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

Prof. Charles E. Bennett's translation.

P. [90]. the Wise Man: Ecclesiastes xi. 8.

P. [90]. Lynceus: the keen-sighted Argonaut.

To Cyriac Skinner

P. 91. [1]. this three years' day: this day three years ago. Milton became completely blind in 1652, so this sonnet must have been written in 1655. though clear: see passage from Second Defence, p. [13].

P. 91. [7]. bate: from 'abate.'

P. 91. [8]. bear up and steer right onward: the nautical sense of 'bear up,' i.e. to put the ship before the wind, is indicated by what follows.

P. 91. [10]. conscience: consciousness.

P. 91. [12]. talks: the Trin. Coll. Ms. reading; the word 'rings' was substituted by Phillips in his printed copy of 1694; 'talks' does not sound so well, in the verse, but it is more modest.

P. 91. [13]. mask: masquerade.