Sonnet 12

John Milton

XII. On the same.

I did but prompt the age to quit their cloggs
By the known rules of antient libertie,
When strait a barbarous noise environs me
Of Owles and Cuckoes, Asses, Apes and Doggs.
As when those Hinds that were transform’d to Froggs
Raild at Latona’s twin-born progenie
Which after held the Sun and Moon in fee.
But this is got by casting Pearl to Hoggs;
That bawle for freedom in their senceless mood,
And still revolt when truth would set them free.
Licence they mean when they cry libertie;
For who loves that, must first be wise and good;
But from that mark how far they roave we see
For all this wast of wealth, and loss of blood.

Next 10 Poems

• John Milton : Sonnet 13
• John Milton : Sonnet 14
• John Milton : Sonnet 15
• John Milton : Sonnet 16
• John Milton : Sonnet 17
• John Milton : Sonnet 18
• John Milton : Sonnet 19
• John Milton : Sonnet 20
• John Milton : Sonnet 21
• John Milton : Sonnet 22

Previous 10 Poems

• John Milton : Sonnet 11
• John Milton : Sonnet 10
• John Milton : Sonnet 09
• John Milton : Sonnet 08
• John Milton : Sonnet 07
• John Milton : Sonnet 06
• John Milton : Sonnet 05
• John Milton : Sonnet 04
• John Milton : Sonnet 03: Canzone
• John Milton : Sonnet 03