'Il Penseroso' by John Milton
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Hence, vain deluding Joys,
............The brood of Folly without father bred!
How little you bested
............Or fill the fixed mind with all your toys!
Dwell in some idle brain,
............And fancies fond with gaudy shapes possess,
As thick and numberless
............As the gay motes that people the sun-beams,
Or likest hovering dreams,
............The fickle pensioners of Morpheus' train.
But, hail! thou Goddess sage and holy!
Hail, divinest Melancholy!
Whose saintly visage is too bright
To hit the sense of human sight,
And therefore to our weaker view
O'erlaid with black, staid Wisdom's hue;
Black, but such as in esteem
Prince Memnon's sister might beseem,
Or that starred Ethiop queen that strove
To set her beauty's praise above
The Sea-Nymphs, and their powers offended.
Yet thou art higher far descended:
Thee bright-haired Vesta long of yore
To solitary Saturn bore;
His daughter she; in Saturn's reign
Such mixture was not held a stain.
Oft in glimmering bowers and glades
He met her, and in secret shades
Of woody Ida's inmost grove,
Whilst yet there was no fear of Jove.
Come, pensive Nun, devout and pure,
Sober, steadfast, and demure,
All in a robe of darkest grain,
Flowing with majestic train,
And sable stole of cypress lawn
Over thy decent shoulders drawn.
Come; but keep thy wonted state,
With even step, and musing gait,
And looks commercing with the skies,
Thy rapt soul sitting in thine eyes:
There, held in holy passion still,
Forget thyself to marble, till
With a sad leaden downward cast
Thou fix them on the earth as fast.
And join with thee calm Peace and Quiet,
Spare Fast, that oft with gods doth diet,
And hears the Muses in a ring
Aye round about Jove's altar sing;
And add to these retired Leisure,
That in trim gardens takes his pleasure;
But, first and chiefest, with thee bring
Him that yon soars on golden wing,
Guiding the fiery-wheeled throne,
The Cherub Contemplation;
And the mute Silence hist along,
'Less Philomel will deign a song,
In her sweetest saddest plight,
Smoothing the rugged brow of Night,
While Cynthia checks her dragon yoke
Gently o'er the accustomed oak.
Sweet bird, that shunn'st the noise of folly,
Most musical, most melancholy!
Thee, chauntress, oft the woods among
I woo, to hear thy even-song;
And, missing thee,I walk unseen
On the dry smooth-shaven green,
To behold the wandering moon,
Riding near her highest noon,
Like one that had been led astray
Through the heaven's wide pathless way,
And oft, as if her head she bowed,
Stooping through a fleecy cloud.
Oft, on a plat of rising ground,
I hear the far-off curfew sound,
Over some wide-watered shore,
Swinging slow with sullen roar;
Or, if the air will not permit,
Some still removed place will fit,
Where glowing embers through the room
Teach light to counterfeit a gloom,
Far from all resort of mirth,
Save the cricket on the hearth,
Or the bellman's drowsy charm
To bless the doors from nightly harm.
Or let my lamp, at midnight hour,
Be seen in some high lonely tower,
Where I may oft outwatch the Bear,
With thrice great Hermes, or unsphere
The spirit of Plato, to unfold
What worlds or what vast regions hold
The immortal mind that hath forsook
Her mansion in this fleshly nook;
And of those demons that are found
In fire, air, flood, or underground,
Whose power hath a true consent
With planet or with element.
Sometime let gorgeous Tragedy
In sceptred pall come sweeping by,
Presenting Thebes, or Pelops' line,
Or the tale of Troy divine,
Or what (though rare) of later age
Ennobled hath the buskined stage.
But, O sad Virgin! that thy power
Might raise Musaeus from his bower;
Or bid the soul of Orpheus sing
Such notes as, warbled to the string,
Drew iron tears down Pluto's cheek,
And made Hell grant what love did seek;
Or call up him that left half-told
The story of Cambuscan bold,
Of Camball, and of Algarsife,
And who had Canace to wife,
That owned the virtuous ring and glass,
And of the wondrous horse of brass
On which the Tartar king did ride;
And if aught else great bards beside
In sage and solemn tunes have sung,
Of turneys, and of trophies hung,
Of forests, and enchantments drear,
Where more is meant than meets the ear.
