Robert Bridges, ed. (1844–1930). The Spirit of Man: An Anthology. 1916. | | | | From Comus |
John Milton (1608–1674) |
| | | BEFORE 1 the starry threshold of Joves court | |
| My mansion is, where those immortal shapes | |
| Of bright aëreal Spirits live insphear’d | |
| In Regions mild of calm and sèrene Ayr, | |
| Above the smoak and stirr of this dim spot | 5 |
| Which men call Earth, and with low-thoughted care | |
| Confin’d, and pester’d in this pin-fold here, | |
| Strive to keep up a frail and Feaverish being | |
| Unmindful of the crown that Vertue gives, | |
| After this mortal change, to her true Servants | 10 |
| Amongst the ènthron’d gods on Sainted seats. | |
| Yet som there be that by due steps aspire | |
| To lay their just hands on that Golden Key | |
| That opes the Palace of Eternity: | |
| To such my errand is, and but for such, | 15 |
| I would not soil these pure Ambrosial weeds | |
| With the rank vapours of this Sin-worn mould … | |
| | | Note 1. Milton. The opening lines of ‘Comus’. 1634. The Attendant Spirit prologises. [back] | | |
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