Introduction
John Milton, renowned for his epic work "Paradise Lost," also delves into the realm of elegy and introspection in his lesser-known poem, On the Death of a Fair Infant. This elegiac masterpiece reflects on the sorrow of losing a young child while interweaving themes of innocence, mortality, and the eternal. Through vivid imagery and poignant verses, Milton captures the depth of grief and the glimmers of hope that arise from contemplating the transient nature of life.
Before analysing the poem, let us understand a few things about Milton. John Milton (1608–1674) stands as one of the most revered figures in English literature, celebrated for his profound impact on poetry and political thought during the tumultuous times of the English Civil War and the Restoration. Best known for his epic poem "Paradise Lost," Milton's literary prowess is characterized by his mastery of language, intricate use of blank verse, and his exploration of profound theological and philosophical themes. Milton's life and works remain an enduring source of inspiration, reflecting both his dedication to artistic innovation and his unyielding commitment to the principles he held dear.
The Text:
I.
O Fairest flower no sooner blown but blasted,
Soft silken Primrose fading timelesslie,
Summers chief honour if thou hadst out-lasted
Bleak winters force that made thy blossome drie;
For he being amorous on that lovely die [ 5 ]
That did thy cheek envermeil, thought to kiss
But kill'd alas, and then bewayl'd his fatal bliss.
II.
For since grim Aquilo his charioter
By boistrous rape th' Athenian damsel got,
He thought it toucht his Deitie full neer, [ 10 ]
If likewise he some fair one wedded not,
Thereby to wipe away th' infamous blot,
Of long-uncoupled bed, and childless eld,
Which 'mongst the wanton gods a foul reproach was held.
III.
So mounting up in ycie-pearled carr, [ 15 ]
Through middle empire of the freezing aire
He wanderd long, till thee he spy'd from farr,
There ended was his quest, there ceast his care.
Down he descended from his Snow-soft chaire,
But all unwares with his cold-kind embrace [ 20 ]
Unhous'd thy Virgin Soul from her fair biding place.
IV.
Yet art thou not inglorious in thy fate;
For so Apollo, with unweeting hand
Whilome did slay his dearly-loved mate
Young Hyacinth born on Eurotas strand, [ 25 ]
Young Hyacinth the pride of Spartan land;
But then transform'd him to a purple flower
Alack that so to change thee winter had no power.
V.
Yet can I not perswade me thou art dead
Or that thy coarse corrupts in earths dark wombe, [ 30 ]
Or that thy beauties lie in wormie bed,
Hid from the world in a low delved tombe;
Could Heav'n for pittie thee so strictly doom?
Oh no? for something in thy face did shine
Above mortalitie that shew'd thou wast divine. [ 35 ]
VI.
Resolve me then oh Soul most surely blest
(If so it be that thou these plaints dost hear)
Tell me bright Spirit where e're thou hoverest
Whether above that high first-moving Spheare
Or in the Elisian fields (if such there were.) [ 40 ]
Oh say me true if thou wert mortal wight
And why from us so quickly thou didst take thy flight.
VII.
Wert thou some Starr which from the ruin'd roof
Of shak't Olympus by mischance didst fall;
Which carefull Jove in natures true behoofe [ 45 ]
Took up, and in fit place did reinstall?
Or did of late earths Sonnes besiege the wall
Of sheenie Heav'n, and thou some goddess fled
Amongst us here below to hide thy nectar'd head.
VIII.
Or wert thou that just Maid who once before [ 50 ]
Forsook the hated earth, O tell me sooth,
And cam'st again to visit us once more?
Or wert thou that sweet smiling Youth!
Or that crown'd Matron sage white-robed truth?
Or any other of that heav'nly brood [ 55 ]
Let down in clowdie throne to do the world some good.
IX.
Or wert thou of the golden-winged hoast,
Who having clad thy self in humane weed,
To earth from thy præfixed seat didst poast,
And after short abode flie back with speed, [ 60 ]
As if to shew what creatures Heav'n doth breed,
Thereby to set the hearts of men on fire
To scorn the sordid world, and unto Heav'n aspire.
X.
But oh why didst thou not stay here below
To bless us with thy heav'n-lov'd innocence, [ 65 ]
To slake his wrath whom sin hath made our foe
To turn Swift-rushing black perdition hence,
Or drive away the slaughtering pestilence,
To stand 'twixt us and our deserved smart
But thou canst best perform that office where thou art. [ 70 ]
XI.
Then thou the mother of so sweet a child
Her false imagin'd loss cease to lament,
And wisely learn to curb thy sorrows wild;
Think what a present thou to God hast sent,
And render him with patience what he lent; [ 75 ]
This if thou do, he will an off-spring give
That till the worlds last end shall make thy name to live.
Summary & Analysis
In On the Death of a Fair Infant, the poet mourns the premature death of a beautiful child. The poem compares the child's life to a delicate flower that withers untimely due to the harshness of winter. The child's death is attributed to Aquilo, a god seeking a companion. The child's soul is unexpectedly taken away by Aquilo's cold embrace. Despite the loss, the poet likens the child's fate to that of Apollo's beloved Hyacinth, who was transformed into a flower. The poet expresses disbelief in the child's death and wonders if the child might have become a divine presence. The speaker questions the nature of the child's existence in the afterlife and speculates if the child was a celestial being or a divine messenger sent to Earth. The poem ultimately advises the grieving mother to find solace in her child's heavenly innocence and suggests that by enduring the loss with patience, she may receive divine blessings. This poem is one of Milton's first English poems and it deals with the death of his own baby niece, Anne Phillips.