Thus, Night, oft see me in thy pale career,
Till civil-suited Morn appear,
Not tricked and frounced, as she was wont
With the Attic boy to hunt,
But kerchieft in a comely cloud
While rocking winds are piping loud,
Or ushered with a shower still,
When the gust hath blown his fill,
Ending on the rustling leaves,
With minute-drops from off the eaves.
And, when the sun begins to fling
His flaring beams, me, Goddess, bring
To arched walks of twilight groves,
And shadows brown, that Sylvan loves,
Of pine, or monumental oak,
Where the rude axe with heaved stroke
Was never heard the nymphs to daunt,
Or fright them from their hallowed haunt.
There, in close covert, by some brook,
Where no profaner eye may look,
Hide me from day's garish eye,
While the bee with honeyed thigh,
That at her flowery work doth sing,
And the waters murmuring,
With such consort as they keep,
Entice the dewy-feathered Sleep.
And let some strange mysterious dream
Wave at his wings, in airy stream
Of lively portraiture displayed,
Softly on my eyelids laid;
And, as I wake, sweet music breathe
Above, about, or underneath,
Sent by some Spirit to mortals good,
Or the unseen Genius of the wood.
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,
And storied windows richly dight,
Casting a dim religious light.
There let the pealing organ blow,
To the full-voiced quire below,
In service high and anthems clear,
As may with sweetness, through mine ear,
Dissolve me into ecstasies,
And bring all Heaven before mine eyes.
And may at last my weary age
Find out the peaceful hermitage,
The hairy gown and mossy cell,
Where I may sit and rightly spell
Of every star that heaven doth shew,
And every herb that sips the dew,
Till old experience do attain
To something like prophetic strain.
These pleasures, Melancholy, give;
And I with thee will choose to live.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Il Penseroso by John Milton
Il Penseroso, which translates to "The Thoughtful One" in Italian, is a classic poem written by John Milton in 1631. It is part of a pair of poems, with L'Allegro (meaning "The Cheerful One") being the other half. Il Penseroso is a beautiful and intricate work that explores the themes of melancholy, solitude, and contemplation. In this literary criticism and interpretation of Il Penseroso, we will delve into the various elements that make this poem a masterpiece.
Form and Structure
Il Penseroso is a lyric poem, and it is written in iambic pentameter. The poem consists of 109 lines, divided into six stanzas of varying lengths. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB, and the lines are written in blank verse. The poem is also divided into two parts, with the first four stanzas describing the various aspects of the thoughtful life, while the last two stanzas describe the pleasures of the night.
Milton's use of iambic pentameter in Il Penseroso is masterful. The consistent pattern of unstressed and stressed syllables gives the poem a musical quality that adds to its beauty. The use of blank verse allows Milton to express his ideas more freely, without being constrained by a particular rhyme scheme. The rhyme scheme is also important in the poem. The ABAB pattern gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which reflects the contemplative nature of the thoughtful life.
Themes and Motifs
Il Penseroso is a poem that deals with several themes, the most prominent of which is melancholy. Milton portrays the thoughtful life as one that is filled with sadness and melancholy, but also one that is enriching and rewarding. The poem explores the nature of melancholy and how it can be turned into something positive.
Another significant theme in Il Penseroso is solitude. The poem portrays the thoughtful life as one that is lived in solitude, away from the noise and bustle of the world. It is a life that is contemplative and introspective, where the individual can reflect on the deeper things of life.
The motif of night is also prominent in the poem. Milton portrays the night as a time of peace and tranquility, where the thoughtful individual can find solace and comfort. The night is also associated with the pleasures of the contemplative life, such as music, poetry, and philosophy.
Imagery and Symbolism
Milton's use of imagery and symbolism in Il Penseroso is masterful. The poem is filled with vivid, evocative images that help to convey its themes and ideas. One of the most striking images in the poem is that of the "sable-stoled" melancholy. The image of melancholy dressed in black symbolizes the sadness and darkness that is associated with the thoughtful life.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of the "moping owl." The image of the owl represents the solitary and contemplative nature of the thoughtful life. The owl is a bird that is associated with wisdom and knowledge, and it is often depicted as a symbol of learning and scholarship.
