'The Hymn' by John Milton
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I
It was the Winter wilde,
While the Heav'n-born-childe,
All meanly wrapt in the rude manger lies;
Nature in aw to him
Had doff't her gawdy trim,
With her great Master so to sympathize:
It was no season then for her
To wanton with the Sun her lusty Paramour.
II
Only with speeches fair
She woo'd the gentle Air
To hide her guilty front with innocent Snow,
And on her naked shame,
Pollute with sinfull blame,
The Saintly Vail of Maiden white to throw,
Confounded, that her Makers eyes
Should look so near upon her foul deformities.
III
But he her fears to cease,
Sent down the meek-eyd Peace,
She crown'd with Olive green, came softly sliding
Down through the turning sphear
His ready Harbinger,
With Turtle wing the amorous clouds dividing,
And waving wide her mirtle wand,
She strikes a universall Peace through Sea and Land.
IV
No War, or Battails sound
Was heard the World around,
The idle spear and shield were high up hung;
The hooked Chariot stood
Unstain'd with hostile blood,
The Trumpet spake not to the armed throng,
And Kings sate still with awfull eye,
As if they surely knew their sovran Lord was by.
V
But peacefull was the night
Wherin the Prince of light
His raign of peace upon the earth began:
The Windes with wonder whist,
Smoothly the waters kist,
Whispering new joyes to the milde Ocean,
Who now hath quite forgot to rave,
While Birds of Calm sit brooding on the charmed wave.
VI
The Stars with deep amaze
Stand fit in steadfast gaze,
Bending one way their pretious influence,
And will not take their flight,
For all the morning light,
Or Lucifer that often warned them thence;
But in their glimmering Orbs did glow,
Until their Lord himself bespake, and bid them go.
VII
And though the shady gloom
Had given day her room,
The Sun himself with-held his wonted speed,
And hid his head for shame,
As his inferior flame,
The new enlightened world no more should need;
He saw a greater Sun appear
Then his bright Throne, or burning Axletree could bear.
VIII
The Shepherds on the Lawn,
Or ere the point of dawn,
Sate simply chatting in a rustic row;
Full little thought they than,
That the mighty Pan
Was kindly com to live with them below;
Perhaps their loves, or els their sheep,
Was all that did their silly thoughts so busie keep.
IX
When such Musick sweet
Their hearts and ears did greet,
As never was by mortal finger strook,
Divinely-warbled voice
Answering the stringed noise,
As all their souls in blisfull rapture took:
The Air such pleasure loth to lose,
With thousand echo's still prolongs each heav'nly close.
X
Nature that heard such sound
Beneath the hollow round
of Cynthia's seat the Airy region thrilling,
Now was almost won
To think her part was don
And that her raign had here its last fulfilling;
She knew such harmony alone
Could hold all Heav'n and Earth in happier union.
XI
At last surrounds their sight
A globe of circular light,
That with long beams the shame faced night arrayed
The helmed Cherubim
And sworded Seraphim,
Are seen in glittering ranks with wings displaid,
Harping in loud and solemn quire,
With unexpressive notes to Heav'ns new-born Heir.
XII
Such Musick (as 'tis said)
Before was never made,
But when of old the sons of morning sung,
While the Creator Great
His constellations set,
And the well-ballanc't world on hinges hung,
And cast the dark foundations deep,
And bid the weltring waves their oozy channel keep.
XIII
Ring out ye Crystall sphears,
Once bless our human ears,
(If ye have power to touch our senses so)
And let your silver chime
Move in melodious time;
And let the Base of Heav'ns deep Organ blow,
And with your ninefold harmony
Make up full consort to th'Angelike symphony.
XIV
For if such holy Song
Enwrap our fancy long,
Time will run back, and fetch the age of gold,
And speckl'd vanity
Will sicken soon and die,
And leprous sin will melt from earthly mould,
And Hell it self will pass away
And leave her dolorous mansions to the peering day.
XV
Yea Truth, and Justice then
Will down return to men,
Th'enameld Arras of the Rain-bow wearing,
And Mercy set between
Thron'd in Celestiall sheen,
With radiant feet the tissued clouds down stearing,
And Heav'n as at som festivall,
Will open wide the gates of her high Palace Hall.
XVI
But wisest Fate sayes no,
This must not yet be so,
The Babe lies yet in smiling Infancy,
That on the bitter cross
Must redeem our loss;
So both himself and us to glorifie:
Yet first to those ychain'd in sleep,
The Wakeful trump of doom must thunder through the deep,
XVII
With such a horrid clang
As on Mount Sinai rang
While the red fire, and smouldring clouds out brake:
The aged Earth agast
With terrour of that blast,
Shall from the surface to the center shake;
When at the worlds last session,
The dreadfull Judge in middle Air shall spread his throne.
