Note 1. The Lawrence to whom this sonnet is addressed is one of the sons, presumably the second, Henry (Masson), of Henry Lawrence, President of Cromwell’s Council, 1654. [back]
Note 2. Favonius: the south-west wind which ushers in the spring. [back]
Note 3. What neat repast … Tuscan ayre: These lines are a description of Milton’s domestic life, as Pattison has recorded it in The Sonnets of John Milton, p. 210: “Milton commonly studied till twelve, then used some exercise for an hour, then dined. After dinner came music, when he either sung himself or made his wife sing, to accompany him on the organ or bass viol. After music he studied again till six; then entertained his visitors till eight, when came a light supper. In his diet he was temperate, desiring it light and choice. Of wine he drank little; but after a pipe of tobacco and a glass of water retired to bed at nine.” [back]
