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Selected Poems
An authoritative new edition of Milton's essential verse
John Milton, who abandoned early plans of becoming a clergyman to become a poet, was a master of almost every type of verse-from the classical to the religious, from the lyric to the epic. His writing reflected his radical views and his profound understanding of politics and power. This collection includes such early works as the devotional "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity," "Comus," and the pastoral elegy "Lycidas."
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
John Milton, who abandoned early plans of becoming a clergyman to become a poet, was a master of almost every type of verse-from the classical to the religious, from the lyric to the epic. His writing reflected his radical views and his profound understanding of politics and power. This collection includes such early works as the devotional "On the Morning of Christ's Nativity," "Comus," and the pastoral elegy "Lycidas."
For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. With more than 1,700 titles, Penguin Classics represents a global bookshelf of the best works throughout history and across genres and disciplines. Readers trust the series to provide authoritative texts enhanced by introductions and notes by distinguished scholars and contemporary authors, as well as up-to-date translations by award-winning translators.
304 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1939
12 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
John Milton
3,753 books2,246 followersPeople best know John Milton, English scholar, for
Paradise Lost
, the epic poem of 1667 and an account of fall of humanity from grace.
Beelzebub, one fallen angel in Paradise Lost, of John Milton, lay in power next to Satan.
Belial, one fallen angel, rebelled against God in Paradise Lost of John Milton.
John Milton, polemicist, man of letters, served the civil Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. He wrote in blank verse at a time of religious flux and political upheaval.
Prose of John Milton reflects deep personal convictions, a passion for freedom and self-determination, and the urgent issues and political turbulence of his day. He wrote in Latin, Greek, and Italian and achieved international renown within his lifetime, and his celebrated Areopagitica (1644) in condemnation of censorship before publication among most influential and impassioned defenses of free speech and the press of history.
William Hayley in biography of 1796 called and generally regarded John Milton, the "greatest ... author," "as one of the preeminent writers in the ... language," though since his death, critical reception oscillated often on his republicanism in the centuries. Samuel Johnson praised, "with respect to design may claim the first place, and with respect to performance, the second, among the productions of the ... mind," though he, a Tory and recipient of royal patronage, described politics of Milton, an "acrimonious and surly republican."
Because of his republicanism, centuries of British partisanship subjected John Milton.
Beelzebub, one fallen angel in Paradise Lost, of John Milton, lay in power next to Satan.
Belial, one fallen angel, rebelled against God in Paradise Lost of John Milton.
John Milton, polemicist, man of letters, served the civil Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. He wrote in blank verse at a time of religious flux and political upheaval.
Prose of John Milton reflects deep personal convictions, a passion for freedom and self-determination, and the urgent issues and political turbulence of his day. He wrote in Latin, Greek, and Italian and achieved international renown within his lifetime, and his celebrated Areopagitica (1644) in condemnation of censorship before publication among most influential and impassioned defenses of free speech and the press of history.
William Hayley in biography of 1796 called and generally regarded John Milton, the "greatest ... author," "as one of the preeminent writers in the ... language," though since his death, critical reception oscillated often on his republicanism in the centuries. Samuel Johnson praised, "with respect to design may claim the first place, and with respect to performance, the second, among the productions of the ... mind," though he, a Tory and recipient of royal patronage, described politics of Milton, an "acrimonious and surly republican."
Because of his republicanism, centuries of British partisanship subjected John Milton.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 25, 2020
4/5 Stars (%78/100)
Considering Milton, I was only familiar with Paradise Lost and heard about "Lycidas" and "L'Allegro." Reading this book made me realize that there is so much to explore regarding Milton. I especially liked the early works of Milton which carried lots of inspirations from the Renaissance.
I highly suggest you to read "Il Penseroso" first and then move on to "L'Allegro" as they complete each other in a sense. Both of them are beautiful poems but quite difficult to read. This is actually the case for all of his poems considering the time period in which it was written. Yet, these two are quite long poems more like a Homeric epic. The shorter poems are easier to understand and enjoyable.
"On Shakespeare" and "Song on May Morning were his earlier works and I also liked “On His Blindness” which was written later in his career. Great compilation of poems overall.
Considering Milton, I was only familiar with Paradise Lost and heard about "Lycidas" and "L'Allegro." Reading this book made me realize that there is so much to explore regarding Milton. I especially liked the early works of Milton which carried lots of inspirations from the Renaissance.
I highly suggest you to read "Il Penseroso" first and then move on to "L'Allegro" as they complete each other in a sense. Both of them are beautiful poems but quite difficult to read. This is actually the case for all of his poems considering the time period in which it was written. Yet, these two are quite long poems more like a Homeric epic. The shorter poems are easier to understand and enjoyable.
