The Pamphlet Library Volume 3

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1897 Excerpt: ... AREOPAGITICA; A Speech of Mb John Milton for the Liberty of Vnlicenc'd Printing, to the Parliament of ENGLAND.1 TeXevSepov S'lucivo, (i Tis SeXfi XpTjtroP Tt jSodXeuLt' ets fjieffov ipfpetv, Kai ravO' b X/B fwl/, Xa/.irpls Zfyt, ri. To'utwv ttnv iffaLrepov TroXct; Euripid. Hicetid. This is true Liberty when free born men Having to advise the public may speak free, Which he who can, and will, deservs high praise, Who neither can nor will, may hold his peace; What can be juster in a State then this? Euripid. Hicetid. 'For the Liberty of Unlicenc'd Printing. They who to States 2 and Governours of the Commonwealth direct their Speech, High Court of Parlament, or wanting such accesse in a private condition, write that which they foresee may advance the publick good; I suppose them as at the beginning of no meane endeavour, not a little alter'd and mov'd inwardly in their mindes: Some with doubt of what will be the successe, others with feare of what will be the censure; some with hope, others with confidence of what they have to speake. And me perhaps each of these dispositions, as the subject was whereon I enter'd, may have at other times variously affected; and likely might in these foremost expressions now also disclose which of them sway'd most, but that the very attempt of this addresse thus made, and the thought of whom it hath recourse to, hath got the power within me to a passion, farre more welcome then incidentall to a Preface. Which though I stay not to confesse ere any aske, I shall be blamelesse, if it be no other, then the joy and gratulation which it brings to all who wish and promote their Countries liberty; whereof this whole Discourse propos'd will be a certaine testimony, if not a Trophey.1 For this is not the liberty which wee can hope, tha...