed for H. Herringman, R. Scot, R. Chiswell, A. Swalle, and R. Bentley.Book

Primary source

Essays

Francis Bacon · 1597

Black and white engraved portrait of a bearded man with curly hair, wearing a wide-brimmed dark hat, a large white lace collar, and a dark embroidered doublet, against a shaded background. The caption below reads 'LORD BACON'.Painting

Secondary source

Francis Bacon, Engraving by C. Cook after Houbraken

C. Cook after Jacobus Houbraken · 1738

Title page of New Atlantis, printed in old-style typeface: 'NEVV ATLANTIS. A Vvorke vnfinished. Vvritten by the Right Honourable, Francis Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban.' Below the text is a small ornate woodcut frame with a figure and a winged creature.Book

Primary source

New Atlantis

Francis Bacon · 1627

Ready when you are

Start chatting with Francis Bacon now.

20 messages free · No credit card · Available in 50+ languages.

Trial Humy for freeGet a quote for institutions