Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, SONNET: 8. WHEN THE ASSAULT WAS INTENDED TO THE CITY, by JOHN MILTON


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SONNET: 8. WHEN THE ASSAULT WAS INTENDED TO THE CITY, by             Poem Explanation     Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Captain or colonel, or knight in arms
Last Line: To save the athenian walls from ruin bare.
Variant Title(s): Arms And The Muse;sonnet 8
Subject(s): London


Captain or colonel, or knight in arms,
Whose chance on these defenseless doors may seize,
If deed of honor did thee ever please,
Guard them, and him within protect from harms.
He can requite thee; for he knows the charms
That call fame on such gentle acts as these,
And he can spread thy name o'er lands and seas,
Whatever clime the sun's bright circle warms.
Lift not thy spear against the Muses' bower:
The great Emathian conqueror bid spare
The house of Pindarus, when temple and tower
Went to the ground; and the repeated air
Of sad Electra's poet had the power
To save the Athenian walls from ruin bare.






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