And, when the sun begins to fling
His flaring beams, me, Goddess, bring
To arched walks of twilight groves,
And shadows brown, that Sylvan loves,
Of pine, or monumental oak,
Where the rude axe with heaved stroke
Was never heard the nymphs to daunt,
Or fright them from their hallowed haunt.
There, in close covert, by some brook,
Where no profaner eye may look,
Hide me from day’s garish eye,…….
These lines are from the poem "Il Penseroso" written by John Milton. In these lines, the speaker expresses a desire to be guided by a goddess to a serene and secluded place, away from the harsh and intrusive light of the sun. This passage is rich in imagery and reflects the speaker's longing for a quiet and contemplative life in nature. Let's delve into the context of these lines and explore their meaning.
The poem "Il Penseroso" is one of two companion poems, the other being "L'Allegro," both written by Milton. "Il Penseroso" means "The Thoughtful One" in Italian, and it contrasts with the more cheerful and outgoing spirit of "L'Allegro." In this particular passage, the speaker, representing the contemplative and thoughtful individual, seeks solace in the quiet beauty of nature.
- Nature as a Sanctuary: The speaker yearns to be taken to the "arched walks of twilight groves" and the serene shadows cast by trees like pine and oak. These natural settings are envisioned as sanctuaries, places of refuge and solitude where the speaker can escape the harshness of the outside world.
- The Goddess as a Guide: The speaker implores a goddess to lead them to these idyllic natural spots. The goddess is invoked as a symbol of guidance and protection, someone who can facilitate the speaker's communion with nature. This is a common literary device where a divine or mythological figure represents an abstract concept or desire.
- Avoidance of Harsh Light: The phrase "Hide me from day's garish eye" underscores the speaker's desire to avoid the bright and glaring light of day. The intensity of daylight is seen as disruptive to the speaker's inner peace and contemplation. They seek the soothing embrace of twilight and shadow.
- Protection from Profanity: The speaker wishes to be hidden away in a secluded place where "no profaner eye may look." This suggests a desire for privacy and protection from the intrusion of the outside world. The speaker wants to be shielded from any disturbance that might disrupt their tranquil communion with nature.
- Mythological and Nymphs Imagery: The mention of nymphs and sylvan settings invokes classical mythology and the idea of sylvan deities or nature spirits. These references add to the sense of being in a timeless and mythic natural world, where the nymphs and trees exist in harmony.
- The Absence of Human Industry: The passage emphasizes the absence of human industry or interference in the secluded natural settings. It mentions that the "rude axe with heaved stroke" was never heard to daunt the nymphs or frighten them from their "hallowed haunt." This absence of human activity highlights the purity and sanctity of the natural world the speaker seeks.
In the context of the entire poem, these lines reflect the central theme of "Il Penseroso," which is the contrast between the contemplative and joyful life. The speaker, embodying the contemplative life, seeks solace and inspiration in nature's quiet beauty and the serenity of the evening. These lines capture the longing for a deeper connection with the natural world and a retreat from the bustling and intrusive aspects of daily life.
In conclusion, these lines from John Milton's "Il Penseroso" portray a speaker's fervent desire to find solace and contemplation in the serene and secluded realms of nature. The imagery of twilight groves, protective goddesses, and the absence of human intrusion creates a vivid picture of a natural sanctuary where the soul can find peace and communion with the tranquil beauty of the world.
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