An Introduction to the Prose and Poetical Works of John Milton / Comprising All the Autobiographic Passages in His Works, the More Explicit Presentations of His Ideas of True Liberty.

by John Milton

P. [53]. his naval ruins: an allusion to the destruction of the Spanish armada, in 1588, in the reign of his grandfather, Philip II.

P. [54]. in this land: when Milton wrote this, he must still have been meditating a poem to be based on British history.

Animadversions upon the Remonstrant's Defence, etc.

P. [56]. and thou standing at the door: see introductory remarks on [Lycidas].

The Reason of Church Government urged against Prelaty

P. [57]. Slothful, and ever to be set light by: thou slothful one, and ever, etc.

P. [57]. infancy: not speaking.

P. [58]. preventive: going before, forecasting, anticipative.

P. [58]. equal: impartial, equitable; Lat. æqualis.

P. [58]. the elegant and learned reader: him only Milton addressed, not the common reader. He was no demagogue.