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

[263]. a trivial weapon: the jawbone of an ass. Judges xv. 15.

[268-276]. But what more oft: a plain reference to the state of England, and to Milton's own position there, after the Restoration.—Masson.

[271]. strenuous: ardently maintained. Newton quotes a similar sentiment from the oration of Æmilius Lepidus, the consul, to the Roman people, against Sulla: 'Annuite legibus impositis; accipite otium cum servitio;'—but for myself—'potior visa est periculosa libertas quieto servitio.'

[278]. How Succoth: Judges viii. 4-9.

[282]. how ingrateful Ephraim: Judges xi. 15-27.

[287-289]. sore battle: the battle fought by Jephthah with Ephraim. Judges xii. 4-6.

[291]. mine: my people.

[297, 298]. For of such doctrine: 'Observe the peculiar effect of contempt given to the passage by the rapid rhythm and the sudden introduction of a rhyme in these two lines.'—Masson.

[305]. They ravel more, still less resolved: they become more confused, and ever less disentangled.

[327]. careful step: 'careful' is used subjectively; a step indicating that Manoa was full of care, deeply concerned. Chaucer so uses 'dredeful':