8 John Milton Quotes on Poetry

John Milton quotes on poetry

16. A poet soaring in the high reason of his fancies, with his garland and singing robes about him.

40. [Rhyme is] but the invention of a barbarous age, to set off wretched matter and lame Meter; ... Not without cause therefore some both Italian and Spanish poets of prime note have rejected rhyme, ... as have also long since our best English tragedies, as... trivial and of no true musical delight; which [truly] consists only in apt numbers, fit quantity of syllables, and the sense variously drawn out from one verse into another, not in the jingling sound of like endings, a fault avoided by the learned ancients both in poetry and all good oratory.

45. O fairest flower! no sooner blown but blasted, Soft silken primrose fading timelessly.

91. 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.

99. He knew Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme.

100. Without the meed of some melodious tear.

114. He touch'd the tender stops of various quills, With eager thought warbling his Doric lay.

119. Ornate rhetoric thought out of the rule of Plato... To which poetry would be made subsequent, or indeed rather precedent, as being less subtle and fine, but more simple, sensuous, and passionate.