ABSTRACT
Milton’s (or possibly Dryden’s) use of the term original deploys one of several possible systems of figures for representing relations between poets. It might be called ‘causative’ for it includes all figures of inspiration and influence. Familiar examples are astral figures, as in Jonson’s praise of Shakespeare (‘Shine forth, thou Starre of Poets, and with rage,/Or influence, chide, or cheere the drooping Stage’ ‘To…Shakespeare’ 778); natural, as in Spenser’s acclamation of Chaucer (‘The pure well head of Poesie’ FQ VII vii 9); or supernatural, as in Milton’s aspiring to prophetic inspiration on the model of Isaiah. Influence appears in these examples as a mysterious and irresistible force.
