Note 691 — PART THE THIRD. (continued 4)
Reading edition
Whether this is a poetical or real dream of Cowper's, we presume not to decide. It bears so strong a resemblance to Milton's vision of the Bishop of Winchester, (the celebrated Dr. Andrews,) as to suggest the probability of having been borrowed from that source. The passage is to be found in Milton's beautiful Latin elegy on the death of that prelate, and is thus translated by Cowper:
"While I that splendour, and the mingled shade Of fruitful vines with wonder fixt survey'd, At once, with looks, that beam'd celestial grace, The seer of Winton stood before my face. His snowy vesture's hem descending low His golden sandals swept, and pure as snow New-fallen shone the mitre on his brow. Where'er he trod a tremulous sweet sound Of gladness shook the flow'ry scene around: Attendant angels clap their starry wings, The trumpet shakes the sky, all æther rings, Each chaunts his welcome, ... Then night retired, and, chas'd by dawning day, The visionary bliss pass'd all away: I mourn'd my banish'd sleep with fond concern, Frequent to me may dreams like this return."