Little is known about Baldwin's life, although it is believed that he graduated from Oxford University in 1533. He was well known as a writer, translator and editor — having published numerous books, including many religious works. He was a supporter of the Protestant Reformation, and outspoken in his opposition to the Roman Catholic Church.
In 1555 Baldwin completed A Mirror For Magistrates, which included four of his own poems, but it could not be published during Queen Mary's reign.
Christ To His Spouse
Lo , thou, my love, art fair;
Myself hath made thee so:
Yea, thou art fair indeed,
Wherefore thou shalt not need
In beauty to despair;
For I accept thee so,
--------------For fair.
For fair, because thine eyes
Are like the culvers' white,
Whose simpleness in deed
All others do exceed:
Thy judgement wholly lies
In true sense of sprite
--------------Most wise.
Entry written by D.S. Martin. His latest poetry collection, Conspiracy of Light: Poems Inspired by the Legacy of C.S. Lewis, is available from Wipf & Stock as is his earlier award-winning collection, Poiema.