The Poetical Works of John Milton

the issue would not have been contemplated-to the classical taste and research of Mr. James Boaden, by whom the text has been diligently collated and revised from every existing edition, and whose critical sagacity has enabled him to detect many glaring errors in the established readings to Mr. Allan Cunningham, for his pleasant traditionary notes on "Comus."

With these advantage; enriched by all that scholarship, art, beauty of materials, and elegance of exterior can bestow; this (it may without presumption be named) FIRST COMPLETE AND PERFECT EDITION OF THE POETICAL WORKS OF MILTON is ushered to public approbation and patronage.

3, SAINT JAMES'S SQUARE,

November 1885.

My task, I hear, is done. No call on me
Remains, my mighty labour to conclude.
In sickness, in calamity, in age,

And destitution;-in a foreign clime,

I have gone through my work of sanctity;
Though sometimes by my fear or toil subdued:
And sometimes, dazzled by the heavenly page,
I have sunk lifeless at its rays sublime.
Oft did I pause, and oft despondent turn'd,
Ere yet I entered on the dread career;
But fitfully the flame within me burn'd:

Yet now and then a spirit to mine ear

Came; and thus said, as by a voice from HeavOR —— "Follow thy youthful vow, and thou shalt be forgive ?

GENEVA,

October 1885.

CONTENTS.

LIFE OF MILTON

APPENDIX:-

L MEMORANDA RELATING TO THE FAMILY OF POWELL, OF FOREST HILL, OXFORD-
SHIRE •

II. DESCENDANTS OF MILTON