John Milton

Joking decides great things,
Stronger and better oft than earnest can.

Joking decides great things,
Stronger and better oft than earnest can.

Thou, in our wonder and astonishment
Hast built thyself a life-long monument.

Thou, in our wonder and astonishment
Hast built thyself a life-long monument.

His fair large front and eye sublime declared
Absolute rule; and hyacinthine locks
Round from his parted read more

His fair large front and eye sublime declared
Absolute rule; and hyacinthine locks
Round from his parted forelock manly hung
Clustering but not beneath his shoulders broad.

But let my due feet never fail
To walk the studious cloisters pale,
And love the high read more

But let my due feet never fail
To walk the studious cloisters pale,
And love the high embowed roof,
With antique pillars massy proof,
And storied windows richly dight;
Casting a dim religious light.

Sweet bird, that shun the noise of folly, most musical, most melancholy!

Sweet bird, that shun the noise of folly, most musical, most melancholy!