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Article: Milton's two poets. (voices in John Milton's 'Lycidas')
- Article from:
- Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900
- Article date:
- January 1, 1994
- Author:
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One is impersonal, honoring Iris postulates, while the other takes the wish for the deed and evades them. Milton's two poets oppose each other in "Lycidas," officially a monody sung by a single voice. Most of the poem bears out this description but intransigent ego pokes up its head near the end, legislating truth like God on Mount Sinai. Readers who consult their ears will wince at this illegal ipse dixit. Coming to himself, Milton hears it too, and in a coda does his best to make amends.
Making amends, etc., sounds like lese majesty, unacceptable to Milton's critics, and the poem they read is seamless. Let us honor their piety and seek to buttress their case. ...