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John Milton
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To Mr. H. Lawes, on the publishing his Airs*
by John Milton
Harry, whose tuneful and well measured song
First taught our English music how to span
Words, with just note and accent, not to scan
With Midas' ears, committing short and long;
Thy worth and skill exempts thee from the throng,
With praise enough for Envy to look wan;
To after age thou shalt be writ the man,
That with smooth air, could'st humour best our tongue.
Thou honour'st verse, and verse must lend her wing
To honour thee, the priest of Phoebus' quire,
That tunest their happiest lines in hymn, or story.
Dante shall give Fame leave to set thee higher
Than his Casella, whom he woo'd to sing,
Met in the milder shades of Purgatory.
* Henry Lawes, composer of both church music and court masques.
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The Poetical Works of John Milton.
London: J. J. Chidley, 1847. 428-9.
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Site copyright ©1996-2007 Anniina Jokinen. All Rights Reserved.
Created by Anniina Jokinen on October 9, 1996. Last updated December 26, 2006.
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