​SHIPTON, WILLIAM (fl. 1659), poet, perhaps identical with William Shipton of Magdalene College, Cambridge, who graduated B.A. in 1660 and M.A. in 1664, was the author of a collection of poetry and prose published by Charles Tyus, at the sign of the Three Bibles, London Bridge, in 1659, under the title of ‘Dia: a poem’ (Brit. Mus.). The introductory portion extends to thirty pages, comprising a dedication ‘to the Truly Noble Edward Trotter Esquire,’ and commendatory verses by ‘Jo. Cooke, Gent., Aulæ Clar.,’ and by Richard Shipton. Besides a series of poems in praise of his mistress Dia, the volume contains elegies on Thomas Shipton ​(who was drowned), on Lord Sheffield, and poems on ‘Gunpowder Treason,’ and on Robert Wilson (a noted musician), and a prose essay entitled ‘Cupid made to see and Love made lovely.’ His poems are full of extravagant and complex metaphors, and his prose is even more fantastic.

E. I. C.