theory of an increasing rather than diminishing influence of Shakspere on Milton to account in part for the form of Samson Agonistes for which there seems to be no accounting according to those critics who have followed Johnson ever since he let fall his unfortunate dictum concerning the presence of a beginning and end but the absence of a middle in this tragedy. Antony and Clepatra, II, 4, 216-223: Comus, 555-560: Her people out upon her; and Antony Enthron'd i' the market-place, did sit alone, Whistling to the air, which, but for vacancy, Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too And made a gap in nature. King Lear, I, 1, 4-9: Contending with the fretful elements; Bids the wind blow the earth into the sea, Or swell the curled waters 'bove the main, That things might change or cease; tears his white hair, Which the impetuous blasts, with eyeless rage, Catch in their fury and make nothing of; I Henry Fourth, 1, 3, 59-62: And that it was great pity, so it •Note in both passages the singular antipathy to digging into the earth for materials of war. Measure for Measure, II, 1, 83-85, 118-21: If I must die, I will encounter darkness as a bride, And hug it in mine arms. . Ay but to die, . This sensible warm motion to be come A kneaded clod. Antony and Cleopatra, v, 2, 358-59: She hath pursu'cd onclusions infinite Of easy ways to die. Coriolanus, II, 2, 87-89: It is held That valour is the chiefest virtue, and Most dignifies the haver; Antony and Cleopatra, I, v, 72: My man of men. Timon of Athens, I, 1, 37: It [a piece of art] tutors nature. Winter's Tale, IV, 4, 91: Over that art, which you say adds to nature, is an art that nature makes." I Henry Fourth, IV, 3, 72-3: Gave them their heirs as pages, followed him Even at the heels in golden multitudes. Much Ado About Nothing, v, 1, 38: And made a push at chance and sufferance. See Faerie Queene, п, 12, 59. Paradise Lost, x, 1004-5: [Eve] . . . and have the power Of many ways to die the shortest choosing, Paradise Lost, XI, 691-96: To overcome in battle, and subdue Nations, and bring home spoils with infinite Manslaughter, shall be held the highest pitch Of human glory, and, for glory done, Of triumph to be styled great conquerors, Patrons of mankind, gods, and sons of gods Paradise Regained, 1, 122: Paradise Regained, II, 296: Paradise Regained, 11, 419-20: What followers, what retinue canst thou gain, Or at thy heels the dizzy multitude, Paradise Regained, IV, 469-70: but wilt prolong all to the push of fate, |