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Subject Area: Literature
Collection: Banned Books
Topic: Epic Literature

To Mr. Cyriack Skinner upon his Blindness. - John Milton, The Poetical Works of John Milton [1900]

Edition used:

The Poetical Works of John Milton, edited after the Original Texts by the Rev. H.C. Beeching M.A. (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1900).

About Liberty Fund:

Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals.


To Mr. Cyriack Skinner upon his Blindness.

  • Cyriack, this three years day these eys, though clear
  • To outward view, of blemish or of spot;
  • Bereft of light thir seeing have forgot,
  • Nor to thir idle orbs doth sight appear
  • Of Sun or Moon or Starre throughout the year,
  • Or man or woman. Yet I argue not
  • Against heavns hand or will, nor bate a jot
  • Of heart or hope; but still bear vp and steer
  • Right onward. What supports me, dost thou ask?
  • The conscience, Friend, to have lost them overply’d10
  • In libertyes defence, my noble task,
  • Of which all Europe talks from side to side.
  • This thought might lead me through the world’s vain mask
  • Content though blind, had I no better guide.