Welcome to Poem of the Day – Another on the Same by John Milton.
John Milton’s Another on the Same serves as a companion to his earlier poem On Shakespeare. Both are tributes to the Bard’s literary genius, yet Another on the Same is strikingly succinct and compact, distilling its sentiment into a single, elegantly crafted epitaph. In this brief poem, Milton masterfully conveys his reverence for Shakespeare’s art while emphasizing the timeless nature of his works. This essay explores the thematic depth, structure, and poetic devices in Another on the Same, shedding light on its significance within Milton’s oeuvre and as a tribute to Shakespeare.
Another On The Same Poem
Here lieth one who did most truly prove,
That he could never die while he could move,
So hung his destiny never to rot
While he might still jogg on, and keep his trot,
Made of sphear-metal, never to decay
Untill his revolution was at stay.
Time numbers motion, yet (without a crime
‘Gainst old truth) motion number’d out his time:
And like an Engin mov’d with wheel and waight,
His principles being ceast, he ended strait.
Rest that gives all men life, gave him his death,
And too much breathing put him out of breath;
Nor were it contradiction to affirm
Too long vacation hastned on his term.
Meerly to drive the time away he sickn’d,
Fainted, and died, nor would with Ale be quickn’d;
Nay, quoth he, on his swooning bed out-stretch’d,
If I may not carry, sure Ile ne’re be fetch’d,
But vow though the cross Doctors all stood hearers,
For one Carrier put down to make six bearers.
Ease was his chief disease, and to judge right,
He di’d for heavines that his Cart went light,
His leasure told him that his time was com,
And lack of load, made his life burdensom
That even to his last breath (ther be that say’t)
As he were prest to death, he cry’d more waight;
But had his doings lasted as they were,
He had bin an immortall Carrier.
Obedient to the Moon he spent his date
In cours reciprocal, and had his fate
Linkt to the mutual flowing of the Seas,
Yet (strange to think) his wain was his increase:
His Letters are deliver’d all and gon,
Onely remains this superscription.
Another On The Same Poem Explanation
Written in 1630, Another on the Same reflects Milton’s admiration for William Shakespeare’s unmatched literary legacy. This work complements Milton’s On Shakespeare, yet it adopts a markedly different tone and form. While the earlier poem is expansive and celebratory, Another on the Same is terse and introspective, resembling an epitaph that condenses its message into a few lines.
Milton’s decision to create a second poem on the same subject suggests his deep engagement with Shakespeare’s influence. In this brief work, he focuses on the enduring nature of Shakespeare’s genius, positioning him as a literary immortal whose works defy the passage of time.
Structure and Form
Another on the Same consists of just four lines, a quatrain written in iambic pentameter. Its brevity is deliberate, mirroring the concise form of an epitaph or inscription. The rhyme scheme, ABAB, lends the poem a harmonious and balanced quality, reinforcing its tone of reverence and finality.
The compactness of the poem is integral to its impact. Each word and phrase is carefully chosen to convey maximum meaning within a limited space. This conciseness not only highlights Milton’s skill as a poet but also reflects the enduring essence of Shakespeare’s art, which needs no embellishment to assert its greatness.
Themes in the Poem
The Immortality of Art
The central theme of Another on the Same is the immortality of art. Milton emphasizes that Shakespeare’s works are eternal, outlasting the ephemeral nature of life and material monuments. Unlike stone or marble, which can erode over time, Shakespeare’s literary creations are impervious to decay. They exist in the minds and hearts of readers, ensuring his legacy endures for generations.
Milton’s assertion of Shakespeare’s immortality aligns with Renaissance ideas about the enduring power of literature and art. By creating works of profound beauty and insight, a writer achieves a form of eternal life, transcending the boundaries of time and space.
Reverence for Shakespeare’s Genius
Another key theme is Milton’s deep reverence for Shakespeare’s unparalleled literary talent. By describing Shakespeare’s works as self-sufficient monuments, Milton implies that they are complete and perfect in themselves, requiring no external validation or embellishment. This sentiment underscores Milton’s view of Shakespeare as a writer whose genius needs no justification or defense.
The poem’s tone is one of awe and admiration, reflecting Milton’s profound respect for Shakespeare’s mastery of language, emotion, and storytelling. This reverence is conveyed not through elaborate praise but through the simplicity and precision of Milton’s language, which mirrors the timeless elegance of Shakespeare’s own works.
Poetic Devices and Imagery
Conciseness and Precision
One of the most striking features of Another on the Same is its conciseness. Milton condenses his tribute to Shakespeare into just four lines, achieving a level of precision that underscores the lasting power of Shakespeare’s legacy. This brevity mirrors the concept of an epitaph, where every word must carry significant weight and meaning.
Metaphor of Literary Monuments
Milton employs the metaphor of a monument to convey Shakespeare’s immortality. However, he subverts the traditional image of a physical monument by asserting that Shakespeare’s works themselves are the true memorials. These “living” monuments are not subject to decay, as they exist in the intellectual and emotional realm of human experience.
This metaphor not only emphasizes the enduring nature of Shakespeare’s art but also aligns with Milton’s own belief in the transcendent power of literature.
Musicality and Balance
The poem’s musical quality is achieved through its iambic pentameter and ABAB rhyme scheme. These formal elements create a sense of balance and harmony, mirroring the perfection and completeness that Milton attributes to Shakespeare’s works. The rhythm and rhyme enhance the poem’s elegiac tone, reinforcing its status as a reverent tribute.
Significance and Legacy
A Compact Masterpiece
Despite its brevity, Another on the Same is a masterpiece of concision and poetic craftsmanship. It demonstrates Milton’s ability to distill profound ideas into a compact form, making every word resonate with meaning. This economy of expression is particularly fitting for a poem about Shakespeare, whose own works often achieve a similar balance of depth and conciseness.
Milton’s Perspective on Literary Legacy
The poem offers insight into Milton’s own views on the role and significance of literature. By celebrating Shakespeare’s ability to transcend mortality through his works, Milton affirms the transformative and enduring power of art. This belief is central to Milton’s own poetic ambition, as he sought to create works of lasting significance that would secure his place in literary history.
A Testament to Shakespeare’s Influence
As a tribute to Shakespeare, Another on the Same underscores the profound impact of the Bard’s works on subsequent generations of writers. Milton’s admiration for Shakespeare reflects the broader cultural reverence for his genius during the Renaissance and beyond. By positioning Shakespeare as a literary immortal, Milton reinforces his status as a central figure in the Western literary canon.
Conclusion
John Milton’s Another on the Same is a concise yet profound tribute to William Shakespeare, capturing the essence of his literary immortality in just four lines. Through its elegant structure, evocative metaphors, and reverent tone, the poem celebrates the enduring power of Shakespeare’s works and their ability to transcend time. As both a homage to Shakespeare and a reflection of Milton’s own poetic ideals, Another on the Same remains a testament to the transformative power of literature and its capacity to achieve immortality.
