Moral Idealism

Throughout the poem the speaker both explicitly and implicitly details a moral code in order to exemplify the reform they believe is necessary for the advancement of English society.

The speaker goes into great detail about the various attributes and behaviors they view as morally correct. Notably, they describe morality as something inherent in humanity. They refer to it as the “ancient English dower/of inward happiness,” suggestint that this happiness must be passed down from generation to generation, stemming from the earliest human civilizations (5-6). As for the specific qualities of morality, they cite Milton’s own qualities as a model. “Return to us,” the speaker petitions the late poet, “and give us manners, virtue, freedom, power” (7-8). However, such traits alone are not enough, as they must also be accompanied by a strong sense of humility. The speaker describes Milton as living “in...