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John Bartlett (1820–1905). Familiar Quotations, 10th ed. 1919.

2711 John Milton 1608-1674 John Bartlett

 
NUMBER:2711
AUTHOR:John Milton (1608–1674)
QUOTATION:Virtue could see to do what virtue would
By her own radiant light, though sun and moon
Were in the flat sea sunk. And Wisdom’s self
Oft seeks to sweet retired solitude,
Where with her best nurse Contemplation
She plumes her feathers and lets grow her wings,
That in the various bustle of resort
Were all-to ruffled, and sometimes impair’d.
He that has light within his own clear breast
May sit i’ th’ centre and enjoy bright day;
But he that hides a dark soul and foul thoughts
Benighted walks under the midday sun.
ATTRIBUTION:Comus. Line 373.