Possible Clues:

• John —, first Poet Laureate
• 17th-century English poet
• Be unable to say lines and almost disown poet
• John —, English 17th-cent. poet/dramatist
• Poet wanting a drink before study
• Remove damp from study for old poet
• Poet providing unexciting study
• English Restoration poet
• John --, Poet Laureate (1668-1689)
• Poet from German city, unknown for love lyrics ultimately