John Milton. (1608–1674). Complete Poems.
The Harvard Classics. 1909–14. |
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| When the Assault was Intended to the City |
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| (November, 1642) |
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| CAPTAIN, or colonel, or knight in arms, | |
| Whose chance on these defenceless doors may seize, | |
| If deed of honour did thee ever please, | |
| Guard them, and him within protect from harms. | |
| He can requite thee, for he knows the charms | 5 |
| That call fame on such gentle acts as these, | |
| And he can spread thy name o’er lands and seas, | |
| Whatever clime the sun’s bright circle warms. | |
| Lift not thy spear against the Muse’s bower; | |
| The great Emathian conqueror bid spare | 10 |
| The house of Pindarus, when temple and tower | |
| Went to the ground; and the repeated air | |
| Of sad Electra’s Poet had the power | |
| To save the Athenian walls from ruin bare. | |
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