The Poetical Works of John Milton

As one whose footsteps by some ancient stream,
Tibur, or old Ilissus, chance upturn,
Of time forgotten, sculptur'd trunk or urn,
Work of the Phidian chisel, as may seem
Inimitable; straight as from a dream
Waketh, nor hasteneth onward, till he learn,
Wondering, each grace, each beauty :-so did burn
My heart, when first by thee disclos'd, the gleam
It caught of Milton's page, by envious crime
Forgotten or deform'd. Oh! well hast thou
And fitliest, paid the debt, though late, that prime
And holy song1 requiting, by old time
Remember'd, which twin-lustre sheds e'en now
On thee and elder WINTON's mitred brow.

Benhall, Nov. 1831.

1 See Miltoni Eleg. in Obitum Præs. Wintoniensis.

J. M.

Books

The Poetical Works of John Milton, Volume 1