'On The Morning Of Christs Nativity' by John Milton


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Poetical Works of John Milton1629IThis is the Month, and this the happy morn
Wherin the Son of Heav'ns eternal King,
Of wedded Maid, and Virgin Mother born,
Our great redemption from above did bring;
For so the holy sages once did sing,
That he our deadly forfeit should release,
And with his Father work us a perpetual peace.IIThat glorious Form, that Light unsufferable,
And that far-beaming blaze of Majesty,
Wherwith he wont at Heav'ns high Councel-Table,To sit the midst of Trinal Unity,
He laid aside; and here with us to be,
Forsook the Courts of everlasting Day,
And chose with us a darksom House of mortal Clay.IIISay Heav'nly Muse, shall not thy sacred vein
Afford a present to the Infant God?
Hast thou no vers, no hymn, or solemn strein,
To welcom him to this his new abode,
Now while the Heav'n by the Suns team untrod,
Hath took no print of the approching light,And all the spangled host keep watch in squadrons bright?IVSee how from far upon the Eastern rode
The Star-led Wisards haste with odours sweet,
O run,prevent them with thy humble ode,
And lay it lowly at his blessed feet;
Have thou the honour first, thy Lord to greet,
And joyn thy voice unto the Angel Quire,
From out his secret Altar toucht with hallow'd fire.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On The Morning Of Christs Nativity - A Masterpiece of John Milton

What could be more beautiful than a poem describing the birth of Christ? It is a moment of hope, a moment of joy, a moment of salvation. John Milton, one of the greatest poets of all time, had the daunting task of describing this moment in his poem "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity". His words are like music to the ears, like a painting to the eyes, like a balm to the soul.

Historical Context

Before we delve into Milton's masterpiece, let's take a quick look at the historical context in which he wrote this poem. Milton wrote this poem in 1629, when he was only 21 years old. He had just graduated from Cambridge University and was still finding his voice as a poet. The poem was published in 1645, after he had become a famous poet and political writer. It was a time of great political and religious turmoil in England. The country was in the midst of a civil war, and religion was at the center of the conflict. Milton, a Puritan, was deeply committed to his faith and his country. His poem reflects his religious and political beliefs, as well as his artistic genius.

Poetic Devices

Milton's poem is a tour de force of poetic devices. From the very first line, he captures our attention with his use of alliteration:

This is the month, and this the happy morn

The repetition of the "m" sound creates a sense of musical harmony that sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Milton also uses metaphor and simile to great effect. He describes the birth of Christ as a "bright shoot" that will "herald the rise of day". He compares Christ to the sun, whose "rising beams" will "chase the dark away".

Milton's use of imagery is equally impressive. He paints a vivid picture of the nativity scene, with the "swaddling bands" and the "manger". He also describes the angels singing "in hymns of joy" and the shepherds "adoring" the newborn babe.

Biblical Allusions

Milton's poem is also full of biblical allusions. He draws on a wide range of biblical stories and characters to create a rich tapestry of meaning. He refers to the "tongue of Balaam" and the "harp of David". He also mentions the "wise men" who bring gifts to the newborn Christ. These allusions serve to deepen the religious significance of the poem and to connect it to the broader tradition of Christian literature.

Themes

The central theme of Milton's poem is the hope and joy that come with the birth of Christ. He celebrates the "holy birth" and the "blessed morn". He also emphasizes the idea of salvation, describing Christ as the "Saviour" who will "redeem our loss".

Another important theme of the poem is the contrast between light and darkness. Milton describes the world before Christ's birth as a "darksome house" and a "wilderness of sin". He contrasts this with the light that comes with Christ's birth, which he describes as a "heavenly flame" that "streams on the world".

Finally, the poem also reflects Milton's political and social beliefs. He makes reference to the "tyrant" and the "usurping king", whom he sees as threats to the true faith. He also celebrates the "virgin pure" and the "simple" shepherds, whom he sees as examples of true faith and humility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Milton's "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity" is a masterpiece of poetry. It combines musicality, imagery, and meaning in a way that is both beautiful and profound. Its themes of hope, joy, and salvation are timeless and universal. Milton's poem reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas and the power of faith to transform the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On The Morning Of Christ's Nativity: A Masterpiece of John Milton

John Milton, the renowned English poet, is known for his exceptional works of literature that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated works is the "Poetry on the Morning of Christ's Nativity," which was written in 1629 when he was just 21 years old. This poem is a masterpiece that reflects Milton's deep understanding of the Christian faith and his exceptional poetic skills. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, highlighting its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem is divided into two parts, with the first part consisting of 27 stanzas and the second part consisting of 15 stanzas. The first part is a celebration of the birth of Christ, while the second part is a reflection on the significance of his birth. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, with each stanza consisting of ten lines. The rhyme scheme is ABABACCDEE, which gives the poem a musical quality.

The poem begins with an invocation to the muses, asking them to inspire the poet to write about the birth of Christ. The poet then describes the scene of Christ's birth, with the angels singing and the shepherds rejoicing. He describes the beauty of the night, with the stars shining bright and the moon casting a silver light. The poet then goes on to describe the birth of Christ, with Mary giving birth to the savior of the world.

The first part of the poem is filled with vivid imagery and metaphors that bring the scene to life. The poet describes the angels as "golden censers" and "burning tapers," which symbolize their purity and holiness. He also describes the shepherds as "simple men" who are filled with joy at the birth of Christ. The poet uses these images to convey the idea that Christ's birth is a moment of great joy and celebration.

In the second part of the poem, the poet reflects on the significance of Christ's birth. He describes Christ as the "great heir of all things," who has come to save humanity from sin and death. The poet uses biblical references to describe Christ's mission, comparing him to Moses, who led the Israelites out of Egypt, and to David, who defeated Goliath. The poet also describes Christ as the "second Adam," who has come to redeem humanity from the sin of the first Adam.

The second part of the poem is more reflective and philosophical than the first part. The poet uses complex metaphors and allusions to convey his ideas. For example, he compares Christ to the "sun of righteousness," which brings light and warmth to the world. He also describes Christ as the "true light," which shines in the darkness and illuminates the path to salvation.

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of language. The poet uses a range of literary devices, including alliteration, assonance, and imagery, to create a musical and evocative effect. For example, in the first stanza, the poet uses alliteration to describe the "sweet birds" singing and the "silver sound" of the moon. He also uses assonance to create a musical effect, such as in the line "the winds with wonder whist."

The poem also contains a number of biblical allusions, which reflect the poet's deep knowledge of the Christian faith. For example, the poet refers to the "holy innocents" who were killed by Herod, and to the "wise men" who came to worship Christ. These allusions add depth and richness to the poem, and show the poet's mastery of his subject matter.

In conclusion, "Poetry on the Morning of Christ's Nativity" is a masterpiece of English literature. It reflects John Milton's deep understanding of the Christian faith and his exceptional poetic skills. The poem is a celebration of the birth of Christ, and a reflection on the significance of his mission. The poem is filled with vivid imagery, complex metaphors, and biblical allusions, which create a musical and evocative effect. It is a testament to the enduring power of Milton's poetry, and a reminder of the beauty and majesty of the Christian faith.

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