The Shorter Poems of John Milton - Including the Two Latin Elegies and Italian Sonnet #250965

After I had for my first years, by the ceaseless diligence and care Of my father, (whom God recompense) been exercised to the tongues, and some sciences, as my age would suffer, by sundry masters and teachers, both at home and at the schools, it was found that whether aught was imposed me by them that had the overlooking, or betaken to Of mine own choice in English or other tongue, prosing or versing, but chiefly by this latter, the style, by certain vital signs it had, was likely to live. I began thus far to assent to an inward prompting which now grew daily upon me, that by labour and intent study, (which I take to be my portion in this life), joined with the strong propensity of nature, I might perhaps leave something so written to aftertimes as they should not willingly let it die. I applied myself to fix all the industry and art I could unite to the adorning Of my native tongue.