Sonnet on Milton

Amid the dark control of lawless sway
Ambition’s rivalry, fanatic hate,
And various ills that shook the unsettled State,
The dauntless Bard pursued his studious way,
Not more his lofty genius to display
Than raise and dignify our mortal date,
And sing the blessings which the Just await
That Man might hence in humble hope obey.
Thus on a rock in Norway’s bleak domain
Nature impels the stately Pine to grow;
Still he preserves his firm majestic [reign?]
And restless Ocean dashes all below.
Still he preserves his firm majestic reign
While added strength his spreading branches shew