fenlan Posted August 29, 2005 at 12:19 AM Report Share Posted August 29, 2005 at 12:19 AM This is a 17th century poem, quoted mainly for the beauty of the first four lines rather than for the religious references further down. If anyone wants clarification let me know. The poem is addressed to Oliver Cromwell, former Lord Protector of England. These 14 line poems are known as sonnets, and generally have a pattern of rhymes running through them, in this case abba abba cddc ee (abcde refer to the five rhyme patterns in the poem). To get cddc to rhyme properly, "victories" needs to rhyme with "arise". This is probably how it was pronounced 300 years ago, but in reading the poem today it is optional whether simply to use the modern pronunciation and destroy the rhyme (but bear in mind in your head the intended rhyme), or to change the pronunciation to bring out the rhyme. John Milton (1608-1674) Sonnet XVI: To the Lord General Cromwell On the proposals of certain ministers at the Committee for Propagation of the Gospel 1 Cromwell, our chief of men, who through a cloud 2 Not of war only, but detractions rude, 3 Guided by faith and matchless fortitude, 4 To peace and truth thy glorious way hast plough'd, 5 And on the neck of crowned Fortune proud 6 Hast rear'd God's trophies, and his work pursu'd, 7 While Darwen stream with blood of Scots imbru'd, 8 And Dunbar field, resounds thy praises loud, 9 And Worcester's laureate wreath; yet much remains 10 To conquer still: peace hath her victories 11 No less renown'd than war. New foes arise 12 Threat'ning to bind our souls with secular chains: 13 Help us to save free Conscience from the paw 14 Of hireling wolves whose gospel is their maw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and select your username and password later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.