Phineas Fletcher (1582–1650) was a notable English poet and clergyman of the Jacobean era. Educated at Cambridge, he was the elder brother of the equally famous poet Giles Fletcher the Younger, and cousin to the playwright John Fletcher. 

Fletcher's primary claim to fame rests on his lengthy epic poem, The Purple Island, or the Isle of Man, published in 1633. This elaborate allegory describes the human body and mind as an island fortress, vividly detailing anatomy, physiology, and psychology using complex poetic imagery. 

He also authored many shorter poems, including pastoral verses and religious poetry. Though highly regarded in his time and influential on poets like Milton, his intricate style and dense allegories are now considered less accessible. He spent the latter part of his life serving as a parish priest in Norfolk. 

 
 
Drop, drop, slow tears, 
and bathe those beauteous feet, 
which brought from heaven the news 
and Prince of Peace. 
 
Cease not, wet eyes, 
his mercies to entreat; 
to cry for vengeance, sin 
doth never cease. 
 
In your deep floods, 
drown all my faults and fears; 
nor let his eye see sin, 
but through my tears.