F1123.D: Introduction to Literary Study: British Literature

Summer 2000

H. Blurton

John Milton, Paradise Lost: additional selections part 2

1) Paradise Lost VIII. 633 - 643

Be strong, live happy, and love, but first of all

Him whom to love is to obey, and keep

His great command; take heed lest passion sway

Thy judgment to do aught, which else free will

Would not admit; thine and of all thy sons

The weal or woe in thee is placed; beware.

I in thy persevering shall rejoice,

And all the blessed: stand fast, to stand or fall

Free in thine own arbitrament it lies.

Perfect within, no outward aid require;

And all temptation to transgress repel.

2) Sonnet 16

When I consider how my light is spent,

Ere half my days, in this dark world and wide,

And that one talent which is death to hide,

Lodged with me useless, though my soul more bent

To serve therewith my maker, and present

My true account, lest he returning chide,

Doth God exact day-labour, light denied,

I fondly ask; but patience to prevent

That murmur, soon replies, God doth not need

Either man’s work or his own gifts, who best

Bear his mild yoke, they serve him best, his state

Is kingly. Thousands at his bidding speed

And post o’er land and ocean without rest:

They also serve who only stand and wait.

3) Paradise Lost VI. 801 - 802

Stand still in bright array ye saints, here stand

Ye angels armed...