Quotes from John Milton

Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.

For what can war, but endless war, still breed?

For liberty hath a sharp and double edge, fit only to be handled by just and virtuous men; to bad and dissolute, it becomes a mischief unwieldy in their own hands.

A bevy of fair women.

Of calling shapes, and beck'ning shadows dire, And airy tongues that syllable men's names.

That power Which erring men call Chance.

In argument with men a woman ever Goes by the worse, whatever be her cause.

Therefore God's universal law Gave to the man despotic power Over his female in due awe, Not from that right to part an hour, Smile she or lour.

Say, heavenly pow'rs, where shall we find such love? Which of ye will be mortal to redeem Man's mortal crime, and just th' unjust to save.

Though we take from a covetous man all his treasure, he has yet one jewel left; you cannot bereave him of his covetousness.

Virtue that wavers is not virtue, but vice revolted from itself, and after a while returning. The actions of just and pious men do not darken in their middle course.

Evil into the mind of god or man may come and go, so unapproved, and leave no spot or blame behind.

Extol not riches then, the toil of fools, The wise man's cumbrance, if not snare, more apt To slacken virtue, and abate her edge, Than prompt her to do aught may merit praise.

If we think we regulate printing, thereby to rectify manners, we must regulate all regulations and pastimes, all that is delightful to man.

And sing to those that hold the vital shears; And turn the adamantine spindle round, On which the fate of gods and men is wound.

Did I request thee, Maker, from my clay To mould me man? Did I solicit thee From darkness to promote me?

Oh, shame to men! devil with devil damn'd Firm concord holds, men only disagree Of creatures rational.

A man may be ungrateful, but the human race is not so.

Wealth and honours, which most men pursue, easily change masters; they desert to the side which excels in virtue, industry, and endurance of toil, and they abandon the slothful.

Enflamed with the study of learning and the admiration of virtue; stirred up with high hopes of living to be brave men and worthy patriots, dear to God, and famous to all ages.

For God will deign to visit oft the dwellings of just men -- delighted, and with frequent intercourse -- thither will send his winged messengers on errants of supernal grace.

So hand in hand they passed, the loveliest pair that ever since in love's embraces met -- Adam, the goodliest man of men since born his sons; the fairest of her daughters Eve.

Seasoned life of man preserved and stored up in books.

My mansion is, where those immortal shapes Of bright aerial spirits live insphered In regions mild of calm and serene air, Above the smoke and stir of this dim spot Which men call Earth.