'Arcades' by John Milton
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Part of an entertainment presented to the Countess Dowager of
Darby at Harefield, by som Noble persons of her Family, who
appear on the Scene in pastoral habit, moving toward the seat
of State with this Song.
I. SONG.
Look Nymphs, and Shepherds look,
What sudden blaze of majesty
Is that which we from hence descry
Too divine to be mistook:
This this is she
To whom our vows and wishes bend,
Heer our solemn search hath end.
Fame that her high worth to raise,
Seem'd erst so lavish and profuse,
We may justly now accuse
Of detraction from her praise,
Less then half we find exprest,
Envy bid conceal the rest.
Mark what radiant state she spreds,
In circle round her shining throne,
Shooting her beams like silver threds,
This this is she alone,
Sitting like a Goddes bright,
In the center of her light.
Might she the wise Latona be,
Or the towred Cybele,
Mother of a hunderd gods;
Juno dare's not give her odds;
Who had thought this clime had held
A deity so unparalel'd?
As they com forward, the genius of the Wood appears, and
turning toward them, speaks.
GEN. Stay gentle Swains, for though in this disguise,
I see bright honour sparkle through your eyes,
Of famous Arcady ye are, and sprung
Of that renowned flood, so often sung,
Divine Alpheus, who by secret sluse,
Stole under Seas to meet his Arethuse;
And ye the breathing Roses of the Wood,
Fair silver-buskind Nymphs as great and good,
I know this quest of yours, and free intent
Was all in honour and devotion ment
To the great Mistres of yon princely shrine,
Whom with low reverence I adore as mine,
And with all helpful service will comply
To further this nights glad solemnity;
And lead ye where ye may more neer behold
What shallow-searching Fame hath left untold;
Which I full oft amidst these shades alone
Have sate to wonder at, and gaze upon:
For know by lot from Jove I am the powr
Of this fair wood, and live in Oak'n bowr,
To nurse the Saplings tall, and curl the grove
With Ringlets quaint, and wanton windings wove.
And all my Plants I save from nightly ill,
Of noisom winds, and blasting vapours chill.
And from the Boughs brush off the evil dew,
And heal the harms of thwarting thunder blew,
Or what the cross dire-looking Planet smites,
Or hurtfull Worm with canker'd venom bites.
When Eev'ning gray doth rise, I fetch my round
Over the mount, and all this hallow'd ground,
And early ere the odorous breath of morn
Awakes the slumbring leaves, or tasseld horn
Shakes the high thicket, haste I all about,
Number my ranks, and visit every sprout
With puissant words, and murmurs made to bless,
But els in deep of night when drowsines
Hath lockt up mortal sense, then listen I
To the celestial Sirens harmony,
That sit upon the nine enfolded Sphears,
And sing to those that hold the vital shears,
And turn the Adamantine spindle round,
On which the fate of gods and men is wound.
Such sweet compulsion doth in musick ly,
To lull the daughters of Necessity,
And keep unsteddy Nature to her law,
And the low world in measur'd motion draw
After the heavenly tune, which none can hear
Of human mould with grosse unpurged ear;
And yet such musick worthiest were to blaze
The peerles height of her immortal praise,
Whose lustre leads us, and for her most fit,
If my inferior hand or voice could hit
Inimitable sounds, yet as we go,
What ere the skill of lesser gods can show,
I will assay, her worth to celebrate,
And so attend ye toward her glittering state;
Where ye may all that are of noble stemm
Approach, and kiss her sacred vestures hemm.
2. SONG.
O're the smooth enameld green
Where no print of step hath been,
Follow me as I sing,
And touch the warbled string.
Under the shady roof
Of branching Elm Star-proof,
Follow me,
I will bring you where she sits
Clad in splendor as befits
Her deity.
Such a rural Queen
All Arcadia hath not seen.
3. SONG.
Nymphs and Shepherds dance no more
By sandy Ladons Lillied banks.
On old Lycaeus or Cyllene hoar,
Trip no more in twilight ranks,
Though Erynanth your loss deplore,
A better soyl shall give ye thanks.
From the stony Maenalus,
Bring your Flocks, and live with us,
Here ye shall have greater grace,
To serve the Lady of this place.
Though Syrinx your Pans Mistres were,
Yet Syrinx well might wait on her.
