PEON y CONTRERAS, Jose (pay-own'), Mexican poet, born in Merida, Yucatan, 12 January, 1843. He studied in the university of his native city, and was graduated in medicine in 1862. During his studies he had begun to cultivate poetry, and some of his best lyrical compositions date from that time. In 1860 he published his first epic romance, "La Cruz de Paredon," the subject of which is an ancient tradition of Yucatan. At the same time he tried dramatic composition, and three of his comedies were represented successfully. In 1863 he went to Mexico, and obtained a post as assistant in the Hospital of Jesus. He completed his studies in the University of Mexico, and in 1867 obtained the place of director of the lunatic asylum of San Hipolito, which he still (1888) holds. Dr. Peon has been deputy to congress several times, and senator for Yucatan. Of his lyrical compositions the most noteworthy is "Eros" (Merida, 1860), and of the epic, besides the above-mentioned, the romances of "Petkanche" and "A las Ruinas de Uxmal" (1860), and "La Ruina de Atzcapotzalco," "Moteuczoma," and other historical romances (Mexico, 1865). His dramas include "Maria la Loca," "La Hija del Rey," and "Un Amor de Hernan Cortes."