"The lyric poet may drink wine and live generously, but the epic poet, he who shall sing of the God's and their descent unto men must drink water out of a wooden bowl. For poetry is not devil's wine, but God's wine."
2007-12-21 17:30:21 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Poetry
He's being metaphorical - the lyric poet, the one who writes about love and flowers and pretty women, can carouse and party and do as they please. But the epic poet, the one who hopes to create a truly great and significant, lasting work, will have to make some sacrifices - the scope of his poetry demands more of his work, time, and attention.
Milton was a bit of an ascetic, and also hoped to take up the mantle of Homer and Virgil. So it's no surprise he took a subtle, tasteful jab at the "lesser" poets of his time.
2007-12-22 13:11:39 · answer #1 · answered by truefirstedition 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depends of how much wine you drink; sometimes a bit of alcohol frees the inhibitions.
2007-12-22 08:07:30 · answer #2 · answered by Elaine P...is for Poetry 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell that to Baudelaire when you'll meet him on the other side. He will laugh at you.
2007-12-22 01:36:50 · answer #3 · answered by Theta40 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
thye also serve who only stand and wait.
2007-12-22 02:00:42 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