Absalom and Achitophel is a political allegory poem written by John Dryden in 1681. The poem tells the story of the biblical figure of King David and his son Absalom, but it is actually a commentary on the political situation in England at the time. The poem is set during the reign of King Charles II, and it deals with the political crisis that arose when the King's illegitimate son, James Scott, Duke of Monmouth, attempted to overthrow him. Dryden uses the biblical story of Absalom's rebellion against his father to explore the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the dangers of political ambition. The poem is divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the crisis. The first part introduces the main characters and sets the stage for the conflict. The second part deals with the rebellion itself and the various factions that supported it. The third part is a moralistic conclusion that warns of the dangers of political ambition and the importance of loyalty to the rightful ruler.Absalom and Achitophel is a complex and highly allusive poem that requires a good deal of historical and biblical knowledge to fully appreciate. It is also a masterpiece of political satire, as Dryden uses his characters to skewer the various politicians and factions involved in the crisis. The poem is notable for its vivid characterizations, its sharp wit, and its elegant use of language. It remains one of the most important and influential political poems in the English language.Not So The Rest; For Several Mothers Bore To Godlike David, Several Sons Before. But Since Like Slaves His Bed They Did Ascend, No True Succession Could Their Seed Attend. Of All This Numerous Progeny Was None So Beautifull, So Brave As Absalon.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.