William Congreve - The Old Batchelor: "Uncertainty and expectation are the joys of life. Security is an insipid thing."

The life of William Congreve, born in 1670, reflects a journey from law to literature, marked by his early success as a playwright with "The Old Bachelor" in 1693. His brief but impactful career produced five notable plays between 1693 and 1700. Beyond drama, Congreve engaged in writing librettos, translating classical works, and dabbling in politics, serving as Secretary of the Island of Jamaica. His life ended tragically in 1729 after a carriage accident, leading to his burial in Poets' Corner at Westminster Abbey, cementing his legacy in English literature.