DANIEL, Samuel, an eminent poet and historian, was born near Taunton in Somersetshire in the year 1562, and educated at Oxford; but leaving that university without a degree, he applied himself to English history and poetry under the patronage of the earl of Pembroke's family. He was afterwards tutor to the lady Anne Clifford; and, upon the death of Spenser, was created poet-laureat to Queen Elizabeth. In King James's reign he was appointed gentleman extraordinary, and afterwards one of the grooms of the privy-chamber to the queen consort, who took great delight in his conversation and writings. He wrote an history of England, several dramatic pieces, and some poems; and died in 1619.