[Milton-L] Lycidas Query

[Carl Bellinger]

Re: [Milton-L] Lycidas QueryI'm hoping Mr. Rovira will share what prompted the idea that the two-handed engine might refer to the speaker?    -Carl




  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Laurie Johnson 
  To: 'John Milton Discussion List' 
  Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2008 1:53 PM
  Subject: RE: [Milton-L] Lycidas Query


  I'm curious. Having read some of the discussion and having read the discussion in other places as well, a idea occurred to me that made me wonder whether or not it's been discussed further. 



  One of the meanings of "engine" according to the OED is "3. An in weaker sense, an appliance, means." This seems terribly obvious in light of all the current and historical discussions regarding the phrase, but is it possible that "tow-handed engine" means simply a "means," meaning to smite with both hands? In other words, That it is simply the intention, with both hands or two handed, to strike down injustice or evil with one's utmost ability? 



     



  -----Original Message-----
  From: milton-l-bounces at lists.richmond.edu [mailto:milton-l-bounces at lists.richmond.edu] On Behalf Of Michael Gillum
  Sent: Sunday, November 23, 2008 10:22 AM
  To: milton-l
  Subject: Re: [Milton-L] Lycidas Query



  That's an interesting (and novel?) suggestion by James Rovira. I'd say the prophet doesn't threaten to smite- rather he threatens that God will smite. Even if the prophet curses, the potency is not in the prophet's words but is from God. Or is the question of the prophet's agency more complicated than that?

  Michael


  On 11/22/08 6:33 PM, "James Rovira" <jamesrovira at gmail.com> wrote:

  I wonder if "two-handed engine" refers to the speaker?

  Jim R




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