_Arth._ Alas! 'tis but Corruption's gilding. 'Tis the trick of vice Full oft to pander in a graceful form; But when the finer chords of hearts are set In eyes glued to a dancer's feet, or ears Strain'd to the rapture of a squeaking fiddle, Think you 'tis well? Oh, say, should Englishmen Arrive at this, such price to set on art, Ne'er rivalling the untaught nightingale, That with their ears shut to wild misery, Deaf to starvation's groans, the prayer of want, The giant moan of hunger o'er the land, Till the sky darken with the face of angels, God's smiling ministers, averted--then! To buy a male soprano they should give His price in gold, that peach-fed lords and dames Might have their senses tickled with the trills Evolv'd from a soft, tumid, warbling throat-- Why then farewell to England and her glory! _Crom._ Methinks the end of all things should be near, When that doth happen! _Arth._ Did I hear aright That Milton was thy friend? _Crom._ Yea! with the saints, That crowd in arm'd appeal before high Heaven To set this nation free. He is my friend, And England's. _Arth._ I in Italy did know That excellent man. Full often we have sat Upon the white and slippery marble limb Of some great ruin'd temple, whilst all round Was dipp'd in the warm, lustrous atmosphere We know not here, and purple eve did glow With shadows soft as beds of fallen roses, And he hath spoken in clear tones until He built up all again, and glory's home Grew glorious as ever. Then his voice Would sudden deepen into holy thought And mournful sweet philosophy, 'till all The air grew musical and my soul good. How well do I remember it. Yes! Milton was My honour'd tutor and my loving friend. _Crom._ Came not his thoughts here often?-- _Arth._ Latterly, He would speak much of England, and of change Political, and coming strife and battles-- _Crom._ Ay! battles-- Hast thou not a sword, young man? Thou should'st be friend of righteousness to know That zealous patriot and pure-minded man, Of whom thou spakest; surely he hath taught thee More than mere classic lore--wisdom and faith To help this stricken people from the thrall Of their idolatrous, self-seeking rulers?