466 Ch. VI. Ch. Savoure no more then the behove shalle: rede wel thyself that other folke canst rede, M CHORUS OF SATYRS-ULYSSES AY I, as in libations to a God, share in the blinding him with the red brand? I would have some communion in his death. Doubtless; the brand is a great brand to hold. Oh! I would lift an hundred waggon-loads if, like a wasp's nest I could scoop the eye out of that detested Cyclops. Ul. Silence now! Ye know the close device-and when I call, look ye obey the masters of the craft. I will not save myself and leave behind my comrades in the cave; I might escape, having got clear from that obscure recess, but 'twere unjust to leave in jeopardy the dear companions who sailed here with me. P. B. SHELLEY 467 BELIAL DISSUADING WAR for the recOVERY OF HEAVEN HALL we then live thus vile, the race of Heaven S'thus trampled, thus expelled to suffer here 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 besides what hope the never-ending flight of future days may bring, what chance, what change worth waiting. ΜΕ ON HIS DECEASED WIFE J. MILTON ETHOUGHT I saw my late-espouséd 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. J. MILTON 469 Com. WHAT COMUS-LADY ́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. Imports their loss, beside the present need? 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, and as I past, I worshiped. If those you seek, MERCY J. MILTON "HE quality of mercy is not strain'd,— THE it droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven 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, as clouds the earth, rais'd by the comfort of the sun to water dry and barren grounds. C. TOURNEUR 473 YET, JANE SHORE ET, yet endure, nor murmur, oh, my soul! Do they not cover thee like rising floods, to see the shadows rise, and be dismissed. N. ROWE 474 ADAM'S comfort of eve after hearing her 475 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. SONNET WHEN, in disgrace with fortune and men's eyes, all alone beweep my outcast state, and trouble deaf heaven with my bootless cries, featured like him, like him with friends possessed, W. SHAKESPEARE 476 SAMSON'S resolution tO OBEY THE SUMMONS 477 OF THE PHILISTINES RETHREN, farewell. Your company along it to see me girt with friends; and how the sight so dreaded once, may now exasperate them, WISDOM AND STRENGTH J. MILTON LAS, my soul's ill-married to my body! ALA I would be young, be handsome, be beloved— could I but breathe myself into Adrastus, were but my soul in Edipus, I were a king; but fortune will have nothing done that's great, and straight grew famous-a mad boisterous fool: |