Sonnet XXII: To Cyriack Skinner

Milton, John (1608 - 1674)

Original Text

John Milton, Poems, 2nd edn. (London: Thomas Dring, 1673). Facs. edn. Complete Poetical Works reproduced in photographic facsimile, comp. by H. F. Fletcher (Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1943-48). PR 3551 F52 ROBA

1Cyriack, this three years' day these eyes, though clear

2 To outward view of blemish or of spot,

3 Bereft of light, their seeing have forgot;

4 Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appear

5Of sun or moon or star throughout the year,

6 Or man or woman. Yet I argue not

7 Against Heav'n's hand or will, not bate a jot

8 Of heart or hope, but still bear up and steer

9Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask?

10 The conscience, friend, to have lost them overplied

11 In liberty's defence, my noble task,

12Of which all Europe talks from side to side.

13 This thought might lead me through the world's vain mask

14 Content, though blind, had I no better guide.

Notes

1] "... to external appearance they [my eyes] are as completely without injury, as clear and bright, without the semblance of a cloud, as the eyes of those whose sight is most perfect" (Milton, Second Defence). Composed not earlier than 1655. First printed in Phillips's Life of Milton. Cyriack Skinner, a grandson of the celebrated jurist Sir Edward Coke, had been one of Milton's pupils and remained his faithful friend.
this three years day: three years ago today. Back to Line

6] argue: contend. Back to Line

8] bear up: a nautical phrase, put the helm up, so as to bring the vessel into the direction of the wind (but with a memory also of the sense, "keep up one's spirits"). Back to Line

10] conscience: consciousness;
them: his eyes, i.e., their sight. 10-12.
Lines 10-12: Warned of his danger, Milton had deliberately sacrificed his much impaired vision to write his Defence of the English People, a work which spread his fame on the continent. Back to Line

13] vain mask: empty pageant. Back to Line

14] better guide: religious consolation and support (cf. Sonnet XIX). Back to Line

Publication Start Year

1673

RPO poem Editors

Hugh MacCallum; A. S. P. Woodhouse

RPO Edition

3RP 1.238.

Rhyme

abbaabbacdcdcd

Form

sonnet