Such a rural Queen
All Arcadia hath not seen.
Note: 22 hunderd] Milton's own spelling here is hundred. But in
the Errata to Paradise Lost (i. 760) he corrects hundred to hunderd.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Arcades" by John Milton: A Journey into the World of Nature and Art
Are you a lover of nature and art? Do you appreciate the beauty of the natural world and the creativity of human imagination? If you do, then "Arcades" by John Milton is the poem for you. Milton, the great English poet and author of "Paradise Lost," wrote this magnificent work in 1634 as a commissioned piece for a masque performance at the estate of Henry Lawes. The poem celebrates the harmony between nature and art, and the power of the human imagination to create beauty that is inspired by the natural world.
The Structure and Content of "Arcades"
At only 80 lines, "Arcades" is a short poem, yet it is packed with vivid imagery and rich symbolism. The poem is structured as a dialogue between two shepherds, who are discussing the lovely surroundings of the Arcadian landscape. They are surrounded by trees, flowers, and bubbling streams, and they marvel at the beauty of nature. As they speak, they are approached by a band of nymphs and satyrs, who invite them to join in a dance. The shepherds refuse the invitation, but instead ask the nymphs and satyrs to tell them stories about the ancient gods and goddesses. The poem ends with the shepherds and the mythological figures disappearing into the forest, leaving the reader with a sense of wonder and enchantment.
The Themes of "Arcades"
One of the central themes of "Arcades" is the harmony between nature and art. Milton was a great lover of nature, and he believed that art was a way of capturing and expressing the beauty of the natural world. Throughout the poem, he uses rich, descriptive language to evoke the sights and sounds of the Arcadian landscape, from the "daisied lea" to the "shady roof" of the forest. At the same time, he celebrates the power of art to transform and enhance nature, to create something new and unique that is inspired by the natural world. The dance of the nymphs and satyrs is a perfect example of this, as it blends elements of human artistry with the natural movements of the creatures.
Another theme of "Arcades" is the power of the human imagination to create beauty. Milton believed that the imagination was a divine gift, given to humanity by God, and that through it, we could create works of art that surpassed the beauty of nature itself. This is evident throughout the poem, as Milton describes the Arcadian landscape in vivid detail, but also shows how the shepherds and the mythological figures are able to transcend the natural world through their storytelling and dance. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit, of our ability to imagine, create, and appreciate beauty.
The Language and Style of "Arcades"
One of the most striking features of "Arcades" is its poetic language and style. Milton was a master of the English language, and his use of vivid imagery and metaphors is unparalleled. Throughout the poem, he uses words that evoke the beauty of nature and art, from "flowery croft" to "musk-roses." His use of alliteration and assonance creates a musical rhythm that echoes the natural sounds of the Arcadian landscape, from the "murmuring" of the streams to the "warbling" of the birds. At the same time, his use of mythological figures and stories adds a layer of depth and richness to the poem, connecting it to the ancient traditions of storytelling and poetry.
The Interpretation of "Arcades"
So, what is the meaning of "Arcades"? What is Milton trying to say with this beautiful, lyrical poem? There are many interpretations that one could make, but I believe that at its heart, "Arcades" is a celebration of the beauty of nature and art, and of the power of the human imagination to create something new and unique. Milton was a deeply spiritual writer, and his belief in the divine nature of the human imagination is evident throughout the poem. He sees art and nature as two sides of the same coin, each reflecting and enhancing the other.
At the same time, "Arcades" can also be seen as a commentary on the role of the artist in society. Milton lived during a time of great political and social upheaval, and he was a passionate advocate for freedom and liberty. In "Arcades," he celebrates the power of art to inspire and uplift, to bring people together in a shared appreciation of beauty and creativity. The shepherds and the mythological figures represent different aspects of the human imagination, and their interactions highlight the importance of collaboration and cooperation in the creation of great works of art.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Arcades" by John Milton is a masterpiece of English poetry, a celebration of the beauty of nature and art, and a testament to the power of the human imagination. It is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of anyone who loves the natural world and appreciates the creative genius of humanity. Milton's use of rich, descriptive language and his skillful blending of myth and reality make this poem a timeless work of art, one that continues to inspire and enchant readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Arcades: A Masterpiece of John Milton
John Milton, the renowned English poet, is known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost," which is considered one of the greatest works of English literature. However, his lesser-known poem "Arcades" is also a masterpiece that deserves recognition. Written in 1634, "Arcades" is a pastoral poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of imagination. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem "Arcades" is a part of a masque, a form of entertainment that was popular in the seventeenth century. The masque was a combination of music, dance, and poetry, and it was performed in the royal court. "Arcades" was written for the Countess Dowager of Derby, and it was performed at her country estate, Harefield, in Middlesex. The poem is a celebration of the beauty of the countryside and the power of imagination, and it is set in a pastoral landscape.
