COMMENDATORY VERSES, PREFIXED TO THE SECOND EDITION. IN PARADISUM AMISSAM SUMMI POETÆ JOHANNIS MILTONI. Qui legis Amissam Paradisum, grandia magni Terræque, tractusque maris, cœlumque profundum, Et sine fine magis, si quid magis est sine fine, Quantis et quam funestis concurritur iris, Et flammæ vibrant, et vera tonitrua rauco Excidit attonitis mens omnis, et impetus omnis Ad pœnas fugiunt, et, ceu foret Orcus asylum, S. B., M.D ON PARADISE LOST. WHEN I beheld the Poet blind, yet bold, (So Samson groped the temple's posts in spite), The world o'erwhelming to revenge his sight. COMMENDATORY VERSES. Yet, as I read, soon growing less severe, I liked his project, the success did fear— 63 Through that wide field how he his way should find Might hence presume the whole Creation's day Thou hast not missed one thought that could be fit, So that no room is here for writers left, The majesty which through thy work doth reign Draws the devout, deterring the profane. And things divine thou treat'st of in such state At once delight and horror on us seize ; Where could'st thou words of such a compass find? Well might'st thou scorn thy readers to allure With tinkling rime, of thy own sense secure : |