John Milton

Mirth, admit me of thy crew,
To live with her, and live with thee,
In unreprov'd pleasures read more

Mirth, admit me of thy crew,
To live with her, and live with thee,
In unreprov'd pleasures free.

By merit raised
To that bad eminence.

By merit raised
To that bad eminence.

A smile that glow'd
Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue.

A smile that glow'd
Celestial rosy red, love's proper hue.

These eyes, tho' clear
To outward view of blemish or of spot,
Bereft of light, their seeing read more

These eyes, tho' clear
To outward view of blemish or of spot,
Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot,
Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear
Of sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year,
Or man, or woman. Yet I argue not
Against Heaven's hand or will, not bate a jot
Of heart or hope; but still bear up and steer
Right onward.

Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise,
(That last infirmity of noble mind)
To read more

Fame is the spur that the clear spirit doth raise,
(That last infirmity of noble mind)
To scorn delights, and live laborious days;
But the fair guerdon when we hope to find,
And think to burst out into sudden blaze,
Comes the blind Fury with th' abhorred shears,
And slits the thin-spun life.