英国诗人 约翰·弥尔顿

English Poet: John Milton

John Milton was born in London on December 9, 1608, into a middle-class family.

He was educated at St. Paul's School, then at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he began to write poetry in Latin, Italian, and English, and prepared to enter the clergy.

After university, however, he abandoned his plan to join the priesthood and spent the next years in his father's country home following a rigorous course of independent study to prepare for a career as a poet.

His extensive reading included both classical and modern works of religion, science, philosophy, history, politics, and literature.

In addition, Milton was proficient in Latin, Greek, Hebrew, French, Spanish, and Italian, and obtained a familiarity with Old English and Dutch as well.

During his period of private study, Milton composed a number of poems.

In May 1638, Milton began a 13-month tour of France and Italy, during which he met important intellectuals and influential people.

The Florentine academies especially appealed to Milton, and he befriended young members of the Italian Literati, whose similar humanistic interests he found gratifying.

During the English Civil War, Milton served as secretary for foreign languages in Cromwell's government, composing official statements defending the Commonwealth.