Author: William Lisle Bowles

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    And art thou he, now "fall'n on evil days,"
    And changed indeed! Yet what do this sunk cheek,
    These thinner locks, and that calm forehead speak!
    A spirit reckless of man's blame or praise,
    A spirit, when thine eyes to the noon's blaze
    Their dark orbs roll in vain, in suffering meek,
    As in the sight of God intent to seek,
    'Mid solitude or age, or through the ways
    Of hard adversity, the approving look
    Of its great Master; whilst the conscious pride
    Of wisdom, patient and content to brook
    All ills to that sole Master's task applied,
    Shall show before high heaven the unaltered mind,
    Milton, though thou art poor, and old, and blind!

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Type of Poem: Sonnet

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: The poem presents a profound exploration of the human spirit and resilience in the face of adversity, specifically focusing on the celebrated figure of John Milton. The theme is presented through the lens of personal transformation and the fortitude of the human spirit, often seen in the face of physical decline and societal disregard. The poet's tone is both melancholic and reverential, capturing Milton's physical deterioration while simultaneously exalting his spiritual strength.

Structurally, the poem follows a sonnet form, which aids in creating a tightly woven argument and emotional trajectory. The octave, or first eight lines, introduces the subject and his predicament, and the sestet, or last six lines, offers a resolution. The transition in the poem's tone, from despair to inspiration, is also marked by this structural shift.

The poet's use of apostrophe, directly addressing the subject as 'Milton', stands out as a powerful literary device. This approach not only personalizes the poem, but also brings a sense of immediacy and connection to the reader. The poet also employs poignant visual imagery, such as the "sunk cheek" and "thinner locks", to emphasize the physical decline in stark contrast to the "unaltered mind" - thereby underscoring the theme of spiritual resilience. The recurring religious undertones, evident in phrases such as "in the sight of God" and "its great Master", further reinforce the idea of a spiritual journey and resilience in the face of worldly challenges.