The Milton Anthology; 1638-1674 A. D. (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1899 Excerpt: ...the scorching noonday's heat, Incommodates the lowing neat, Or bleating flock; hither each one Hastes to be my companion. And when the western sky, with red Roses, bestrews the Day Star's bed; The wholesome Maid comes out to milk, In russet coat, but skin like silk; Which, though the sun and air dye brown, Will yield to none of all the Town For softness and her breath's sweet smell Doth all the new-milked kie excel She knows no rotten teeth; nor hair Bought, or complexion, t' make her fair: But is her own fair wind and dress; Not envying City's happiness. Yet as she would extend some pity To the drained neat, she frames a Ditty; It patiently lets her pail fill: This, doth the babbling Echo catch; And so, at length, to me 't doth reach. Straight, roused up, I verdict pass Concluding, from this bonny Lass And the birds' strains, 'tis hard to say, Which taught notes first? or she or they Thus ravished, as the night draws on Its sable curtain, in I'm gone To my poor cell; which, 'cause 'tis mine, I judge it doth all else outshine Hung with content, and weather proof; Though neither pavement, nor roof, Borrow from marble quarr below; Or from those hills where cedars grow. There, I embrace and kiss my spouse; Who, like the Vesta to the house, A syllabub prepares, to show, By care and love, what I must owe. Then, calling in the spawn and fry; Who, whilst they live, ne'er let us die But every face is hers, or mine; Though minted yet in lesser coin: She takes an apple, I a plum, Encouragements for all and some; Till, in return, they crown the hearth With innocent and harmless mirth Which sends us joyful to our rest; More than a thousand others blest WISHES. TO HIS SUPPOSED) MISTRESS. Whoe'er She be That not impossible She That shall command my heart and me...