SOURCE: Marvell, Andrew. “On Mr. Milton's Paradise Lost.” In Andrew Marvell: The Complete Poems, edited by George deF. Lord, pp. 217-18. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984.

In the following poem, first published in 1674 in the second edition of Paradise Lost, Marvell defends Milton from charges of impiety as well as criticisms of his style.

          When I behold the Poet blind, yet bold, In slender Book his vast Design unfold, Messiah Crown'd, Gods Reconcil'd Decree, Rebelling Angels, the Forbidden Tree, Heav'n, Hell, Earth, Chaos, All; the Argument Held me a while, misdoubting his Intent, That he would ruine (for I saw him strong) The sacred Truths to Fable and old Song, (So Sampson groap'd the Temples Posts in spight) The World o'rewhelming to revenge his Sight.           Yet as I read, soon growing less severe, I lik'd his Project, the success did fear; Through that wide Field how he his...