"On Shakespeare" and "Song on May Morning were his earlier works and I also liked “On His Blindness” which was written later in his career. Great compilation of poems overall.
February 19, 2021
"Remember that you are a human being with a soul and the divine gift of articulate speech: that your native language is the language of Shakespeare and Milton and The Bible; and don't sit there crooning like a bilious pigeon."
- Professor Henry Higgins, Pygmalion.
Reputation - 4/5
Second to Shakespeare, but before The Bible, Milton is generally judged to be one of the greatest writers of English ever. His masterpiece Paradise Lost is not included in this selection, but in these 100 or so pages you'll find nearly everything else Milton is famous for: several well-known sonnets, Lycidas, L'Allegro, Il Pensoroso, and two longer dramatic works - Comus and Samson Agonistes.
Point - 5/5
Disclaimer: When considering the point or purpose of a work, I am trying to find a way to critique both the author's style and substance. Sometimes a book begins with a deep idea (substance) but the writer is unable to express anything profound about it (style). Either the author doesn't come to a satisfying conclusion about the original idea (substance), or, more often, he or she is simply not talented enough to articulate the idea elegantly (style).
Milton clearly lacks neither style nor substance and Samson Agonistes seems to me to be one of the best examples in English of perfection in both idea and execution.
John Milton had supported Oliver Cromwell and the English Commonwealth, but in 1660, when the monarchy was restored, he became a political fugitive. His writings were burnt and he went into hiding, fearing for his life. He was eventually pardoned, but served time in prison. By the time he was 50, John Milton was a penniless outcast whose life's work had been declared illegal and destroyed. He was also completely blind.
It is difficult to imagine a more obvious case of God abandoning someone of great potential - of making all the talents bestowed on him seem not only wasted, but absurd, of making a mockery of his life.
But Milton thought of someone who'd had it worse. And he thought of the perfect form for expressing that man's story.
He chose the Hebrew, Samson, as his hero. Samson is one of the most well-known Biblical characters, who, in addition to his loss of great strength and reputation, also shared with Milton the misfortune of being blind.
He chose the Ancient Greek form of tragedy to structure the story. He included a Greek chorus to direct action and discuss philosophy. Even in the title of the work, Milton uses an Ancient Greek word: Agonistes ("ἀγωνιστής"), which translates to "the Champion."
He wrote in English, the language of the Anglican Church, of republican liberty, and of self-interpretation of the Bible. In a work that champions freedom of divine interpretation, the freedom of language is essential, and Milton stretches his English to its limits.
The result is a work with a Hebrew hero, a Greek form, and an English verse. To call it a poem or a play or even a closet drama (as it is usually characterized) seems amiss. It is much closer to the negative definition Tolstoy used when describing War and Peace:
“It is not a novel, still less an epic poem, still less a historical chronicle. War and Peace is what the author wanted and was able to express, in the form in which it is expressed.”
Recommendation - 4/5
I would recommend that everyone read John Milton. If the obvious first choice of Paradise Lost is too daunting for the casual reader, then this selection is a fine substitute. You will still read most of what he is famous for, and you will encounter a work of supreme genius that only Milton could have written in Samson Agonistes.
There are, however, a few works in this book that are difficult to recommend. Comus does not hold up well to modern reading. It is a fairy story about abstinence - two things we no longer believe in.
On the whole, Milton has a well-earned reputation for being difficult. He is erudite and philosophical, with almost none of the witty humor you find in Shakespeare. In that sense, Milton may be a burden to some people. You don't have to enjoy him, but you can't ignore him.
Enjoyment - 5/5
I greatly enjoy Milton. It is my personal conviction that he is the greatest writer in the history of the English language.
I recognize this as a personal opinion, having much to do with my temperament. I prefer authors who state their creed boldly, even if I strongly disagree with them. There are few great writers whose politics and religion meddle in their work more than Milton. And in this way, Milton is the Anti-Shakespeare. Where Shakespeare is willing to present you with a dozen characters with differing ideas, and when you ask him to tell you who is right, he'll throw up his hands and slyly smile, Milton will clearly state who is right, who is wrong, and who is going to Hell for it. We see so much of Milton in his work. Everything is personal with him. And maybe that's what makes this poem about his deceased wife so moving:
Methought I saw my late espousèd Saint
Brought to me like Alcestis from the grave,
Whom Jove's great son to her glad husband gave,
Rescued from death by force, though pale and faint.
