[Milton-L] in memoriam

[Gregory Machacek]

I was struck by the number of people who reported being welcomed into
professional Milton Studies by Al Labriola.  That is how is was for me.
When I was a very green assistant professor, he accepted a paper of mine
for one of the Milton sessions at an MLA convention, when no doubt he had
submissions from more advanced scholars.  In retrospect, it shouldn't be a
surprise that he should play this role for so many, since as editor at
Duquesne and of Milton Studies and secretary of the Milton society, he
stationed himself at three places where stripling Miltonists would resort.
It must have represented even more than just a professional commitment, a
life choice.  It inspired the following tribute:

God, sending Michael with his flaming brand
To guard the eastern gate of Paradise,
Aware such prohibitions scarce suffice
To spur the errant race of men to stand
And strive for right, dispatched a second band
Of angels, kindly, affable, precise
In speech, gracious in manner, to entice
And cheer the willing good with outstretched hand.
One bright and noble member of that crew
Long held the post of porter where they haste,
That studious society who love
Lost Eden's second chronicler, and through
Three gates he bid them enter and foretaste
The feast to which he bids them now above.

Greg Machacek
Professor of English
Marist College