... to which the present British state and its poets should aspire. Milton! thou shouldst be living at this hour: England hath need of thee: she is a fen Of stagnant waters: altar, sword, and pen, Fireside, the heroic wealth of hall and bower, Have forfeited their ancient English dower Of inward happiness. We are selfish men; Oh! raise us up, return to ... frustration. (The poem begins with the cry: "Milton!") He articulates his wish that Milton would return to earth, and lists the vices ruining the current era. Every venerable institution--the altar (representing religion), the sword (repr...

• Word Count: 1183
• Approx Pages: 5
• Grade Level: High School

... skills of war, as well as hunting, hawking, and other sports. At age twenty the squire was knighted in a religious ceremony after spending the night guarding his armour before a church altar. He had to swear to the knightly code which asked him to "protect the weak, defenseless, and helpless, and fight for the general welfare of all." This code was rarely ... ...

• Word Count: 895
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School