Milton also uses symbolism to convey his ideas in the poem. For example, the image of the "frowning fortune" symbolizes the uncertainty and unpredictability of life. The "gloomy shades" that are mentioned in the poem represent the darkness and sadness that is associated with the thoughtful life.
Tone and Mood
The tone of Il Penseroso is reflective and introspective. Milton uses a range of poetic devices, such as imagery and symbolism, to convey his ideas in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. The mood of the poem is melancholy and contemplative, but there is also a sense of hope and optimism that runs throughout the poem.
Critical Interpretation
Il Penseroso is a poem that has been subject to a range of critical interpretations over the years. Some critics have argued that the poem is a celebration of the contemplative life, while others have interpreted it as a critique of the melancholic temperament.
One of the most interesting interpretations of the poem is that it is a reflection of Milton's own life. Milton was a man who lived a life of solitude and contemplation, and many of the themes and ideas that are present in Il Penseroso can be traced back to his own experiences.
Another critical interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection of the broader cultural and historical context in which it was written. Il Penseroso was written during a time of great political and social upheaval in England, and it can be seen as a response to the turmoil and uncertainty of the period.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Il Penseroso is a masterpiece of English poetry. Milton's use of language, imagery, and symbolism is masterful, and the poem is a beautiful exploration of the themes of melancholy, solitude, and contemplation. The poem has been subject to a range of critical interpretations over the years, but it remains a powerful and evocative work that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Il Penseroso: A Masterpiece of Contemplation and Reflection
John Milton’s Il Penseroso is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Written in the 17th century, it is a masterpiece of contemplation and reflection that explores the themes of solitude, melancholy, and the beauty of the natural world. The poem is a companion piece to L’Allegro, which celebrates the joys of life, while Il Penseroso explores the more introspective and reflective aspects of the human experience. In this article, we will delve into the depths of Il Penseroso and explore its themes, structure, and language.
Themes
The central theme of Il Penseroso is the contemplative life. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and power of the human mind, and the joys that can be found in solitude and reflection. The speaker of the poem is a melancholy figure who finds solace in his own thoughts and the natural world around him. He is not interested in the frivolities of life, but instead seeks out the deeper meaning and purpose of existence.
The poem is also a meditation on the transience of life. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence, and the inevitability of death. He finds comfort in the idea that his thoughts and ideas will live on after he is gone, and that he will be remembered for his intellectual pursuits.
Structure
Il Penseroso is a pastoral poem, which means that it is set in the countryside and celebrates the beauty of nature. The poem is divided into two parts, each with its own distinct structure and tone. The first part of the poem is more introspective and melancholy, while the second part is more celebratory and joyful.
The first part of the poem is structured as a series of contrasts. The speaker reflects on the things that he is not interested in, such as the “jocund rebeck” and the “high-voiced maid,” and contrasts them with the things that he finds beautiful and meaningful, such as the “still-vexed Bermoothes” and the “desert air.” The language in this section is more subdued and introspective, reflecting the speaker’s melancholy mood.
The second part of the poem is more celebratory and joyful. The speaker reflects on the beauty of the natural world, and the joy that can be found in contemplation and reflection. The language in this section is more vibrant and lively, reflecting the speaker’s newfound sense of joy and wonder.
Language
The language in Il Penseroso is rich and evocative, and Milton uses a variety of poetic devices to create a sense of depth and complexity. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. Milton uses vivid and detailed descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of beauty and wonder. For example, he describes the “glowing violet” and the “jacinth rare” in the first part of the poem, and the “daisied bank” and the “cowslip’s bell” in the second part.
Milton also uses a variety of other poetic devices, such as alliteration, assonance, and repetition, to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. For example, he uses alliteration in the phrase “moping melancholy” to create a sense of the speaker’s mood, and repetition in the phrase “And storied windows richly dight” to create a sense of the beauty of the natural world.
Conclusion
Il Penseroso is a classic poem that explores the themes of solitude, melancholy, and the beauty of the natural world. The poem is a celebration of the power of the human mind, and the joys that can be found in contemplation and reflection. Milton’s use of imagery, language, and poetic devices creates a sense of depth and complexity that has made the poem a timeless masterpiece. Il Penseroso is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience, and it continues to inspire and move readers to this day.
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