poliphilo: (Default)
poliphilo ([personal profile] poliphilo) wrote2023-05-08 08:02 am

Carolean Or Caroline

 The adjective for the new era is either "Carolean" or "Caroline". Neither has the resonance of "Elizabethan".

I understand people have been singing "Sweet Caroline" as a love song to the king. Or perhaps they're mocking him. Either way there's a certain lack of seriousness.

The first Carolean era was an age of delightful minor poets- like Robert Herrick and George Herbert- which culminated in a Civil War- the echoes of which are still rolling and rumbling.

The second Carolean era is more commonly referred to as "The Restoration". It was merry. There was a pandemic and London went up in smoke...

I haven't seen any of the new coins with King Charles' head on them. "King Charles' head"- no sooner are the words out than I think of Mr Dick.

Charles I was a twit. Charles II was a canny operator.

As for Charles III...
cmcmck: (Default)

[personal profile] cmcmck 2023-05-08 09:12 am (UTC)(link)
His namesakes I & II were pretty thoroughgoing disasters- I often wonder what made them choose that name for him.