Of which all Europe rings from side to side, vain mask Content though. blind, had I no better guide. XXIII. ON HIS DECEASED WIFE. 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, tho' pale and faint. Mine, as whom wash'd from spot of child-bed Purification in the old Law did save, [taint And such, as yet once more I trust to have Full sight of her in Heav'n without restraint, Came, vested all in white, pure as her mind: Her face was veil'd, yet to my fancied sight 10 Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shin'd So clear, as in no face with more delight. But O, as to embrace me she inclin'd, I wak'd, she fled, and day brought back my night." 12 rings] So the printed copies before Newton's edition, in which 'talks' is substituted from the MS. instead of 'rings.' The Sonnet thus concluded before Newton's ed. Whereof all Europe rings from side to side. This thought might lead me through this world's vain mask, Content though blind, had I no other guide.' Todd. * The original various readings to the sonnets from the Cambridge MS. may be seen in Mr. Todd's edition of Milton's Poet. Works, (1809,) vol. vi. p. 500—3. PSALMS. PSALM I. DONE INTO VERSE, 1653. BLESS'D is the man who hath not walk'd astray In counsel of the wicked, and i' th' way Of sinners hath not stood, and in the seat Of scorners hath not sat. But in the great Nor sinners in th' assembly of just men. 5 10 For the Lord knows th' upright way of the just, And the way of bad men to ruin must. PSALM II. DONE AUG. 8, 1653. TERZETTI. WHY do the Gentiles tumult, and the nations Muse a vain thing, the kings of th' earth upstand With pow'r, and princes in their congregations Lay deep their plots together through each land Against the Lord and his Messiah dear? 5 Let us break off, say they, by strength of hand Their bonds, and cast from us, no more to wear, Their twisted cords: He who in heav'n doth dwell Shall laugh, the Lord shall scoff them, then severe Speak to them in his wrath, and in his fell And fierce ire trouble them; but I, saith he, Anointed have my King (though ye rebel) On Sion my holy' hill. A firm decree I will declare; the Lord to me hath said Thou art my Son, I have begotten thee This day; ask of me, and the grant is made; As thy possession I on thee bestow 10 15 Th' Heathen, and as thy conquest to be sway'd Earth's utmost bounds: them shalt thou bring full low With iron sceptre bruised, and them disperse And now be wise at length ye Kings averse, If once his wrath take fire like fuel sere. 25 18 Heathen] Warton in both editions reads 'The Heaven.' Todd. That of my life distrustfully thus say, Th' exalter of my head I count; Aloud I cried Unto Jehovah, he full soon replied For my sustain Was the Lord. Of many millions The populous rout I fear not, though encamping round about They pitch against me their pavilions. Rise, Lord, save me my God, for thou Hast smote ere now On the cheek-bone all my foes, Of men abhorr'd Hast broke the teeth. [Lord; This help was from the Thy blessing on thy people flows. 14 my sustain] The verb converted into a substantive. So 'disturb,' in P. L. vi. 549. Todd. PSALM IV. AUG. 10, 1653. ANSWER me when I call, And set at large; now spare, Now pity me, and hear my earnest pray'r. Great ones, how long will ye My glory have in scorn, 5 How long be thus forborne Still to love vanity, To love, to seek, to prize 10 Things false and vain, and nothing else but lies? Yet know the Lord hath chose, Chose to himself apart, The good and meek of heart; (For whom to choose he knows) Jehovah from on high Will hear my voice what time to him I cry. Be aw'd, and do not sin, Speak to your hearts alone, Upon your beds, each one, And be at peace within. Offer the offerings just Of righteousness, and in Jehovah trust. Many there be that say Who yet will show us good? Talking like this world's brood; 15 23 25 |