The poem begins with a description of a beautiful countryside, where the "groves and thickets" are filled with "pleasant sounds and sights." The speaker describes the "shady woods" and the "flowery meads," which are home to "the nightingale, bird of love." The speaker also mentions the "silver streams" and the "crystal fountains," which add to the beauty of the landscape. The description of the countryside is vivid and detailed, and it creates a sense of peace and tranquility.
The poem then introduces the main characters, the "Arcadian" shepherds and nymphs. The shepherds and nymphs are a symbol of innocence and purity, and they represent the idealized world of the countryside. The speaker describes the shepherds as "harmless, simple, free," and the nymphs as "fair, chaste, and unexpressive." The shepherds and nymphs are also associated with music and poetry, and they are portrayed as the guardians of nature.
The poem then introduces the main theme, which is the power of imagination. The speaker describes how the shepherds and nymphs use their imagination to create a world of beauty and harmony. The speaker says that the shepherds and nymphs "with sweetest touches mix their notes," and they create a "concord of sweet sounds." The shepherds and nymphs also use their imagination to create a world of love and friendship. The speaker says that the shepherds and nymphs "live like those of old, in friendship, love, and peace."
The poem then introduces the character of "Melancholy," who is a symbol of the darker side of human nature. Melancholy is described as a "pensive nun," who "sighs for wretchedness." Melancholy represents the negative emotions that can arise in the human mind, such as sadness, despair, and loneliness. The speaker says that Melancholy "dwells with Beauty," and she is a reminder that even in the most beautiful places, there can be sadness and sorrow.
The poem then introduces the character of "Euphrosyne," who is a symbol of joy and happiness. Euphrosyne is described as a "goddess bright," who "brings joy to the heart." Euphrosyne represents the positive emotions that can arise in the human mind, such as happiness, love, and friendship. The speaker says that Euphrosyne "dwells with Beauty," and she is a reminder that even in the darkest places, there can be joy and happiness.
The poem then concludes with a celebration of the power of imagination. The speaker says that the shepherds and nymphs "with their sweet enchanting voices" can create a world of beauty and harmony. The speaker also says that the power of imagination can overcome the negative emotions that Melancholy represents. The speaker says that "Euphrosyne and her choir" can bring joy and happiness to the heart, and they can overcome the darkness of Melancholy.
The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward. The poem consists of 80 lines, and it is divided into four stanzas. Each stanza consists of 20 lines, and it follows a regular rhyme scheme (ABABCCDEEDFFGG). The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which is a common meter in English poetry. The use of regular rhyme and meter creates a sense of harmony and balance, which is in keeping with the theme of the poem.
The poem also makes use of several literary devices, such as imagery, metaphor, and personification. The use of imagery creates a vivid and detailed picture of the countryside, and it helps to create a sense of peace and tranquility. The use of metaphor helps to convey the theme of the poem, which is the power of imagination. The shepherds and nymphs are a metaphor for the power of imagination, and they represent the idealized world of the countryside. The use of personification helps to create a sense of life and movement in the poem. The nightingale is personified as the "bird of love," and the streams and fountains are personified as "silver" and "crystal."
In conclusion, "Arcades" is a masterpiece of John Milton, which celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of imagination. The poem is a pastoral poem that describes the idealized world of the countryside, where the shepherds and nymphs use their imagination to create a world of beauty and harmony. The poem also explores the darker side of human nature, represented by Melancholy, and the positive side of human nature, represented by Euphrosyne. The poem is structured in a simple and straightforward manner, and it makes use of several literary devices, such as imagery, metaphor, and personification. "Arcades" is a timeless poem that continues to inspire and delight readers today.
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