HARINGTON, SIR JOHN (156i-1612), English writer, Elizabeth's godson, was born at Kelston, near Bath. He studied at Eton and at Christ's college, Cambridge, and c. 1583 was entered at Lincoln's Inn, London. Tradition relates that he translated the story of Giocondo from Ariosto and was reproved by the queen for acquainting her ladies with so indiscreet a selec tion. He was ordered to retire to his seat at Kelston to complete the translation of the entire work. Orlando Furioso in English heroical verse was published in 1591 (reprinted 1607 and Harington was high sheriff of Somerset in 1592. In 1596 The Metamorphosis of Ajax (reprinted 1927), An Anatomie of the .Metamorphosed Ajax, and Ulysses upon Ajax, were published in succession, the three forming collectively a very absurd and inde corous work of a Pantagruelistic kind. An allusion to Leicester in this book threw the writer into temporary disgrace, but in 1598 he received a commission to serve in Ireland under Essex. He was knighted on the field, to the annoyance of Elizabeth. Harington saved himself from being involved in Essex's disgrace by writing an account of the Irish campaign (printed as Nugae Antiquae, volume 1, see below) which increased Elizabeth's anger against the unfortunate earl. Among some papers found in the chapter library at York was a Tract on the Succession to the Crown (16o2 ), written by Harington to secure the favour of the new king. In 16o5 he even asked for the office of chancellor of Ireland and proposed himself as archbishop in a document known as A Short View of the State of Ireland written in 1605 (pr. 1879), advocating a policy of generosity and conciliation.
Harington died at Kelston on Nov. 2o, 1612. His Epigrams were printed in a collection entitled Alcilia in 1613, and separately in 1615. His works include The Englishman's Doctor, Or the School of Salerne (1608, reprinted 1922), and Nugae Antiquae miscellaneous papers collected in 1779.
A biographical account of Harington is prefixed to the Roxburghe Club edition by C. Markham (188o) of his tract on the succession mentioned above.