All dark, amidst the Blaze of Noon.
One would think, by the resigned Solemnity of this following Movement,
Bring the Laurel, bring the Bays, &c.
that he had been reading Milton's Paradise Lost as well as the Samson Agonistes. This seems to be the very Music of the fallen Angels, where he says, they made Use of soft Airs, which inspired true Heroic Bravery, and which he prefers to the noisy, as it was the Cause of a lasting, fixed, and reserved Courage. Milton says, that as soon as the Colours were displayed, they marched to the Sound of Flutes and soft Recorders:
"Anon they move
In perfect Phalanx, to the Dorian Mood
Of Flutes and soft Recorders; such as rais'd
To Height of noblest Temper Heroes old
Arming to battle, and instead of Rage
Deliberate Valour breath'd firm and unmov'd