The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1869-01-07
JOHN FEEET0T.


We propose giving the readers Of the
FREEMAN a weekly column Of interesting
literary matter-the result of cur own stud
ies-which, We doubt not, they will duly ap-
preciate.
John Milton, with whose writings we shall
commence, stands second only to Shaks-
peare among the British classics. He was
born in London, Dec. 9th, 1908. His father
was a scriveuel, and though he had been
disinherited on account Of his religious faith,
had sufficient fortune to give his son good
education and to retire himself in independ
ert circumstances.
Young Milton developed at an early age
great desire for study, and was frequently
occupied with his books till after midnight.
Before be attained the age Of sixteen he had
composed Latin verses Of no mean flush
After writing some Of his minor poems he
undertook continental tour. making consid-
erable stay at Paris Florence, and particu-
larly at Rome. lie had already acquired
such literary reputation as secured him a
fitting reception at the different European
capitals.
The domestic troubles in England how
ever. induced him to return before the time
allotted for his visit had expired, and he
landed in his own country after an absence
of fifteen months. He now became engaged
in political and polemical controversies,
which occupied many years of his life. He
iy,i1 I
and force against Episcopacy. He was a
Republican in principle and nveighed
against the monarchy ard defended the Long
Parliament.
Milton was not fortunate 10 his matrimo-
NAL alliances. thougA he tried the expert
inert three times. His first wife, Mary
Powell, was q Royalst while lie was Par
Humanitarian. Their union only lasted about
a mouth, and his greatest fault to her Gone
that has never been heard Of before or since)
was ''lhat she ac0uld not talE" After many
years Of separation they were re united. and
she bore him three -children-aI girls-and
died IN 1853.
He married a second time, but his wife
only lived little over year.
Afterwards, owing, as was said, to the un-
kindness Of his daughters. and when he had
become totally blind, third marriage was
negotiated for him; but, like his first, it was
unhappy. He was Informed that his consort
was handsome, but, being blind, ne could
not see it." When told ne had married
rose, he remarked that it might be so as he
felt the tborns daily"
The misfortuues of his marital relations
gave him a general dislike to the female sex.
and be very freely speaks of their mental
lnterlority. Upon the doctrine Of divorce he (
contended that mere ''incompatibiIity Of /
temper" was sufficient ground for separation. |
On this question he was far in advance of /
lis time and country-his opinions suiting
better the present day and the State Of In
LLAMA.
The writings Of Milton are voluminous.
but that which has enbalmed his memory |
for all coming time is his grand epic Of |.
Paradise Lost" This peerless production,
whether We consider the boldness Of the |
design or the power of its fulflment, entirely |
5ur7asses anything Of either ancient or mod !
srn times
We propose giving our readers few
elect passages from this great poem in the
uture numbers Of the FREEMAN.