وو Spenser, as Dr. Jortin observes, plainly alluded to this text in the Psalms: " In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun; which cometh forth as a bridegroom out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a giant to run his course*. But our author has strangely inverted the circumstances. The psalmist alludes to the Jewish custom of the bridegroom being conducted from his chamber at midnight, with solemn pomp, and preceded by a numerous train of torches. This is the illustration of the admirable Dr. Jackson, a theologist in the reign of James I. and without it the comparison is of no force or propriety. The idea which our author would convey is, that Phoebus came forth fresh and vigorous as a bridegroom, repairing to his bride. "came The circumstance of Phœbus " Psal. xix. 5. dauncing forth," seems to have been copied by Milton, in his elegant Song on May Morning. Now the bright morning-star, dayes harbinger, But probably Milton drew it from an old poem, called, the Cuckow, by * R. Niccols, 1607, who, speaking of the east, says, From whence the daies bright king came dancing out. Especially as Milton has two thoughts and expressions in that song, which are likewise literally found in the Cuckow. The same who wrote an addition to the Mirror of Magistrates, 1610, as I have hinted above. Niccols terms the cock Daies harbinger! Milton says of May, Who from her green lap throwes The yellow cowslip, &c. Niccols of May, And from her fruitfull lap eche day she threw Milton, I suppose, had been reading this little poem of the Cuckow, just before he wrote his song, and so, perhaps, imperceptibly adopted some of it's thoughts and expressions. This observation by no means affects the merit of Milton's original genius. It is matter of curiosity to trace out an original author's track of reading. Thus in the following passage of the Paradise Lost. proved thy true virginitie: for it is the nature of a lion, be he never so furious, not to harme the unspotted virgin, but humbly to lay his bristled head upon a maiden's lap*." What court does Spenser here intend? As reflections on the improvements of modern times must be agreeable to modern readers, I cannot forbear transcribing the account which Harrison, a cotemporary writer, has left us concerning the maids of honour, in Queen's Elizabeth's court. "Besides these things, I could in like sort set downe the waies and meanes, whereby our ancient ladies of the court doo shun and avoid idlenesse; some of them exercising their fingers • Ibid. c. xi. with the needle, others in caule-worke, diverse in spinning of silke, some in continual reading, either of the holie scriptures, or histories of our owne and forrein nations about us, and diverse in writing volumes of their owne, and translating of other mens into our English and Latin toong; while the youngest sort, in the meantime, applie their lutes, citharnes, pricksong, and all kinds of musicke, which they use only for recreation sake, when they are free from attendance on the Queen's majestie.- -How manie of the eldest sort also are skillfull in surgerie, and distillation of strong waters; besides sundrie other artificial practices, pertaining to the ornature and commendation of their bodies! There is in manner none of them, but, when they be at home, can help to supply the ordinary want of the kitchen, with a number of dishes of their own devising, &c.*." * Description of England, prefixed to Hollingshed's Chron. 5 |