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

[235, 236]. vanquished with a peal of words: a metaphor drawn from the storming of a fortress. A similar metaphor is found in '1 Henry VI.,' III. iii. 79, 80:

'I am vanquished; these haughty words of hers

Have battered me like roaring cannon-shot.'

[237]. provoke: to call forth, to challenge. Lat. provocare.

[241]. That fault I take not on me: 'with an occult reference, perhaps, to the conduct of those in power in England after Cromwell's death, when Milton still argued vehemently against the restoration of the Stuarts.'—Masson.

[247]. ambition: used literally, going about in the service of some object, canvassing. Lat. ambitio.

[248]. spoke loud: proclaimed.

[253]. Etham: Judges xv. 8, 9.

[257]. harass: ravaging.

[258]. on some conditions: Judges xv. 11-13.