XVIII
And then at last our bliss
Full and perfect is,
But now begins; for from this happy day
Th'old Dragon under ground
In straiter limits bound,
Not half so far casts his usurped sway,
And wrath to see his Kingdom fail,
Swindges the scaly Horrour of his foulded tail.
XIX
The Oracles are dumm,
No voice or hideous humm
Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving.
Apollo from his shrine
Can no more divine,
With hollow shreik the steep of Delphos leaving.
No nightly trance, or breathed spell,
Inspire's the pale-ey'd Priest from the prophetic cell.
XX
The lonely mountains o're,
And the resounding shore,
A voice of weeping heard, and loud lament;
From haunted spring, and dale
Edg'd with poplar pale
The parting Genius is with sighing sent,
With flowre-inwov'n tresses torn
The Nimphs in twilight shade of tangled thickets mourn.
XXI
In consecrated Earth,
And on the holy Hearth,
The Lars, and Lemures moan with midnight plaint,
In Urns, and Altars round,
A drear, and dying sound
Affrights the Flamins at their service quaint;
And the chill Marble seems to sweat,
While each peculiar power forgoes his wonted seat.
XXII
Peor, and Baalim,
Forsake their Temples dim,
With that twise-batter'd god of Palestine,
And mooned Ashtaroth,
Heav'ns Queen and Mother both,
Now sits not girt with Tapers holy shine,
The Libyc Hammon shrinks his horn,
In vain the Tyrian Maids their wounded Thamuz mourn.
XXIII
And sullen Moloch fled,
Hath left in shadows dred,
His burning Idol all of blackest hue,
In vain with Cymbals ring,
They call the grisly king,
In dismall dance about the furnace Blue;
And Brutish gods of Nile as fast,
lsis and Orus, and the Dog Anubis hast.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Hymn by John Milton: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
John Milton, one of the greatest poets in English literature, wrote The Hymn in 1629. The poem is a beautiful expression of religious faith and devotion, as well as a celebration of the beauty and majesty of nature. The Hymn is a classic poem that has been studied and admired for centuries, and in this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore its themes, motifs, and imagery.
Overview and Context
The Hymn is a religious poem that is written in the form of a hymn, which is a song or poem that is sung in praise of God. The poem is divided into three stanzas, and each stanza is further divided into three parts. The first stanza is a prayer to God, asking for forgiveness and guidance. The second stanza is a celebration of God's creation, including the beauty of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the splendor of nature. The third stanza is a meditation on the soul's journey towards God, and the ultimate goal of eternal life.
The poem was written during a time of great religious and political turmoil in England. John Milton was a Puritan, which meant that he believed in a strict interpretation of the Bible and a simple, austere form of worship. However, the Church of England at the time was dominated by the Anglican Church, which had a more elaborate form of worship and a less strict interpretation of the Bible. This led to conflict between the Puritans and the Anglicans, which eventually led to the English Civil War.
Analysis
Themes
The Hymn is a poem that explores a number of themes, including faith, nature, and the soul's journey towards God. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of divine providence, which is the belief that God is in control of all things and that everything happens for a reason. The speaker of the poem acknowledges that he has sinned and asks for forgiveness, but he also acknowledges that God has the power to forgive and to guide him on the right path.
Another theme in the poem is the idea of the beauty of nature. The speaker of the poem marvels at the majesty of the sun, moon, and stars, as well as the beauty of the natural world. He sees God's hand in all of it and is grateful for the wonders of creation. This theme is closely linked to the idea of divine providence, as the speaker sees God's hand in both the natural world and in his own life.
The third major theme in the poem is the idea of the soul's journey towards God. The speaker of the poem meditates on the idea of eternal life and the ultimate goal of salvation. He recognizes that life is short and that the pursuit of earthly pleasures is ultimately futile. Instead, he seeks to follow God's will and to achieve everlasting life in heaven.
Motifs
One of the most prominent motifs in the poem is the use of light and darkness to symbolize spiritual enlightenment and ignorance. The speaker of the poem asks God to "shine inward," illuminating the darkness of his own soul and guiding him towards the light of truth. He also comments on the beauty of the sun, moon, and stars, which are all sources of light in the natural world.
Another motif in the poem is the use of contrasting images to emphasize the speaker's spiritual journey. For example, the speaker describes himself as a "weary pilgrim," wandering in darkness and seeking the light of God's guidance. He contrasts this image with the beauty of nature, which he sees as a manifestation of God's glory. These contrasting images help to emphasize the speaker's spiritual struggles and his ultimate goal of achieving salvation.
