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. [74]. ἀπειροκαλία: ignorance of the beautiful, want of taste or sensibility (Liddell and Scott).

P. [75]. elegiac poets, whereof the schools are not scarce: i.e. they are much read in the schools.

P. [75]. numerous: in poetic numbers; 'in prose or numerous verse.'—P. L., v. 150.

P. [75]. For that: because.

P. [75]. severe: serious.

P. [76]. the two famous renowners of Beatrice and Laura: Dante and Petrarch.

P. [76]. though not in the title-page: an allusion to his opponent's 'A Modest Confutation.'

P. [78]. Corinthian: licentious, Corinth having been noted for its licentiousness.

P. [78]. the precepts of the Christian religion: J. A. St. John quotes from Symmons's 'Life of Milton': 'It was at this early period of his life, as we may confidently conjecture, that he imbibed that spirit of devotion which actuated his bosom to his latest moment upon earth: and we need not extend our search beyond the limits of his own house for the fountain from which the living influence was derived.'

P. [78]. had been: i.e. might have been.