History of English Literature Volume 1 (of 3)Taine, Hippolyte
History
History of English Literature Volume 1 (of 3)
Taine, Hippolyte
English literature -- History and criticism
In this manner will Milton hereafter speak, the descendant of the Hebrew
seers, last of the Scandinavian seers, but assisted in the development
of his thought by all the resources of Latin culture and civilization.
And yet he will add nothing to the primitive sentiment. Religious
instinct is not acquired; it belongs to the blood, and is inherited with
it. So it is with other instincts; pride in the first place, indomitable
self-conscious energy, which sets man in opposition to all domination,
and inures him against all pain. Milton's Satan exists already in
Cædmon's, as the picture exists in the sketch; because both have their
model in the race; and Caedmon found his originals in the northern
warriors, as Milton did in the Puritans:
"Why shall I for his favor serve, bend to him in such vassalage? I may
be a god as he. Stand by me, strong associates, who will not fail me in
the strife. Heroes stern of mood, they have chosen me for chief,
renowned warriors! with such may one devise counsel, with such capture
his adherents; they are my zealous friends, faithful in their thoughts;
I may be their chieftain, sway in this realm; thus to me it seemeth not
right that I in aught need cringe to God for any good; I will no longer
be his vassal."[85]
He is overcome: shall he be subdued? He is cast into the place "where
torment they suffer, burning heat intense, in midst of hell, fire, and
broad flames; so also the bitter seeks smoke and darkness"; will he
repent? At first he is astonished, he despairs; but it is a hero's
despair.
"This narrow place is most unlike that other that we ere knew,[86] high
in heaven's kingdom, which my master bestow'd on me.... Oh, had I power
of my hands, and might one season be without, be one winter's space,
then with this host I--But around me lie iron bonds, presseth this cord
of chain: I am powerless! me have so hard the clasps of hell, so firmly
grasped! Here is a vast fire above and underneath, never did I see a
loathlier landskip; the flame abateth not, hot over hell. Me hath the
clasping of these rings, this hard-polish'd band, impeded in my course,
debarr'd me from my way; my feet are bound, my hands manacled,... so
that with aught I cannot from these limb-bonds escape."[87]
As there is nothing to be done against God, it is His new creature, man,
whom he must attack. To him who has lost everything, vengeance is left;
and if the conquered can enjoy this, he will find himself happy; "he
will sleep softly, even under his chains."
SECTION VII.--Primitive Saxon Authors
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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