The Poetical Works of John Milton


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Then swell with pride, and must be titl'd Gods,  
Great Benefactors of mankind, Deliverers,  
Worship't with Temple, Priest and Sacrifice;  
One is the Son of Jove, of Mars the other,  
Till Conquerour Death discover them scarce men,  
Rowling in brutish vices, and deform'd,  
Violent or shameful death thir due reward.  
But if there be in glory aught of good,  
It may by means far different be attain'd  
Without ambition, war, or violence;  
90  
By deeds of peace, by wisdom eminent,  
By patience, temperance; I mention still  
Him whom thy wrongs with Saintly patience born,  
Made famous in a Land and times obscure;  
Who names not now with honour patient Job?  
Poor Socrates (who next more memorable?)  
By what he taught and suffer'd for so doing,  
For truths sake suffering death unjust, lives now  
Equal in fame to proudest Conquerours.  
Yet if for fame and glory aught be done,  
Aught suffer'd; if young African for fame  
His wasted Country freed from Punic rage,  
The deed becomes unprais'd, the man at least,  
And loses, though but verbal, his reward.  
Shall I seek glory then, as vain men seek  
Oft not deserv'd? I seek not mine, but his  
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Page
668 669 670 671 672

Quick Jump
1 198 395 593 790