'Arcades' by John Milton
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The Poetical Works of John MiltonPart 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 accuseOf 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 beholdWhat 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 Study of the Poem's Literary Significance
Arcades is a pastoral poem written by John Milton in 1634. Often overshadowed by Milton's more famous works such as Paradise Lost, this poem is an eloquent celebration of nature, art, and the human spirit. It is a fitting example of the literary style of the time, which was characterized by an interest in classical culture, a love of nature, and a focus on the individual. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem's themes, style, and literary significance.
Context and Background
Before delving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context and background that influenced its creation. Milton was born in London in 1608 and was educated at Cambridge University. He was deeply interested in literature and the arts, and his work reflects this. He was also a devout Puritan, and his religious beliefs play a significant role in many of his works.
Milton wrote Arcades while he was living at his father's estate in Buckinghamshire. The poem was written as part of the entertainment for Lady Alice Egerton, who was visiting the estate. Lady Egerton was a patron of the arts and had commissioned Milton to write a play. Arcades was written as a complement to the play and was meant to be performed by Lady Egerton and her guests.
Themes
The themes of Arcades are centered around nature, art, and the human spirit. The poem celebrates the beauty of the natural world and the ways in which art can capture and reflect this beauty. It also explores the power of the human spirit to transcend the limitations of the physical world and to connect with something greater than ourselves.
One of the key themes of the poem is the idea of harmony between nature and art. The poem describes a world in which art is not an artificial construct but is instead a natural outgrowth of the world around us. The music that is described in the poem is not something that is created by human hands but is instead a reflection of the natural world. This idea is reflected in the lines:
"But let my due feet never fail To walk the studious cloisters pale, And love the high embowed roof, With antique pillars massy proof, And storied windows richly dight, Casting a dim religious light."
Here, the speaker is describing the beauty of the architecture around him and the way in which it is a natural outgrowth of the world around him. The use of words like "massy proof" and "storied windows" suggest that these structures are not merely artificial constructs but are instead a reflection of the natural world.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea of transcendence. The speaker describes how art can transport us out of the physical world and into something greater than ourselves. This is reflected in the lines:
"Hail, holy Light, offspring of Heaven first-born, Or of the eternal coeternal beam May I express thee unblamed? since God is light, And never but in unapproached light Dwelt from eternity, dwelt then in thee, Bright effluence of bright essence increate!"
Here, the speaker is describing how the light of God is reflected in the art and music around him. The use of words like "effluence" and "essence increate" suggest that this light is not merely a physical phenomenon but is instead something that transcends the physical world.
Style and Literary Significance
The style of Arcades is characterized by its use of pastoral imagery and its emphasis on harmony between nature and art. The poem is written in a pastoral mode, which was a popular literary style at the time. This style was characterized by an interest in nature, a love of simplicity, and a focus on the individual. Milton's use of pastoral imagery in Arcades is particularly effective in conveying the beauty of the natural world and the ways in which art can capture and reflect this beauty.
Another significant aspect of the poem's style is its use of classical allusions. The poem references classical figures such as Orpheus and Apollo, as well as classical landscapes such as Arcadia. These allusions serve to elevate the poem and to give it a sense of classical grandeur. They also reflect Milton's interest in classical culture and his desire to connect his work to the great literary traditions of the past.
The literary significance of Arcades lies in its celebration of nature, art, and the human spirit. The poem is a reminder of the power of art to connect us to something greater than ourselves and to transport us out of the physical world. It is also a celebration of the natural world and the ways in which art can reflect and capture its beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Arcades is a beautiful and eloquent poem that celebrates the harmony between nature and art. Its themes of transcendence and the power of the human spirit are particularly resonant, and its use of pastoral imagery and classical allusions serve to elevate the poem and give it a sense of grandeur. While it may be overshadowed by Milton's more famous works, Arcades is a reminder of the beauty and power of poetry and its ability to connect us to something greater than ourselves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Poetry Arcades is a classic work of literature written by John Milton, one of the greatest poets of all time. This masterpiece is a collection of poems that showcases Milton's exceptional talent in writing and his deep understanding of human emotions.
The Poetry Arcades is a series of poems that are interconnected, forming a narrative that explores the themes of love, beauty, and nature. The poems are written in a lyrical style, with each line flowing seamlessly into the next, creating a musical rhythm that is both soothing and captivating.
One of the most striking features of the Poetry Arcades is its use of imagery. Milton's descriptions of nature are vivid and evocative, transporting the reader to a world of beauty and wonder. He uses metaphors and similes to compare the natural world to human emotions, creating a sense of harmony between the two.
For example, in the poem "L'Allegro," Milton describes the joy and happiness that comes from being in nature. He writes, "Haste thee, Nymph, and bring with thee / Jest, and youthful Jollity, / Quips, and Cranks, and wanton Wiles, / Nods, and Becks, and wreathed Smiles." Here, Milton uses personification to give nature human qualities, making it seem like a living, breathing entity that can bring joy and happiness to those who embrace it.
Another notable feature of the Poetry Arcades is its exploration of love and beauty. Milton's poems are filled with images of love and desire, but they are also tempered with a sense of restraint and respect. He portrays love as a powerful force that can bring joy and happiness, but also as something that must be approached with caution and care.
In the poem "Il Penseroso," Milton explores the beauty of the night and the contemplative mood it inspires. He writes, "But let my due feet never fail / To walk the studious cloister's pale, / And love the high embowed roof, / With antique pillars massy proof." Here, Milton uses imagery to describe the beauty of the architecture and the sense of peace and tranquility that comes from being in such a place.
Overall, the Poetry Arcades is a masterpiece of literature that showcases Milton's exceptional talent as a poet. His use of imagery, metaphor, and simile creates a world of beauty and wonder that is both captivating and inspiring. His exploration of love, beauty, and nature is timeless and continues to resonate with readers today. If you are a fan of poetry or literature in general, the Poetry Arcades is a must-read.
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