Mine, as whom washed from spot of childbed taint,
Purification in the Old Law did save,
And such as yet once more I trust to have
Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint,
Came vested all in white, pure as her mind:
Her face was vailed; yet to my fancied sight,
Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shined
So clear, as in no face with more delight.
But, oh! as to embrace me she inclined,
I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night.
- Professor Henry Higgins, Pygmalion.
Reputation - 4/5
Second to Shakespeare, but before The Bible, Milton is generally judged to be one of the greatest writers of English ever. His masterpiece Paradise Lost is not included in this selection, but in these 100 or so pages you'll find nearly everything else Milton is famous for: several well-known sonnets, Lycidas, L'Allegro, Il Pensoroso, and two longer dramatic works - Comus and Samson Agonistes.
Point - 5/5
Disclaimer: When considering the point or purpose of a work, I am trying to find a way to critique both the author's style and substance. Sometimes a book begins with a deep idea (substance) but the writer is unable to express anything profound about it (style). Either the author doesn't come to a satisfying conclusion about the original idea (substance), or, more often, he or she is simply not talented enough to articulate the idea elegantly (style).
Milton clearly lacks neither style nor substance and Samson Agonistes seems to me to be one of the best examples in English of perfection in both idea and execution.
John Milton had supported Oliver Cromwell and the English Commonwealth, but in 1660, when the monarchy was restored, he became a political fugitive. His writings were burnt and he went into hiding, fearing for his life. He was eventually pardoned, but served time in prison. By the time he was 50, John Milton was a penniless outcast whose life's work had been declared illegal and destroyed. He was also completely blind.
It is difficult to imagine a more obvious case of God abandoning someone of great potential - of making all the talents bestowed on him seem not only wasted, but absurd, of making a mockery of his life.
But Milton thought of someone who'd had it worse. And he thought of the perfect form for expressing that man's story.
He chose the Hebrew, Samson, as his hero. Samson is one of the most well-known Biblical characters, who, in addition to his loss of great strength and reputation, also shared with Milton the misfortune of being blind.
He chose the Ancient Greek form of tragedy to structure the story. He included a Greek chorus to direct action and discuss philosophy. Even in the title of the work, Milton uses an Ancient Greek word: Agonistes ("ἀγωνιστής"), which translates to "the Champion."
He wrote in English, the language of the Anglican Church, of republican liberty, and of self-interpretation of the Bible. In a work that champions freedom of divine interpretation, the freedom of language is essential, and Milton stretches his English to its limits.
The result is a work with a Hebrew hero, a Greek form, and an English verse. To call it a poem or a play or even a closet drama (as it is usually characterized) seems amiss. It is much closer to the negative definition Tolstoy used when describing War and Peace:
“It is not a novel, still less an epic poem, still less a historical chronicle. War and Peace is what the author wanted and was able to express, in the form in which it is expressed.”
Recommendation - 4/5
I would recommend that everyone read John Milton. If the obvious first choice of Paradise Lost is too daunting for the casual reader, then this selection is a fine substitute. You will still read most of what he is famous for, and you will encounter a work of supreme genius that only Milton could have written in Samson Agonistes.
There are, however, a few works in this book that are difficult to recommend. Comus does not hold up well to modern reading. It is a fairy story about abstinence - two things we no longer believe in.
On the whole, Milton has a well-earned reputation for being difficult. He is erudite and philosophical, with almost none of the witty humor you find in Shakespeare. In that sense, Milton may be a burden to some people. You don't have to enjoy him, but you can't ignore him.
Enjoyment - 5/5
I greatly enjoy Milton. It is my personal conviction that he is the greatest writer in the history of the English language.
I recognize this as a personal opinion, having much to do with my temperament. I prefer authors who state their creed boldly, even if I strongly disagree with them. There are few great writers whose politics and religion meddle in their work more than Milton. And in this way, Milton is the Anti-Shakespeare. Where Shakespeare is willing to present you with a dozen characters with differing ideas, and when you ask him to tell you who is right, he'll throw up his hands and slyly smile, Milton will clearly state who is right, who is wrong, and who is going to Hell for it. We see so much of Milton in his work. Everything is personal with him. And maybe that's what makes this poem about his deceased wife so moving:
Methought I saw my late espousèd Saint
Brought to me like Alcestis from the grave,
Whom Jove's great son to her glad husband gave,
Rescued from death by force, though pale and faint.
Mine, as whom washed from spot of childbed taint,
Purification in the Old Law did save,
And such as yet once more I trust to have
Full sight of her in Heaven without restraint,
Came vested all in white, pure as her mind:
Her face was vailed; yet to my fancied sight,
Love, sweetness, goodness, in her person shined
So clear, as in no face with more delight.
