466 Savoure no more then the behove shalle: rede wel thyself that other folke canst rede, CHORUS OF SATYRS-ULYSSES AY I, as in libations to a God, G. CHAUCER Ch. Mshare in the blinding him with the red brand? I would have some communion in his death. if, like a wasp's nest I could scoop the eye out the dear companions who sailed here with me. P. B. SHELLEY 467 BELIAL DISSUADING WAR for the recovery OF HEAVEN SHALL we then, the race of re HALL we then live thus vile, the race of Heaven chains and these torments? better these than worse, by my advice; since fate inevitable subdues us, and omnipotent decree, the victor's will. To suffer as to do, our strength is equal, nor the law unjust 468 469 besides what hope the never-ending flight of future days may bring, what chance, what change worth waiting. ON HIS DECEASED WIFE J. MILTON METHOUGHT I saw my late-espoused saint brought to me like Alcestis from the grave, whom Jove's great son to her glad husband gave, rescued from death by force, though pale and faint. Mine, as whom washed from spot of child-bed taint purification in the Old Law did save, and such, as yet once more I trust to have full sight of her in Heaven without restraint, came vested all in white, pure as her mind. Her face was veil'd, yet to my fancied sight love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shined so clear, as in no face with more delight. But oh! as to embrace me she inclined, I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night. Com. WH Lad. COMUS-LADY J. MILTON HAT chance, good Lady, hath bereft you thus? Com. Could that divide you from near-ushering guides? Com. By falsehood, or discourtesy, or why? Lad. To seek i' the valley some cool friendly spring. Com. And left your fair side all unguarded, Lady? Lad. How easy my misfortune is to hit! Com. Imports their loss, beside the present need? Lad. No less than if I should my brothers lose. Com. Were they of manly prime, or youthful bloom? Lad. As smooth as Hebe's their unrazored lips. 470 Com. Two such I saw, what time the laboured ox in his loose traces from the furrow came, and the swinked hedger at his supper sat; I saw them, under a green mantling vine that crawls along the side of yon small hill, plucking ripe clusters from the tender shoots; 471 472 Their port was more than human as they stood; of some gay creatures of the element, that in the colours of the rainbow live, and play i' the plighted clouds. I was awe-struck, J. MILTON MERCY `HE quality of mercy is not strain’d,— heaven upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd,— wherein doth sit the dread and fear of kings: it is an attribute to God himself; and earthly power doth then shew likest God's W. SHAKESPEARE CASTABELLA SOLICITING THE MERCY OF D'AMVILLE IN FAVOUR OF CHARLEMONT FATHER! Mercy is an attribute as high as justice; an essential part in goodness. Rich men should transcend the poor, the sun to water dry and barren grounds. C. TOURNEUR ET, yet endure, nor murmur, oh, my soul! berless? Do they not cover thee like rising floods, The hireling thus to see the shadows rise, and be dismissed. N. ROWE 474 ADAM'S COMFORT OF EVE AFTER Hearing her BE RELATE HER DREAM E not disheartened then, nor cloud those looks, that wont to be more cheerful and serene, than when fair Morning first smiles on the world; and let us to our fresh employments rise, among the groves, the fountains, and the flowers that open now their choicest bosomed smells, reserved from night, and kept for thee in store. So cheered he his fair spouse, and she was cheered, but silently a gentle tear let fall from either eye, and wiped them with her hair. WH HEN, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes, and trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, 476 featured like him, like him with friends possessed, W. SHAKESPEARE SAMSON'S RESOLUTION TO OBEY THE SUMMONS B RETHREN, farewell. Your company along I will not wish, lest it perhaps offend them to see me girt with friends; and how the sight of me, as of a common enemy, so dreaded once, may now exasperate them, J. MILTON 477 WISDOM AND STRENGTH LAS, my soul's ill-married to my body! beloved could I but breathe myself into Adrastus, but fortune will have nothing done that's great, and straight grew famous-a mad boisterous fool: |