Moore, Thomas (1779-1852), an Irish poet, wrote the words for some of the best-loved songs in the English language. They include “Believe Me If All Those Endearing Young Charms,” “The Last Rose of Summer,” and “Oft in the Stilly Night.” Moore wrote much light, serious, and satirical verse, and much prose. His works were as widely read in his day as the works of Lord Byron and Sir Walter Scott. But he is remembered today mostly for his verse set to music.
Moore was born on May 28, 1779, in Dublin and graduated from Trinity College. He studied law for a time in London. His works include a translation of Anacreon’s poems (1800); Lalla Rookh (1817), a romance; and a biography of Byron (1830). Moore died on Feb. 25, 1852.
