John Milton

How often from the steep
Of echoing hill or thicket have we heard
Celestial voices to the read more

How often from the steep
Of echoing hill or thicket have we heard
Celestial voices to the midnight air,
Sole, or responsive each to other's note,
Singing their great Creator?

Far from all resort of mirth, / Save the cricket on the hearth!

Far from all resort of mirth, / Save the cricket on the hearth!

Whence and what are thou, execrable shape?

Whence and what are thou, execrable shape?

A grateful mind
By owing owes not, but still pays, at once
Indebted and discharg'd.

A grateful mind
By owing owes not, but still pays, at once
Indebted and discharg'd.

Experience, next, to thee I owe,
Best guide; not following thee, I had remain'd
In ignorance; thou read more

Experience, next, to thee I owe,
Best guide; not following thee, I had remain'd
In ignorance; thou open'st wisdom's way,
And giv'st access, though secret she retire.