But, oh! as to embrace me she inclined,
I waked, she fled, and day brought back my night.
September 26, 2024
this guy is really really hoping heaven slaps
May 25, 2023
Milton is definitely one of the least prolific great writers, so every scrap of verse we have from him is a treasure. Certainly his reputation would not be nearly so high if we only had his minor poems, but he certainly would still have been classified as far better than average. Take the exquisite pair of L'Allegro and Il Penseroro, for example—I dare you to find poetry from this age that is both so downright fun and lyrically generous. His early Nativity poem is a gem of extended devotional verse—conventional, yes, but in it can be detected all the seeds that would blossom forth into his great biblical narratives. The sonnets are mostly unremarkable with a couple of memorable exceptions, like "On His Blindness" and "Avenge, O Lord". Comus is very predictable if you're at all experienced in 17th century poetry, but it's full of glittering wordsmithery and sly humor. Am I missing anything else? Oh yes, "Lycidas". Contrary to Dr. Johnson's ornery yet hilarious assessment of it, I must consider it Milton's second greatest poem. In its immeasurably weighty adagio lines, cast in a meter of cankerous irregularities, it opens up the floodgates for such monumental elegies as Whitman's lilacs and Eliot's Waste Land. I've read it tens of times, and always experience chills of the highest magnitude.
October 20, 2024
The most specific component in John Milton poems is his love for Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythology. The allusions from ancient mythologies, especially the Greek one shows us how much he loved those stories as he used them a lot in his poems, especially his two plays which were really similar to what we’ve known from Roman, Greek and Egyptian mythologies. He was also a good Christian as he wrote several great Christian poems, especially the poem for our mighty Lord, Jesus Christ’s birth, allegedly one of the best Christmas poems ever. I don’t wanna criticise his political views and his poems for generals(especially general Fairfax), but his poem about The Piedmontese Easter, a series of massacres on Waldensians. That poem is an evidence which proves everyone that he stood on the right side of history by defending victims of the massacre. Milton defends all the good features that a Christian or any good person stands for or fight for or even dies for. As a person who got converted into Christianity lately, Milton’s poems were profoundly amazing and fondly beautiful. I wish his beautiful rests in heavenly peace, as sweet & soft as he describe it in his poems.
January 9, 2024
Obviously aimed at Eng Lit students, from my point of view this selection is a washout: it contains little more than the best-known works that would be found in any good general anthology of poetry (nothing from Paradise Regained, though). If you buy a dedicated volume you want to go beyond that. There are a hundred pages of largely unnecessary notes - unnecessary, that is, to anyone who is fluent in English (and if you're not, there's little point studying Milton) and has a brain in their head. And even if you did need them, they're at the back so more a nuisance than a help.
March 15, 2024
I'd say... don't read it in English if you're not a native English speaker! I did, and I think it was a big mistake.
Though I didn't really understand everything, I enjoyed the sound of it. The sound that the words made in my head, the rhythm and the musicality. Though the ideas are now "somewhat" oldish (it has been written in 17th century :P), I still found it interesting to read. The knowledge of all the aspects of the Greek and Roman mythology is quite impressive, it made me feel so small and uncultivated...
Though I didn't really understand everything, I enjoyed the sound of it. The sound that the words made in my head, the rhythm and the musicality. Though the ideas are now "somewhat" oldish (it has been written in 17th century :P), I still found it interesting to read. The knowledge of all the aspects of the Greek and Roman mythology is quite impressive, it made me feel so small and uncultivated...
June 26, 2023
DNF'd. will pick up again once i build up a stomach for poetry and 1600s english — the philosophical questions raised by milton are interesting especially in context of history, but the prose itself didn't elicit the same feelings from me.
February 10, 2020
Milton was a nasty SATANIST. Refers to Lucifer almost instantly and then goes on to call Christ "Pan".
June 1, 2025
Good selection of his work.
Want to read
July 27, 2015Already read:
Samson Agonistes--2
On the Morning of Christ's Nativity
On Shakespeare
L'Allegro
Il Penseroso
Comus, A Mask
Lycidas
On the Late Massacre in Piedmont
On His Blindness
On His Deceased Wife
Samson Agonistes--2
On the Morning of Christ's Nativity
On Shakespeare
L'Allegro
Il Penseroso
Comus, A Mask
Lycidas
On the Late Massacre in Piedmont
On His Blindness
On His Deceased Wife
November 10, 2013
This time, it was 'Comus'.
What hath night to do with sleep?
What hath night to do with sleep?
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews