Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Gifford, Humphrey
GIFFORD, HUMPHREY (fl. 1580), poet, was probably the second son of Anthony Gifford of Halsbury, Devonshire. He published in 1580 ‘A Posie of Gilloflowers, eche differing from other in colour and odour, yet all sweete,’ 4to, of which a copy (supposed to be unique) is preserved in the King's Library, British Museum. One section is in prose, the other in verse. The prose is prefaced by a dedicatory epistle ‘To the worshipfull his very good Maister, Edward Cope of Edon, Esquier,’ whom Gifford describes as ‘the onely maister that euer I serued;’ and the poetry is dedicated ‘To the Worshipfull John Stafford of Bletherwicke, Esquier.’ Little interest attaches to the prose, which chiefly consists of translations from the Italian; but some of the poems (in particular a spirited war song) have merit. The poems, with selections from the prose, have been reprinted by Dr. Grosart in ‘Occasional Issues,’ and again in ‘Miscellanies of the “Fuller Worthies' Library.”’
[Grosart's Introduction to A Posie of Gilloflowers; Ellis's Specimens.]