John Milton Quotes

A collection of quotes by John Milton.

John Milton was an English poet and intellectual, born on December 9th, 1608, in London. He is best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost," which is considered one of the greatest literary works in the English language. Milton's life and writings were profoundly influenced by political and religious events of his time.

After graduating from Christ's College, Cambridge, Milton embarked on a literary career, writing both poetry and prose. His early works, such as "L'Allegro" and "Il Penseroso," showcased his lyrical abilities, while his political pamphlets defended the principles of individual liberty and the overthrow of monarchy, advocating for the establishment of a republic.

Miltonâ€™s most famous work, "Paradise Lost," published in 1667, explores the biblical story of the Fall of Man, portraying Satan as a complex and tragic figure. The poem reflects Milton's own political and religious convictions, as well as his exploration of the moral and theological implications of human free will. Following its success, Milton wrote "Paradise Regained" and "Samson Agonistes," continuing his exploration of theological themes.

During the English Civil War, Milton served as a government official, but with the restoration of the monarchy in 1660, he faced political persecution and went into hiding for a period. Despite losing his eyesight in 1652, Milton continued writing and revising his works through the help of amanuenses.

John Milton's contributions to literature and his defense of free speech and individual liberty have made him a central figure in English literary history. He died on November 8th, 1674, in London, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most profound and influential writers of his time and beyond.

The mind is its own place and in itself, can make a Heaven o

The mind is its own place and in itself, can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.

He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, an

He who reigns within himself and rules passions, desires, and fears is more than a king.

For man he seemsIn all his lineaments, though in his faceThe

For man he seemsIn all his lineaments, though in his faceThe glimpses of his Fathers glory shine.

None can love freedom heartily, but good men... the rest lov

None can love freedom heartily, but good men... the rest love not freedom, but license.

Truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as

Truth is as impossible to be soiled by any outward touch as the sunbeam

They are the troublers, they are the dividers of unity, who

They are the troublers, they are the dividers of unity, who neglect and don't permit others to unite those dissevered pieces which are yet wanting to the body of Truth.

Meadows trim, with daisies pied, Shallow brooks, and rivers

Meadows trim, with daisies pied, Shallow brooks, and rivers wide; Towers and balements it sees Bosomed high in tufted trees, Where perhaps some beauty lies, The cynosure of neighboring eyes.

Beauty is Nature's coin, must not be hoarded, but must be cu

Beauty is Nature's coin, must not be hoarded, but must be current.

He who thinks we are to pitch our tent here, and have attain

He who thinks we are to pitch our tent here, and have attained the utmost prospect of reformation that the mortal glass wherein we contemplate can show us, till we come to beatific vision, that man by this very opinion declares that he is yet far short of truth.

Truth Religion Areopagitica John Mitlon

By this time, like one who had set out on his way by night,

By this time, like one who had set out on his way by night, and travelled through a region of smooth or idle dreams, our history now arrives on the confines, where daylight and truth meet us with a clear dawn, representing to our view, though at a far distance, true colours and shapes.

Time Truth Dreams History Thetimes Distance

Yet he who reigns within himself, and rulesPassions, desires

Yet he who reigns within himself, and rulesPassions, desires, and fears, is more a king.

Henceforth an individual solace dear; Part of my Soul I seek

Henceforth an individual solace dear; Part of my Soul I seek thee, and thee claim My other half: with that thy gentle hand Seisd mine, I yielded, and from that time see How beauty is excelld by manly grace.

Beauty Love Soul Soulmate

Avenge, O Lord, thy slaughtered saints, whose bones Lie scat

Avenge, O Lord, thy slaughtered saints, whose bones Lie scattered on the Alpine mountains cold; Ev'n them who kept thy truth so pure of old When all our fathers worshipped stocks and stones Forget not.

So dear I love him that with him all deaths I could endure,

So dear I love him that with him all deaths I could endure, without him live no life.

Truth...never comes into the world but like a bastard, to th

Truth...never comes into the world but like a bastard, to the ignominy of him that brought her forth.

And looks commercing with the skies,Thy rapt soul sitting in

And looks commercing with the skies,Thy rapt soul sitting in thine eyes.

Nature Beauty Soul

Beauty is Nature's brag, and must be shown In courts, at fea

Beauty is Nature's brag, and must be shown In courts, at feasts, and high solemnities, Where most may wonder at the workmanship; It is for homely features to keep home

He that has light within his own cleer brestMay sit ith cent

He that has light within his own cleer brestMay sit ith center, and enjoy bright day,But he that hides a dark soul, and foul thoughtsBenighted walks under the mid-day Sun;Himself is his own dungeon.

How gladly would I meet mortality, my sentence, and be earth

How gladly would I meet mortality, my sentence, and be earth in sensible! how glad would lay me down, as in my mother's lap! There I should rest, and sleep secure.

The power of Kings and Magistrates is nothing else, but what

The power of Kings and Magistrates is nothing else, but what is only derivative, transferrd and committed to them in trust from the People, to the Common good of them all, in whom the power yet remaines fundamentally, and cannot be takn from them, without a violation of thir natural birthright.