Walter Raleigh was an English explorer, soldier, and writer born around 1552. He is best known for popularizing tobacco in England and for his attempts to establish a colony in North America, particularly the ill-fated Roanoke Colony. Raleigh was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I, who granted him a royal charter to explore and settle new lands. In addition to his exploration efforts, Raleigh was also a poet and wrote several works, including "The Nymph's Reply to the Shepherd." His life took a turn when he fell out of favor with the monarchy, leading to his imprisonment and eventual execution in 1618.