[Text](https://emmo.folger.edu/view/Lb532/semidiplomatic) John Donne’s letter to Sir George More, written in February 1602, was a pivotal moment in the poet’s life. In this letter, Donne revealed his secret marriage to Anne More, Sir George’s teenage daughter[1]. The letter was necessitated by the clandestine nature of their union, which Donne attributed to his inadequate financial status and his belief that he was not held in high regard by Sir George[1]. Donne’s missive was an attempt to explain and justify his actions, acknowledging that his "present estate" was "less than fit for her" and that he "stood not right" in Sir George’s opinion[1]. This admission reflects Donne’s awareness of the social and financial implications of their marriage. The letter’s content and tone were carefully crafted, given the delicate situation and the power dynamics at play. Donne was writing to a man who was not only his new father-in-law but also a prominent figure in the royal court[1]. The stakes were high, as evidenced by the severe consequences that followed: Sir George’s reaction was swift and punitive, resulting in Donne’s dismissal from his job and his brief imprisonment[1][3]. Stylistically, the letter showcases Donne’s characteristic eloquence and rhetorical skill. It employs a mix of humility and justification, attempting to balance his explanation of the marriage with a plea for understanding and forgiveness[2]. The letter’s punctuation and structure, typical of Donne’s prose, reveal a careful and deliberate composition, with the use of colons and semicolons to create nuanced meanings and emphasize certain points[2]. This letter marks a turning point in Donne’s life, effectively ending his hopes for a career in public office and setting him on a path that would eventually lead to his taking Holy Orders in the Church of England[1]. Sources [1] John Donne: Poems, Quotes, Summary & Facts | Vaia <https://www.vaia.com/en-us/explanations/english-literature/poets/john-donne/> [2] Colon and Semi-Colon in Donne’s Prose Letters <https://extra.shu.ac.uk/emls/03-1/rothdonn.html> [3] JOHN DONNE <http://cau.ac.kr/~ssoon/poets/profile/donne.htm>