Milton's poetical works Volume 2; with life, critical dissertation, and explanatory notes - Softcover

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1853 Excerpt: ... 'John Earl of Brtdgewater, before whom Comus was first presented, and whose sons and daughter performed the characters of the Brothers and the Lady. It is satd that these latter had been benighted in Haywood Forest, and that Milton founded Comus on this incident. Earl John died 1649. He was a royalist. ' Lord BracUey:' he became Earl of Brtdgewater, and died in 168G. 3 ' Not openly acknowledged' till 1645. 'II. Lawes:' a celebrated musician, who composed the music for Comus. He was an amiable man, and, though a royalist, an Intimate friend of Milton's, who dedicated to him his 13th Sonnet. He composed an immense variety of sacred and other music. COMUS. THE PERSONS. The Attendant Spirit, after-wards in the habit O/thyrsis. Com us, with his Crew. The Lady. First Brother. Second Brother. Sabrina, the Nymph. The Chief Persons, Who Presented, Were The Lord Brackley. Mr Thomas Egerton,1 his brother. The Lady Alice Egerton. The first Scene discovers a wild Wood. The Attendant Spirit descends or enters. Before the starry threshold of Jove's court My mansion is, where those immortal shapes Of bright aereal spirits live inspher'd In regions mild of calm and serene air, Above the smoke and stir of this dim spot, Which men call Earth; and, with low-thoughted care Confin'd and pester'd3 in this pinfold here, Strive to keep up a frail and feverish being, Unmindful of the crown that Virtue gives, After this mortal change, to her true servants, Amongst the enthron'd gods on sainted seats, Yet some there be, that by due steps aspire 1 ' Thomas Egerton:' the fourth son of the Earl. He died at the age of twenty-three.--' The Lady Alice,' as her portraits testify, was very beautiful. She became the Countess of Carbery.--3 Testcr'd:' t. c, crowded.--' ' Pinfold:' «. e., ...