Note 592 — BOOK X.
William Julius Mickle translation
Music, such as erst subdued the horrid frown of hell, etc.—Alluding to the fable of Orpheus. Fanshaw's translation, as already observed, was published fourteen years before the Paradise Lost. These lines of Milton—
"What could it less, when spirits immortal sung? Their song was partial, but the harmony Suspended hell, and took with ravishment The thronging audience,"
bear a resemblance to these of Fanshaw—
"Musical instruments not wanting, such As to the damn'd spirits once gave ease In the dark vaults of the infernal hall."
To slumber amid their punishment, though omitted by Fanshaw, is literal:—
"Fizerao descançar da eterna pena."