Imagery
The Hymn is a poem that is rich in imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the natural world. The speaker of the poem describes the "glittering stars" and the "golden sun" as sources of wonder and beauty. He also describes the natural world in terms of its power and majesty, comparing the "rolling waves" of the sea to the "mighty mountains" of the earth.
Another important image in the poem is the use of light and darkness to symbolize spiritual enlightenment and ignorance. The speaker asks God to "shine inward," illuminating the darkness of his own soul and guiding him towards the light of truth. He also describes the light of the sun, moon, and stars as sources of inspiration and hope.
Finally, the poem makes use of religious imagery to convey its message of faith and devotion. The speaker of the poem refers to God as the "Eternal King" and the "Alpha and Omega," emphasizing his power and majesty. He also uses religious imagery to describe his own spiritual journey, comparing himself to a "weary pilgrim" on a quest for eternal life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Hymn by John Milton is a beautiful and inspiring poem that explores a number of important themes, motifs, and images. The poem is a celebration of faith, nature, and the soul's journey towards God, and it is rich in symbolism and imagery. The Hymn is a classic poem that has stood the test of time, and it continues to inspire readers of all ages with its message of hope, faith, and devotion.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Hymn, written by John Milton, is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that is both inspiring and thought-provoking. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and language to better understand its significance.
The poem is a hymn, which means it is a religious song or poem that is typically sung in praise of God. The Hymn is no exception, as it is a celebration of God's greatness and power. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with six lines. The structure of the poem is simple, yet effective, as it allows the reader to focus on the message of the poem.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It begins with the line, "Let us with a gladsome mind." This line immediately establishes a joyful and celebratory tone. The speaker is urging the reader to approach God with a happy and grateful heart. The second line, "Praise the Lord, for he is kind," reinforces this idea. The speaker is reminding the reader that God is kind and worthy of praise.
The third line of the stanza, "For his mercies aye endure," is particularly significant. The word "aye" means always, so the speaker is saying that God's mercies always endure. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that no matter what happens in life, God's mercy will always be present. The fourth line, "Ever faithful, ever sure," reinforces this idea. The speaker is saying that God is always faithful and reliable.
The fifth line of the stanza, "His truth at all times firmly stood," is another significant statement. The speaker is saying that God's truth has always been steadfast and unwavering. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that God's truth is eternal and unchanging. The sixth and final line of the stanza, "And shall from age to age endure," reinforces this idea. The speaker is saying that God's truth will endure forever.
The second stanza of the poem focuses on God's power and majesty. The first line, "He, with all-commanding might," establishes God's power. The speaker is saying that God has complete control over everything. The second line, "Filled the new-made world with light," is a reference to the creation story in the Bible. The speaker is saying that God created the world and filled it with light.
The third line of the stanza, "For his mercies aye endure," is a repetition of the third line of the first stanza. This repetition reinforces the idea that God's mercy is always present. The fourth line, "Let us then with gladsome mind," is a repetition of the first line of the first stanza. This repetition reinforces the idea that the reader should approach God with a happy and grateful heart.
The fifth line of the stanza, "Praise the Lord, for he is kind," is a repetition of the second line of the first stanza. This repetition reinforces the idea that God is kind and worthy of praise. The sixth and final line of the stanza, "For his mercies aye endure," is a repetition of the third line of both stanzas. This repetition reinforces the idea that God's mercy is always present.
The third and final stanza of the poem is a call to action. The first line, "He hath, with his own hand," is a reference to God's creation of the world. The speaker is saying that God created the world with his own hand. The second line, "Made us, and not we ourselves," is a reminder that humans did not create themselves. The speaker is saying that God is the creator of all things.
The third line of the stanza, "People of his pasture are," is a reference to the Bible. The speaker is saying that humans are like sheep, and God is the shepherd. The fourth line, "Like a flock, protected well," reinforces this idea. The speaker is saying that God protects humans like a shepherd protects his flock.
The fifth line of the stanza, "From his storehouse, full and free," is a reference to God's abundance. The speaker is saying that God has a storehouse that is full and free, and he is willing to share his abundance with humans. The sixth and final line of the stanza, "Never failing, cisterns spring," reinforces this idea. The speaker is saying that God's abundance is never-ending and will always be available to those who seek it.
In conclusion, The Hymn is a beautiful poem that celebrates God's greatness and power. The poem's structure is simple yet effective, allowing the reader to focus on the message of the poem. The language of the poem is powerful and thought-provoking, reminding the reader of God's mercy, power, and abundance. The poem is a call to action, urging the reader to approach God with a happy and grateful heart and to seek his abundance. The Hymn is a timeless piece of literature that continues to inspire and uplift readers today.
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