DANIEL, Samuel, an English poet and historian, was born near Taunton, Somersetshire, in 1562, and educated at Oxford; but leaving that university without a degree, he applied himself to literary pursuits. He resided for some time with the family of the Earl of Pembroke, and was afterwards tutor to Lady Anne Clifford. On the death of Spenser, he was created poet-laureate to Queen Elizabeth. During the reign of James he was appointed gentleman extraordinary, and afterwards one of the groom of the privy chamber to the queen consort, who took great delight in his conversation and writings. Daniel died in October 1619. His works, which are numerous, consist mostly of dramatic pieces and poems. Of these the principal is a series of poems from the wars of the Roses. Though soft and pleasing in details, they are generally verbose and languid. His language is pure, and his reflections are just; but the thoughts are too abstract, and lack power to move the imagination or the heart.