Quotes by John Milton

A good book is the precious lifeblood of a master spirit.
– John Milton
Assuredly we bring not innocence not the world, we bring impurity much rather: that which purifies us is trial, and trial is by what is contrary.
– John Milton
Beauty is nature's brag, and must be shown in courts, at feasts, and high solemnities, where most may wonder at the workmanship.
– John Milton
Confusion heard his voice, and wild uproar Stood ruled, stood vast infinitude confined; Till at his second bidding darkness fled, Light shone, and order from disorder sprung.
– John Milton
Deep-versed in books and shallow in himself.
– John Milton
For what can war, but endless war, still breed?
– John Milton
He that has light within his own clear breast May sit in the centre, and enjoy bright day: But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts Benighted walks under the mid-day sun; Himself his own dungeon.
– John Milton
He that studieth revenge keepeth his own wounds green, which otherwise would heal and do well.
– John Milton
How soon hath Time, the subtle thief of youth, stolen on his wing my three-and-twentieth year!
– John Milton
Let not England forget her precedence of teaching nations how to live.
– John Milton
So dear I love him that with him all deaths I could endure, without him live no life.
– John Milton
The superior man acquaints himself with many sayings of antiquity and many deeds of the past, in order to strengthen his character thereby.
– John Milton
They also serve who only stand and wait.
– John Milton
Though we take from a covetous man all his treasure, he has yet one jewel left; you cannot bereave him of his covetousness.
– John Milton
True it is that covetousness is rich, modesty starves.
– John Milton
Truth never comes into the world but like a bastard, to the ignominy of him that brought her birth.
– John Milton
Virtue could see to do what Virtue would by her own radiant light, though sun and moon where in the flat sea sunk.
– John Milton
Who kills a man kills a reasonable creature, God's image, but thee who destroys a good book, kills reason its self.
– John Milton
Here at last
We shall be free;
the Almighty hath not built
Here for his envy, will not drive us hence:
Here we may reign secure, and in my choice
To reign is worth ambition though in Hell:
Better to reign in Hell, than serve in Heaven.
– John Milton
Accuse not nature, she hath done her part;
Do thou but thine, and be not diffident
Of wisdom, she deserts thee not, if thou
Dismiss not her, when most thou needest her nigh,
By attributing overmuch to things
Less excellent, as thou thyself perceivest.
– John Milton
But wherefore thou alone? Wherefore with thee
Came not all hell broke loose? Is pain to them
Less pain, less to be fled, or thou than they
Less hardy to endure? Courageous chief,
The first in flight from pain, hadst thou alleged
To thy deserted host this cause of flight,
Thou surely hadst not come sole fugitive.
– John Milton
When the waves are round me breaking,
As I pace the deck alone,
And my eye in vain is seeking
Some green leaf to rest upon;
What would not I give to wander
Where my old companions dwell?
Absence makes the heart grow fonder,
Isle of Beauty, fare thee well!
– John Milton
Give me the liberty to know, to utter, and to argue freely according to conscience, above all liberties.
– John Milton
He who reigns within himself and rules his passions, desires and fears is more than a King.
– John Milton
The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a Heaven of Hell, a Hell of Heaven.
– John Milton
Where there is much desire to learn, there of necessity will be much arguing, much writing, many opinions; for opinions in good men is but knowledge in the making.
– John Milton
Who overcomes by force hath overcome but half his foe.
– John Milton
The stars, that nature hung in heaven, and filled their lamps with everlasting oil, give due light to the misled and lonely traveller.
– John Milton
None can love freedom heartily, but good men the rest love not freedom, but licence.
– John Milton
Gratitude bestows reverence, allowing us to encounter everyday epiphanies, those transcendent moments of awe that change forever how we experience life and the world.
– John Milton
Death is the golden key that opens the palace of eternity.
– John Milton