For better understanding, let us individually analyse each parts of the poem.
I.
The poet laments the untimely death of a beautiful child, comparing it to a flower that has just bloomed but has been prematurely withered. The imagery of a "soft silken Primrose fading timelesslie" captures the fleeting nature of life's beauty and the abruptness of death. The child's innocence and purity are highlighted, and the poem expresses sorrow that such potential has been cut short by the force of winter.
II.
The mention of Aquilo, a God associated with harsh elements, introduces a mythological element to the poem. Aquilo's desire to marry to remedy his reputation mirrors the idea that even gods seek companionship. This raises questions about divine involvement in human lives and the concept of fate. The reference to the gods' opinions on childless marriages emphasizes the cultural significance of offspring.
III.
Here, the imagery shifts to Aquilo's pursuit of the child's soul. Aquilo's icy chariot symbolizes the harshness of death, and his descent is described as searching for the child. The "Snow-soft chaire" represents death's cold embrace, leading to the child's soul being taken from its physical body.
IV.
Drawing a parallel with Apollo and Hyacinth, the poet refers to a myth where Apollo's beloved was accidentally killed and transformed into a flower. The poet laments that unlike Hyacinth, the child did not undergo such transformation to avoid death. This suggests a longing for a different outcome and raises questions about the fairness of fate.
V.
The poet expresses disbelief in the child's death and contemplates the possibility that the child's essence transcends earthly limitations. The child's face is described as having a divine quality that transcends mortality, sparking the poet's uncertainty about the child's true fate.
VI.
The poet directly addresses the child's soul, seeking answers about its current state. The reference to the "high first-moving Spheare" alludes to celestial spheres and the Elysian fields, both associated with the afterlife. The poet's uncertainty about the child's mortal or divine nature continues.
VII. - X.
These stanzas consist of a series of questions about the child's identity after death. The poet ponders if the child could be a fallen star, a goddess in disguise, a divine messenger, or part of a heavenly cohort sent to guide humanity. These questions highlight the human desire to find meaning in loss and to understand the nature of the afterlife.
XI.
The final stanza addresses the grieving mother directly. The poet advises her to cease lamenting the child's imagined loss and instead consider the child's presence as a gift to God. The poem ends on a note of hope, suggesting that if she accepts her loss with patience and wisdom, she will be blessed with an enduring legacy through future generations.
In this poem, Milton masterfully weaves together themes of grief, divine intervention, mortality, and the possibility of transcendence. The poem is composed of eleven stanzas, each containing a distinct thought or reflection. The verses are characterized by their rhyming couplets, creating a harmonious flow that engages the reader. Milton's language is rich with metaphors and allusions, inviting readers to dive into the depths of his contemplation. Through intricate mythological references and introspective contemplation, he creates a rich tapestry of emotions and thoughts that reflect the complexity of human experiences in the face of death.
Themes
The poem has many underlying themes that can be analysed to understand the meaning. Let us discuss a few themes in the poem.
1. Grieving the Loss of Innocence: From the very beginning, the poem strikes a somber note as it mourns the premature passing of a "Fairest flower." This imagery conveys the fragility and beauty of the child's life, likening it to a delicate primrose that is "blown but blasted." This contrast between the child's fleeting existence and the abruptness of death sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
2. Exploring Divine and Mortal: Milton's exploration of the divine and mortal realms is a recurring motif. The poet presents Aquilo, a god representing winter's harshness, as the force responsible for the child's untimely demise. Aquilo's pursuit of a companion is paralleled with ancient myths, such as Apollo and Hyacinth. Milton's use of Greek mythology adds layers of meaning, suggesting a connection between divine actions and human suffering.
3. Contemplating the Afterlife: The poem's heart lies in its contemplation of the afterlife. Milton grapples with the concept of a child's soul departing from the earthly realm to a heavenly abode. Lines like "Yet can I not perswade me thou art dead" express the speaker's disbelief, suggesting that the child's purity and essence transcend mortality. This exploration of the child's spiritual journey brings solace and hope amid the grief.
4. The Mother's Perspective: Milton shifts the focus to the mother's perspective, offering a message of resilience. He encourages the mother to find solace by recognizing the child's journey as a divine gift, one sent to "bless us with thy heav'n-lov'd innocence." This message serves as a reminder that even in the face of loss, there is a larger purpose that transcends human understanding.
Conclusion
John Milton's On the Death of a Fair Infant is a powerful exploration of grief, mortality, and the transcendent nature of human existence. Through rich imagery, metaphysical speculation, and philosophical introspection, the poem navigates the complex emotions that arise from the loss of innocence. It reminds us that even in the face of tragedy, there is a potential for spiritual transformation and a connection to the divine. In this lesser-known work, Milton's words resonate with a timeless and universal understanding of human suffering and the quest for meaning beyond the temporal realm.
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