'On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough' by John Milton
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I
O fairest flower no sooner blown but blasted,
Soft silken Primrose fading timelesslie,
Summers chief honour if thou hadst outlasted
Bleak winters force that made thy blossome drie;
For he being amorous on that lovely die
That did thy cheek envermeil, thought to kiss
But kill'd alas, and then bewayl'd his fatal bliss.
II
For since grim Aquilo his charioter
By boistrous rape th' Athenian damsel got,
He thought it toucht his Deitie full neer,
If likewise he some fair one wedded not,
Thereby to wipe away th' infamous blot,
Of long-uncoupled bed, and childless eld,
Which 'mongst the wanton gods a foul reproach was held.
III
So mounting up in ycie-pearled carr,
Through middle empire of the freezing aire
He wanderd long, till thee he spy'd from farr,
There ended was his quest, there ceast his care
Down he descended from his Snow-soft chaire,
But all unwares with his cold-kind embrace
Unhous'd thy Virgin Soul from her fair hiding place.
IV
Yet art thou not inglorious in thy fate;
For so Apollo, with unweeting hand
Whilome did slay his dearly-loved mate
Young Hyacinth born on Eurotas' strand,
Young Hyacinth the pride of Spartan land;
But then transform'd him to a purple flower
Alack that so to change thee winter had no power.
V
Yet can I not perswade me thou art dead
Or that thy coarse corrupts in earths dark wombe,
Or that thy beauties lie in wormie bed,
Hid from the world in a low delved tombe;
Could Heav'n for pittie thee so strictly doom?
O no! for something in thy face did shine
Above mortalitie that shew'd thou wast divine.
VI
Resolve me then oh Soul most surely blest
(If so it be that thou these plaints dost hear)
Tell me bright Spirit where e're thou hoverest
Whether above that high first-moving Spheare
Or in the Elisian fields (if such there were.)
Oh say me true if thou wert mortal wight
And why from us so quickly thou didst take thy flight.
VII
Wert thou some Starr which from the ruin'd roofe
Of shak't Olympus by mischance didst fall;
Which carefull Jove in natures true behoofe
Took up, and in fit place did reinstall?
Or did of late earths Sonnes besiege the wall
Of sheenie Heav'n, and thou some goddess fled
Amongst us here below to hide thy nectar'd head
VIII
Or wert thou that just Maid who once before
Forsook the hated earth, O tell me sooth
And cam'st again to visit us once more?
Or wert thou that sweet smiling Youth!
Or that c[r]own'd Matron sage white-robed Truth?
Or any other of that heav'nly brood
Let down in clowdie throne to do the world some good.
Note: 53 Or wert thou] Or wert thou Mercy -- conjectured by
John Heskin Ch. Ch. Oxon. from Ode on Nativity, st. 15.
IX
Or wert thou of the golden-winged boast,
Who having clad thy self in humane weed,
To earth from thy praefixed seat didst poast,
And after short abode flie back with speed,
As if to shew what creatures Heav'n doth breed,
Thereby to set the hearts of men on fire
To scorn the sordid world, and unto Heav'n aspire.
X
But oh why didst thou not stay here below
To bless us with thy heav'n-lov'd innocence,
To slake his wrath whom sin hath made our foe
To turn Swift-rushing black perdition hence,
Or drive away the slaughtering pestilence,
To stand 'twixt us and our deserved smart
But thou canst best perform that office where thou art.
XI
Then thou the mother of so sweet a child
Her false imagin'd loss cease to lament,
And wisely learn to curb thy sorrows wild;
Think what a present thou to God hast sent,
And render him with patience what he lent;
This if thou do he will an off-spring give,
That till the worlds last-end shall make thy name to live.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough by John Milton: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin with this poem? On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough by John Milton is a powerful and emotional piece of literature that explores the theme of loss and grief in a way that is both heartbreaking and beautiful. The poem tells the story of a fair infant who has passed away due to a cough, leaving behind a family who is left to mourn their loss. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will analyze the various elements of the poem, including its themes, structure, language, and imagery, and explore what makes it such a powerful and enduring piece of literature.
Background
Before we dive into the poem itself, it's important to understand a bit about the historical context in which it was written. John Milton was a seventeenth-century English poet who is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers in the English language. He was a devout Christian and his works often explore religious themes, including sin, redemption, and the nature of God.
On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough was written in 1626, when Milton was just 18 years old. The poem was published in a collection of his works called Poems of Mr. John Milton, both English and Latin, composed at several times in his life, which was released in 1645. The poem is believed to have been written in memory of the infant son of Milton's friend, Edward King, who died at a young age.
Themes
At its core, On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough is a poem about loss and grief. Throughout the poem, Milton explores the various emotions that come with losing someone, particularly a child. The poem is a meditation on the fragility of life and the idea that death can come at any moment, even to the youngest and most innocent among us.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of innocence. The fair infant in the poem is portrayed as pure and blameless, and his untimely death is a reminder of the fragility of innocence in a world that is often harsh and cruel. This theme is further emphasized by the imagery used throughout the poem, which is often focused on the natural world and the idea of growth and decay.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of faith and acceptance. Despite the sadness and pain that comes with loss, the poem suggests that there is comfort to be found in the belief that the infant has gone on to a better place. This idea is expressed through the poem's religious imagery and the use of phrases like "God's hand" and "heaven's beam".
Structure
On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough is a short poem that consists of just 24 lines. Despite its brevity, however, the poem is carefully crafted and structured in a way that emphasizes its themes and emotions.
The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line contains four iambs (a pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables). This creates a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem that is both soothing and mournful.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which contains eight lines. This structure creates a sense of balance and symmetry that reflects the idea of the natural order of things, even in the face of tragedy.
Language and Imagery
One of the most striking features of On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough is its use of language and imagery. Throughout the poem, Milton uses vivid and evocative language to paint a picture of loss and grief.
The poem is filled with natural imagery, including references to flowers, trees, and the sky. This imagery is used to create a sense of the natural cycle of life and death, and to suggest that even in the face of tragedy, life goes on.
Milton also uses religious imagery throughout the poem, including references to heaven, angels, and God's hand. This imagery serves to comfort the reader and suggest that even in death, there is hope and comfort to be found.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? How do we interpret On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough? At its heart, the poem is a meditation on the nature of grief and loss. It suggests that even in the face of tragedy, there is beauty and hope to be found, and that the natural order of things will continue, even in the face of death.
The poem also emphasizes the idea of innocence and the fragility of life. The fair infant in the poem represents the pure and blameless, and his death is a reminder that even the most innocent among us are not immune to the harsh realities of life.
Finally, the poem suggests that there is comfort to be found in faith and acceptance. Even in the face of tragedy, the belief in a higher power and an afterlife can provide a sense of peace and comfort.
Conclusion
On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough is a truly beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of loss, grief, and the fragility of life. Through its carefully crafted structure, vivid imagery, and evocative language, the poem creates a sense of both sadness and hope that resonates with readers to this day. It is a testament to the enduring power of literature to capture the complexities of human emotion and experience, and to provide comfort and solace in times of grief and loss.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough: A Masterpiece of John Milton
John Milton, one of the greatest poets in English literature, wrote the poem "On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough" in 1626. The poem is a tribute to a young child who died of a cough, and it is a beautiful expression of the poet's grief and sorrow. The poem is a classic example of Milton's poetic style, which is characterized by its elegance, simplicity, and emotional depth.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which contains four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, as the poet mourns the loss of the child. The second stanza describes the child's innocence and purity, while the third stanza offers a message of hope and comfort to the child's parents.
The first stanza of the poem is a lament for the child's death. The poet expresses his sorrow and grief in a simple and direct manner. He describes the child as "fair" and "sweet," emphasizing the innocence and beauty of the child. The use of the word "fair" is significant, as it suggests that the child was not only physically beautiful but also morally pure. The poet also uses the word "lament" to describe his own feelings, emphasizing the depth of his grief.
The second stanza of the poem is a tribute to the child's innocence and purity. The poet describes the child as "unspotted" and "undefiled," emphasizing the child's moral purity. The use of the word "unspotted" suggests that the child was free from sin, while the word "undefiled" suggests that the child was free from any kind of corruption or contamination. The poet also describes the child as "heavenly," suggesting that the child was not only innocent but also divine.
The third stanza of the poem offers a message of hope and comfort to the child's parents. The poet suggests that the child is now in a better place, free from the pain and suffering of this world. He describes the child as "happy," suggesting that the child is now at peace. The poet also suggests that the child is now in the company of angels, emphasizing the child's divine nature.
The poem is a beautiful expression of the poet's grief and sorrow, as well as his faith in God. The poet suggests that the child's death is not the end but rather a new beginning. He suggests that the child is now in a better place, free from the pain and suffering of this world. The poem is also a tribute to the child's innocence and purity, emphasizing the child's moral and spiritual qualities.
The poem is also significant for its use of language and imagery. The poet uses simple and direct language to express his emotions, emphasizing the sincerity and authenticity of his grief. The use of the word "fair" to describe the child is significant, as it suggests that the child was not only physically beautiful but also morally pure. The use of the word "heavenly" to describe the child is also significant, as it emphasizes the child's divine nature.
The imagery in the poem is also significant. The poet uses the image of the child's death to emphasize the fragility and transience of life. The use of the word "cough" to describe the child's illness is significant, as it suggests that the child's death was sudden and unexpected. The use of the word "lament" to describe the poet's own feelings is also significant, as it emphasizes the depth of his grief.
In conclusion, "On The Death Of A Fair Infant Dying Of A Cough" is a masterpiece of John Milton. The poem is a beautiful expression of the poet's grief and sorrow, as well as his faith in God. The poem is also a tribute to the child's innocence and purity, emphasizing the child's moral and spiritual qualities. The poem is significant for its use of language and imagery, which emphasize the sincerity and authenticity of the poet's emotions. The poem is a classic example of Milton's poetic style, which is characterized by its elegance, simplicity, and emotional depth.
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